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FAQ's

frequently asked questions

  • What is Method Mani-ScienceĀ®?
    A prescriptive professional salon stationery system designed to minimise allergies to gel nail products in all clients, by taking a client gel exposure history, amongst other items, using 5 steps: STEP 1 | Record & Grade STEP 2 | Assess STEP 3 | Prescribe STEP 4 | Treat STEP 5| Care
  • What is included?
    The stationery system is composed of 5 steps in total: STEP 1 | record & grade 1a - Client Record Card: this item is to be filled out by the client to attain all the standard details any thorough consultation system does. 1b - Gel Exposure Profile: this innovative item is filled out by the client and asks a series of carefully considered questions needed to assess the clients gel history and is used to grade the level of risk the client has of developing an allergic reaction. 1c - Grading Risk Assessment: This card is for professional use only. You'll use the answers to the questions and the Grading Index to provide a risk level. Grading Index: An innovative grading system to grade how at risk the client is of developing an allergic reaction. Risk Cards: Green - Low Risk, Amber - Moderate Risk, Red - High Risk. STEP 2 | assess 2a - Gel Nail Treatment Suitability Assessment: Evaluate the clientā€™s suitability for gel nail treatments at every visit. 2b - Nail & Treatment Profile: Assess the clientā€™s nail anatomy and any structural needs using the Nail Indexing System. Nail Indexing System: This is one of the most useful parts of the Method Mani-ScienceĀ® system, as it enables you to forecast how long the treatment will take and adjust your scheduling and pricing accordingly. STEP 3 | prescribe The Gel Nail Products Ingredients Information Sheet: This card provides clients with details about different gel nail products. This is especially beneficial if you offer multiple brands in your salon, or if you're working with both HEMA-containing and HEMA-free brands, allowing clients to choose based on their preferences or sensitivities. 3a - Nail Sensitivity Test: Before proceeding with the Nail Sensitivity Test (NST), provide the client with informed consent documents that clearly explain the purpose and potential risks of the test. This ensures that the client is fully aware of the process and any possible reactions. 3b - Nail Sensitivity Test Products: Here, you'll need to choose the appropriate products for the test and document them for reference and follow-up. 3c - Gel Treatment Plan: When the client either opts for a full treatment or receives a negative result from the NST (indicating no allergic reaction at this point), use this document to proceed with outlining the recommended treatment products and steps for the treatment. STEP 4 | treat 4a - Client Etiquette & Terms of Treatment: In this step, youā€™ll establish the expectations and boundaries for the treatment process. 4b - Nail Sensitivity Test Record: This record is for documenting the results of any NSTā€™s performed. You will fill this out immediately after performing the NST treatment, noting what products were used. 4c - Changes Declaration Record: This document is used to record any changes in the clientā€™s medical or personal information at subsequent visits. 4d - Gel Nail Treatment Record: This record is essential for tracking the specifics of each treatment. STEP 5 | care Nail Sensitivity Aftercare Card: If your client has undergone a NST, provide them with the Nail Sensitivity Aftercare Card. This card contains essential information on how to care for their nails following the test, as well as guidance on what to do in the event of any reaction. Gel Nail Treatment Aftercare Card: For clients who have received a full gel nail treatment, provide them with the Gel Nail Treatment Aftercare Card. This card includes aftercare instructions specific to maintaining their nails after gel application and guidance on how to prevent potential issues.
  • What's a Nail Sensitivity Test?
    Nail Sensitivity Test (NST) The Nail Sensitivity Test (NST) is designed to see how a client's body reacts to a specific gel nail brand and the products selected from that range. It allows a 7-day period between application and follow-up to observe any reactions. It's important to note that this can only be conducted when using the Method Mani-ScienceĀ® system. Conducting this without the system can be unsafe and lead to issues with insurance cover or other legalities.
  • Is it used at every treatment?
    The full system is not used at every treatment. The majority of the components and steps are only used in the initial consultation for existing or new clients. Once this is complete, you only use a handful of documents within any subsequent treatments making it super quick and easy to use.
  • How long does it take to do the initial introductory consultation?
    Between 15 - 30 minutes, depending how in-depth you want to go with your client. There are alot of aspects where the client can fill the forms out without the help of the nail professional making for a quicker consultation.
  • How much does it cost per treatment?
    The initial January introductory offer works out at just 28p per treatment to implement the system for the first 18 client treatments. After this, it's just 12p to maintain.
  • How will I know how to use the system?
    The online training is included within the price of the starter kits, which is a thorough introduction to not only the system and how it works, but why each section is needed. It's super indepth!
