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I'm what a lot of people would call "high maintenance". I put makeup on every day, I watch my weight, I do my hair, I get Botox and chemical peels, and I love getting my nails done. All of these things let me be my best self, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. That said, when I heard about the "at home dipping" trend, I decided to check it out. That led me to Peppi Gel and Kiara Sky, two popular at-home nail-dipping systems. (read more)
NAIL DIP POWDER ALLERGIC REACTION VIDEO
If you'd like to watch me talk about this instead of reading it, here's a video. I'm sick in the first part, and I need to point out that this sickness (allergy) seems to get progressively worse for me. So, if you're suffering with this, please take it seriously.
I'm not great at painting my nails, but I always thought it was because I never took the time to get good at it. After all, nail polish on me lasts a few days at best, a few hours at worst, so it wasn't (and still isn't) worth the time or effort. Also, I have a thumbnail that has apparently been injured at some point in my life because when it gets even slightly longer than my nail bed it cracks right down the middle. It snags on everything and can be quite painful if the crack gets too deep.
When I discovered "dipping" in my local nail salon, I was over the moon. It was the first time any nail polish had the ability to stay on for an extended period (forever, until I take it off) and strengthen my thumbnail enough to keep it from cracking. That was a few years ago, and I've been getting my nails dipped ever since. CHECK OUT OUR MINECRAFT MYSTERIES FOR YOUNG READERS 
So when I saw the Peppi Gel ads start popping up in my Facebook news feed, I was intrigued. If I could do this at home I could save myself a lot of money. Some quick math told me that I was spending about $1500 a year getting my nails done. That was with getting my hands done every three weeks, my toes done three or four times a year, and tipping each time I go.
I can paint my toenails at home, that's never been a problem, but I figured since I was at the salon anyway, I might as well have them take care of it. Peppi Gel advertised a starter kit for $64.99 on their website, so it didn't take much convincing for me to get on board. I had already purchased a different brand of dipping powder kit (we'll talk about that further down), but I was so impressed with the Peppi Gel support group that I just really wanted to be a part of their clan. I made my purchase and waited eagerly for my kit to come in. CHECK OUT OUR ROBLOX MYSTERIES FOR KIDS
At this point I had already ordered the Kiara Sky French Starter Kit on Amazon (I have a problem with waiting for regular mail, so the two day Amazon Prime thing really floats my boat) and applied my first at home dip. It turned out really nice, and I was very happy with the product. Still, I liked the Peppi group on Facebook a lot, so I was pretty certain I'd be switching over if Peppi was half as good.
Here was my first Kiara Sky dip. You'd never know I didn't have it done in a salon. ​WE'RE REVAMPING OUR KID'S ALLOWANCE WITH THE GREENLIGHT DEBIT CARD FOR KIDS 
ALLERGIC TO DIP POWDER NAILS
Anyhow, the big day came, my Peppi Gel kit arrived, and I quickly removed my old manicure and got ready to apply a gorgeous orange manicure with a really pretty gold accent nail.
The directions were easy to understand, and application went smoothly, no problems at all. It wasn't until later than night that I started to feel unwell, and it wasn't until two applications later that I realized the reason I was feeling so bad was because I was having an allergic reaction to dip nails. Your symptoms may be different than mine, but here's what my allergic reaction to dip powder looked like for me: * Onset of symptoms within 6-8 hours of application * Irritated lungs, cough, mucus * A lot (I mean abnormally so) of sneezing, snot, etc. * Watery/itchy eyes * Headache * Lethargy * Just in general feeling miserable And, since I am asthmatic, it also meant I began having asthma attacks even though I generally use my inhaler only once or twice a year. Still, I didn't put two and two together. I figured there was something in the air or that I was getting sick. I grabbed my bottle of Zinc lozenges and started taking them every four hours to ward off whatever bug I seemed to have contracted. What I did NOT think was that I was allergic to dip powder. Turns out, it's not the powder. UNIVERSAL YUMS IS OUR VERY FAVORITE MONTHLY SNACK BOX 
After three days, the symptoms went away and I forgot all about it until a couple of weeks later when I removed my manicure and put on a new one. I did another french manicure, this time still using the Kiara Sky powder that came with the starter kit, but using the binding agents that came in my Peppi Gel kit.