  • Is it an app?
    Unfortunately not - due to being a micro business of just one person, this isn't feasible for us right now. Additionally, implications of data protection are a concern with this. Paper-based systems are much easier to protect and less risky when it comes to breaches of confidential information. Think of the NHS - they still use paper-based systems as well as digital ones!
  • Do you provide a digital version so I can print at home?
    Unfortunately not - As I've worked tirelessly to create this system with hours of hard work, research and degree level knowledge. If it went digital, the system would be entirely liable to be copied or sold without permission.
  • Does it recommend what gel to use?
    Absolutely not - the system focuses only on the following treatment options for clients: No Treatment (high risk clients) Nail Sensitivity Test (NST) - only to be undertaken using the Method Mani-ScienceĀ® System Full Gel Nail Treatment You as the nail professional can then use all the information taken from that client during the early steps, to prescribe the best products. The system works perfectly to provide prescriptive manicures with items enabling you to assess the clients nail type and shape, to truly provide a bespoke treatment and predict cost, time and frequency of appointments. This helps manage client expectations. The system is designed to work with any brand of gel nail products - but it's important to remember that professional products only should be used within professional treatments on clients and it's imperative to ask the brands important safety questions relating to their products.
  • Will the system provide 100% protection against any legal repercussions associated with a gel nail allergy?
    Absolutely not - and we do not claim the system does this. It offers protection to those nail professionals who are utilising products correctly and inline with proper practice e.g. not intermixing or laying products from different gel nail brand systems, using approved curing lamps etc. If a nail professional is not undertaking safe practice, the system will not provide any protection and infact, the system may work against nail professionals. This highlights the importance of undertaking proper practice. We advise all nail technicians to undertake Mani-Science Course I: The Basics to learn about the science behind gel nail products. This in turn, will provide nail professionals with the ability to understand the products they use and know what is and is not safe. If a nail professional is using their products in a safe way, explaining all aspects covered within the Method Mani-ScienceĀ® online training, is taking only informed consent from the client and it utilising their knowledge to recommend treatments to their clients, the system will provide evidence of this plus a robust record keeping system. This will be greatly beneficial to a nail professional if any legal action is taken against the nail professional. It is important to remember that ultimately, it is the nail professionals responsibility to ensure treatments are safe to conduct on any client, and it is important to check with individual insurance for compliance with this and what that insurance company expect a nail professional to behave.
  • Doesn't the word "risk" mean that there is a situation involving exposure to danger?
    Yes - in normal circumstances this would be the use of the word, however with respect to Method Mani-ScienceĀ® this differs slightly. Clarification of ā€œRiskā€ in Method Mani-Science The Method Mani-ScienceĀ® system categorises clients based on their past exposure to gel nail products to assess the potential risk of allergic reactions: Low Risk: Clients with minimal or no prior exposure to gel nail products. Moderate Risk: Clients with occasional exposure to gel nail products, showing no historic signs of sensitisation. High Risk: Clients with frequent exposure or signs of potential prior sensitisation to gel nail products. If a client has been formally diagnosed with an allergic reaction to a specific ingredient within gel nail products, it is imperative that the nail professional strictly avoids this ingredient. Risk in this context refers to prior exposure and does not predict future reactions. It merely acts as a communicative tool. High Risk: Indicates significant past exposure (frequent use or historic signs of potential sensitisation). Moderate Risk: Indicates occasional exposure without signs of sensitisation. Low Risk: Indicates minimal or no prior exposure. A high-risk classification does not guarantee a reaction will occur; it merely indicates a history of significant contact with gel products. This system is designed to inform clients and support nail professionals in making educated decisions. It does not imply that a nail technician is knowingly performing a treatment that will cause harm. If a high-risk client chooses to proceed with a service, it is done with full disclosure of potential risks, and the nail technician has followed industry best practices to ensure proper application and offered the safest option of no treatment, with the client making an indepedent decision to to go ahead with the treatment regardless of their risk. It is client responsibility to make the decision in any case. Correct Product Usage Notice For the Method Mani-ScienceĀ® system to be effective, the nail professional must use all products as intended by the manufacturer. This includes but is not limited to: Using only products that are designed to be used together (not mixing brands within a service). Curing gel products using a lamp recommended by the brand. Following all manufacturer instructions for proper application. Failure to adhere to these guidelines is considered malpractice, and the Method Mani-Science system and its components will not be valid in assessing or mitigating potential sensitisation risks.
  • "If a client thinks they are allergic to gel nails but haven't had a confirmed allergy test by a doctor, can you still use the system to check whether they can have gel that I use in my salon?"
    Yes, absolutely - if the client so wishes. ā€‹ The Method Mani-ScienceĀ® system is specifically designed for situations like this. Hereā€™s how it works in this case: ā€‹ Gel Exposure Profile: Asks the client about their gel nail history and any symptoms of reactions historically. This profile includes science-led questions to understand the clientā€™s exposure and possible signs of any issues they've experienced. ā€‹ Risk Assessment: Using the systemā€™s grading process, a client presenting with any historic reaction symptoms will be classified as a Red (high risk) client. The system provides two treatment options: ā€‹ No Treatment (most recommended) - if a client suspects an allergy to gel, it is most recommended to not undertake any treatment and send that client to a doctor. Nail Sensitivity Test (with informed consent). It is down to the client & nail professional to decide together the best course of treatment. Additionally, if you as a nail professional don't wish to undertake any treatment you do not have to. Ultimately, it is down to the client and nail technician on a case by case basis. ā€‹ Informed Consent: Follow the rest of the system to educate the client about the risks and document their informed consent for any given treatment. ā€‹ Nail Sensitivity Test: If the client is adamant that they want to try the product, this test can be undertaken taught in the online training, to minimise risks whilst also observing for any reaction. An aftercare card is also supplied as part of the system, enabling the client to know exactly what signs and symptoms to look out for. ā€‹ If a reaction occurs, the systemā€™s documentation ensures you have proof of informed consent and that the client understood the risks involved. ā€‹ Why is this important? Informed consent isnā€™t yet a common requirement for gel nail treatments. Currently, allergies are a very taboo topic to bring up to clients, unless the client presents with one. Method Mani-ScienceĀ® changes this, by ensuring that the nail professional informs the client of allergy risks and educates them about this. This means, whether the nail professional is conducting a Nail Sensitivity Test or a full gel nail treatment, informed consent is attained from the client in writing and documented properly. ā€‹ To compare, think about patch tests for hair dye. Before applying hair dye professionally or at-home, a patch test is done to check for reactions. The Nail Sensitivity Test works similarly, applying the gel products intended for the treatment (excluding coloured gels) in a safe way to the nail for observation. This approach is far safer than proceeding with a full treatment immediately. ā€‹ Why canā€™t I be sure my client will tolerate the product? If a client has had a reaction in the past but hasnā€™t undergone medical testing, itā€™s impossible to pinpoint the specific ingredient causing the issue or predict how much of it they can tolerate. Additionally, in some cases medical testing may not always provide exact ingredients an individual is sensitive to. What we do know is that increased exposure to gel nail products generally raises the risk of future reactions. This is why the Method Mani-ScienceĀ® system prioritises client safety and informed decision-making at every step. The system ensure that the nail tech and client are both protected, should an allergy occur. Ready to shop Method Mani-ScienceĀ®?
  • "If I'm applying gel to a client that may be allergic to gel, will this not void my insurance?"
    No, it will likely not - but you should check with your insurance provider. However, a Nail Sensitivity Test is always the safer option than going straight in with a full gel nail treatment on a client who hasn't had a treatment using the products you plan to use. If the client is a high risk client and regardless of recommendation for no treatment, wants to risk taking a Nail Sensitivity Test, this is ultimately down to the client and nail technician to make a decision together. Hereā€™s why - ā€‹ In standard practice, most nail techs donā€™t gather detailed gel exposure histories from clients, as this isn't taught or available on standard consultation forms, meaning any client could carry a 50/50 risk of having a reaction to the gel. The Method Mani-ScienceĀ® system changes this by introducing a thorough process to assess risk levels and document informed consent. ā€‹ Understanding the Process: ā€‹ If a client suspects theyā€™ve had a reaction before, theyā€™ll be graded as high risk (Red) using the systemā€™s Gel Exposure Profile. ā€‹ The system then offers two options: [1] No Treatment (most recommended) or a [2] Nail Sensitivity Test. ā€‹ All risks are explained to the client, and their consent is recorded before any treatment begins. ā€‹ This approach ensures that youā€™re following a safe, informed process, which is more robust than current standard practices. ā€‹ Comparison to Hair Dye: Think about how patch tests work in the hair industry. If a client has had a reaction to hair dye in the past, they may still choose to have their hair dyed. A patch test can be conducted to check for potential reactions without voiding insurance. Similarly, the Nail Sensitivity Test uses the products intended for the treatment (except coloured gels) to observe for a reaction in a controlled way. ā€‹ Why This Matters: By documenting the clientā€™s history, explaining the risks, and taking informed consent, youā€™re reducing risk for both yourself and the client. The ultimate decision to proceed lies with the client, making this a safer and more transparent process than applying products without prior assessment.