Once again, it went without a hitch, the manicure looked great, and I was happy. Until that night, when once again my allergic reaction to dip nails reared its ugly head, and I got extremely sick. If anything, I felt worse than the last time, and I spent three days feeling miserable. Still, I didn't equate the manicure with the illness. A few more weeks went by and I once again removed the manicure so I could do my nails for a Disney trip my mother and I were taking. I had some super cute overlays I'd purchased on Etsy, and I covered those with a clear powder from Kiara Sky and used Peppi's binding agents once again. The nails turned out adorable, and I got sick, two days before my trip. By now the dip nail allergy was becoming very apparent. WE ALSO LOVE WALT LIFE, BECAUSE WE LOVE DISNEY SNACKS BEING DELIVERED TO OUR HOUSE 
This time, something clicked in my brain. I went to the Peppi group and did a search for "allergy". Turns out, there are a ton of women in there who have the same problem. You'll see all sorts of search terms when you Google it, as well:
allergy to dip nails allergy to powder dip nails can you be allergic to dip nails nail dip powder allergic reaction dip nail polish allergy allergic to dip powder allergy to dip powder allergy to dipping powder nails allergy to powder dip nails They're all listed, and more. Apparently this is a fairly common occurance. While I wasn't in love with the idea of using Peppi anymore, I did really want to see if their suggestions worked, so I committed myself to trying some of their fixes for the problem. First off, I purchased a mask, a particle mask, just in case I was being bothered by the powder and not the binders. It looked like something you'd wear while doing some heavy duty work on your house, tearing up sheetrock or something. It wasn't a big expense, easily purchased on Amazon, and I figured if I didn't end up using them, my husband could use them while mowing the lawn. I will say this mask helped a little. I still got sick, but it was much less severe and lasted only a day or two. Still, I didn't want to get sick at all, so I went a little further. CHECK OUT MY FAVORITE PRIDE AND PREJUDICE FAN FICTION NOVELS 
The next mask I purchased was exactly like the ones I'd seen the nail techs use at my local salon. I looked through the reviews and actually saw some ladies comment that they purchased the mask to use while dipping their nails, and that it did keep them from getting sick.
The Muryobao mask was good quality and came with 6 filters which were easily tucked into the mask whenever one needed to be changed. ​I looped it over my ears, went to my well ventilated room, turned on a fan, and got to work. Six hours later, my chest was feeling a bit irritated, but only about 10% as much as without the mask. I still sneezed for a couple of days, but it was nothing like before. Perhaps, were I not asthmatic, I wouldn't be so sensitive to it, but I am, and it is what it is. I really wanted no symptoms at all after doing my nails, so once again I went back to the Peppi group. WHAT SHOULD YOU PACK FOR YOUR DISNEY TRIP? HERE'S OUR TOP TEN 
Their last suggestion was a full on gas mask, I'll post a picture below, but you probably already know what I'm talking about. Not a mask that will remove some fumes and particles, but a mask that is meant to filter all fumes, complete with cartridges that you can replace, etc.
I'm going to be honest, I don't want to wear something like this while I do my nails, but I want even less to go back to the salon, because dipping at home just saves me SO MUCH money. I don't have the gas mask yet, it'll be here in a day or so, and I'll update this post once I've used it. HERE'S HOW OUR ULTIMATE DAY OF THRILLS TOUR WENT AT DISNEY WORLD IN FLORIDA Half-Face Gas Mask
Well, this was my last ditch effort, obviously. I'm not sure there's any way to get more filtration for the air I was breathing while dipping my nails. The mask worked great, fabulous, no issues AT ALL.
It was very easy to breathe in, which was my biggest concern. I didn't find it claustrophobic or stuffy. So, in a nutshell, it worked. But, there are cons, of course. First and foremost, this thing is large and cumbersome. It leaves a mark on your face, you have to make sure it's tight and that the gasket is sealed. Second, you have to buy refill cartridges every 40 hours or so. If a manicure takes you an hour, this mask will last a long time, but you will need to buy refills. Ty's At Home Nail Dipping List
If you'd like to see everything I use to do my nails at home, feel free to check out my Amazon list. Just click the button below.