  • "How would I use this in existing clients who already wear the gel I use in my salon?"
    No client is ever completely risk-free, allergies can happen at any time! This is why it's really important to assess the allergy risk level of clients. This is what the Method Mani-ScienceĀ® system does. Communicating this risk of allergies and taking informed consent is a huge importance for insurance, legalities and for protecting your business - irrespective of whether they have been coming to your for years. If a GP prescribed medication without checking for allergies or sharing the risks, and you had a reaction, youā€™d panic. Itā€™s no different for cosmetic treatments. Clients have the right to know the risks, and you need to protect yourself with proper documentation. For existing clients - Start by completing the 1b Client Gel Profile to document their history with gel products. This ensures you have a clear record of their past exposure. Next, use the 1c Grading Risk Assessment card alongside the Grading Index to determine their risk level. If they fall into the Green, Amber or Red risk categories, provide them with the corresponding Risk Card to explain their treatment options and risks in plain terms. As the client has already used the products you use in your salon, there is not need to do a Nail Sensitivity Test, so providing the client is happy to continue with full gel nail treatments after hearing the risks, you'll document and take their informed consent to continue. Even if the client has already used your gel system before, they need to be aware of the risks moving forward and you need to get informed consent. In this case, weā€™d ignore the Nail Sensitivity Test parts and instead use the documents for Gel Nail Treatments only. The rest of the system guides you through all the way to aftercare.
  • "If my client is graded as high risk & it's recommended by the system for the client to not have a treatment, won't I lose out on money?"
    Absolutely not - the system is designed to give the client all the information they need to make an informed decision, not make the decison for them. This means after hearing and reading all the information if a client wishes to still go ahead with a treatment of gel nail products, you can make note of this and ensure that there is evidence of this, if the client does have a reaction. It's important to note that the chances of a client reacting to gel are usually relatively low and it's dependent on that client in most cases. However, unsafe practices can drastically increase this risk. Some "high risk" clients may not react to certain products, even if they're not labelled as "hypoallergenic" or HEMA-free. There is no one solution to this issue, and of course the the only way to know exactly what a client may be allergic to is to get a diagnosis by a doctor and get allergy testing done. This is always recommended by Mani-ScienceĀ® as the safest option for clients however, if the client understands the risks and the treatment is conducted in a safe manner utilising proper practice, then the stationery system supports clients and nail professionals in their choices. For more information and knowledge on this Mani-ScienceĀ® Course I: The Basics is an amazing course to better understand allergies in clients.
  • "Can a client sue me if they have an allergic reaction to a product I apply?"
    If you're using the Method Mani-ScienceĀ® system, this would provide physical evidence that you have graded that clients "risk" level, communicated this to them in writing, ensured they understand the risks and attained written evidence of informed consent. As such, it would be very unlikely with the evidence that a client could make a claim against you. The documents within the system will allow you to provide this to your insurance company as evidence, significantly reducing the likelihood of legal action being taken against you and providing you with a securit blanket of solid confirmation that you have undertaken good practice in minimising allergies. The system provides a high level of documentation but even so, clients can sue if they feel you haven't undertaken fair treatment or caused damage to them - this is an inherent risk any service provider has and insurance will give some level of protection, providing you are able to supply evidence of safe practice. This is what Method Mani-ScienceĀ® aims to do, and will do a much better job at protecting you compared to other consultation systems or not using a system at all, due to the in-depth and scientific nature. However, this doesn't completely absolve nail professionals of any wrong doing or in a legal case, does not guarantee the nail professional won't be held accountable. It merely provides evidence that is much more substantial than standard records. However, if you are not using the products within your treatments safely - such as mis-matching gel nail products, not using approved curing lamps or undertaking malpractice in any way outside of using the system, then you run the risk of legal action as in most cases these may void your insurance. The system would not be useful, effective or offer any protection against mis-use and malpractice. If you do not take thorough documentation of the clients consultation, risk level of allergies and communicate all this to your clients, taking a signature as evidence, there is a significantly higher risk that the client may be able to take legal action against you. It's imperative to remember that this is rare, however with increase of client awareness of allergies, it may become more common. As a nail professional, it's important to go above and beyond to protect yourself through proper documentation and records.

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