PEPPI GEL ALTERNATIVES
You may or may not have the exact same reaction to other products. When I wrote this post, I could have sworn I was symptom free on my first dip, which was with Kiara Sky. However, after I wrote the post and went to verify that I really did not have an allergic reaction to Kiara Sky, I did my nails with their powder and binders, without any face mask at all, and I am currently as sick as I have ever been.
That said, if you're going to dip at home (while taking the correct precautions) and you're looking for a Peppi Gel alternative, let me recommend Kiara Sky. It's a great product, with the bonus that you can purchase the kits and powders on Amazon with free two day shipping and easy returns. The manicure looks great, and I like that they include a brush saving liquid and a cuticle oil in the kit as well. If you get the French Manicure kit, it also comes with a dipping tray so you can make perfect smile lines. For me, the biggest difference in Kiara Sky vs Peppi Gel is that Kiara Sky is much more user friendly. Peppi Gel has a list about a mile long of things you need to do exactly in order to get a good manicure and not screw up your brushes. Kiara Sky isn't like that, and still delivers, which means less of a headache for me. Apparently, no matter what I do I'm going to be wearing a half-face gas mask, so I may as well use the product that has less of a learning curve. They offer a few different starter kits, from french to colors, and they have a great group on Facebook that regularly offers tutorials and has moderators that are quick to answer questions. So, if you are having a Peppi Gel allergy and you're looking for an alternative, definitely check out Kiara Sky. Maybe you'll get lucky and you won't be allergic to another brand. There's the color starter kit. HAVING TROUBLE DOWNLOADING YOUR DISNEY PHOTOS? HERE'S A FIX 
Here's the French Manicure Starter Kit.
A FEW OTHER THINGS
These are a few things that make my at home dip manicures easier, so I thought I'd share them.
First up, a small Melody Susie nail drill. This is great for smoothing out your dip coats before applying your shine, and is also quite good for new dippers who get too close to the cuticle. It makes clean up easy and helps your nails look fantastic. ​And, at under $20, it's a great price. BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR NEXT TRIP, CHECK OUT THE PRICES ON GET AWAY TODAY 
These Dashing Diva nail guards are a life saver. You put them on after you lightly buff and prep your nail, then apply the dip over the nail guard. When it's time to remove the nail guard, you simply push up an edge, apply a little bit of adhesive remover, and pop the dip off your nail.
This saves you from having to use acetone, ever. No more cotton balls, baggies, sticky fingers and endless wait times. I'll post a video below of me putting the nail guards on, and one of me removing my nail guards. It's simple. 
NAIL GUARDS - APPLICATION AND REMOVAL
Applying the nail guards is simple and takes much less time than you'd spend removing your dip nails with acetone. Removal is also simple. I demonstrate both in this video.
I hate that you're having a nail dip powder allergic reaction like I was, and I really hope this post has helped you with some ideas to fix it, or alternatives, if you're just allergic to home dip nails in general.
If you have any questions, please let me know. I'm happy to help if I can. ​Ty
22 Comments
Tiffany
9/27/2019 12:41:52 am
I found this by googling 'allergic reaction to dip powder' as I have been expecting I'm suffering from it myself. It has became too coincidental that after (usually starts up during the service) I do a set of dip nails, my chest hurts, throat is dry and scratchy and I have a hard time breathing. I've never had allergies or dealt with asthma so it just seemed weird to me. However I've never used the peppi brand. I use kiara sky and I'm a licensed nail tech also. So it's not just the other brand you were using. It's possible it's just something in the chemicals in all the products.
Sheila (Ty The Hunter)
9/27/2019 06:44:38 am
Hey Tiffany, thanks for sharing your experience. If you see this reply and don't mind replying, I have questions. Have you just started doing dip nails or did the reaction just start up even though you'd been doing them for awhile? I didn't have the reaction with Kiara Sky, but I have heard that some people have the reaction to one type and not the other. The next time I do mine, I'll use Kiara Sky again just to verify that I didn't have a reaction last time. If I do have one though, I might have to go back to the salon or buy one of those rubber gas masks.
Sara
10/2/2019 10:16:47 am
I thought it was just me. I'm so tired of feeling these asthma attacks. And the husband is already tired of me getting sick after every mani I do that he's about to throw it all away. I've only used Bio-Seaweed Dip Powder system, and I get all the same symptoms after. I've used a mask and a dust collector and still same result. Seems that I'm getting worse every time I use it. I'm so sad at this point. Will try one more time. This time with a mask, dust collector, fan and immediate shower after. Hopefully it all goes away because I really love my new nails.
Sheila (Ty The Hunter)
10/2/2019 11:17:40 am
Hey Sara, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I got a half face gas mask (the kind I posted about in the post) and I’ll be trying it the next time I do my nails. I’ve heard that it eliminates these symptoms, so I have hope. I really don’t want to go back to spending that salon money. I’ll definitely update once I’ve used it. I hope it works for you!
Maddi
10/13/2019 11:44:54 pm
Okay, I seriously thought this was only me... I have been using Kiara Sky dipping powder for about 3 months now. Every single time I get extremely irritated. It starts in my chest it feels wheezy. Then the coughing starts and there is no end. I get to the point where I almost cannot breathe. After drinking water and taking an Allegra the worse part of the symptoms go away after about an hour. It’s terrifying but it’s so convenient to dip at home and my nails always turn out so good. I know for a fact it’s the Kiara Sky brand because I used the Quik Dip brand from Sally’s last time and I had no reaction. I also develop a rash on my neck and chest while I’m coughing.
Maddi
10/13/2019 11:48:35 pm
The even crazier part is when I use to get them done at the salon it never irritated me and it was Kiara Sky that I got there too. Must be something at home I’m doing wrong
Sheila (Ty The Hunter)
10/14/2019 07:35:01 am
Hey Maddi! I think you're right about it being different at home. I also never had any problems at the salon, and I am sure it must be using the same chemicals as Kiara Sky and Peppi Gel. I've had a severe reaction to both. I know that the nail techs at my salon wear those cloth masks like I mentioned in the post (the one with the stars on it), so they must also get bothered by the chemicals. Maybe it's that we're further away? Also, I don't know about your salon, but mine always has a fan on the table that's blowing away from me, out into the main area. I guess distance and ventilation play a big part. The half face gas mask will definitely do the trick, you just have to get past how bulky it is. I hope it works for you! If you read this, and if you find something that works, please come back and update me. :)
Jane
12/8/2019 10:29:24 pm
This is exactly what I experience with Kiara Sky. And I say this with a fresh mani and a relentless cough as I write this. I tried using a plain mask which didn’t really help so next time, I hope to try using the filter mask and see if that helps. I think the dust from the filing (not even the powder application) is the culprit for me but I can’t be sure.
Sheila (Ty The Hunter)
12/9/2019 05:50:19 am
Hey Jane, I really hope the mask helps. I wish there were a way to be sure if it were the particles or the fumes, but either way the half face gas mask will help, at least it did for me. Good luck!
Sigourney
11/10/2019 04:07:15 am
Thank you so much for posting your story. I could not find anywhere else where somebody had similar symptoms like this.
Sheila (Ty The Hunter)
11/10/2019 07:21:59 am
Hey Sigourney! That's awful! I'm glad you've figured out what it is. I hope you're able to get some relief so you can keep dipping them at home.
Talia
11/19/2019 04:13:23 pm
I'm so glad I came across this article. I have experienced all the same symptoms you all have mentioned. The last time my symptoms were so sever I removed the dip and haven't done my nails in about 2 months now. I absolutely loved the way my nails looked and I'd like to give it one more try. Guess I'll be purchasing the mask you suggested. I already had a dust mask and I was still getting sick. I was wondering if maybe you should cover your eyes with safety glasses like some of the nail techs wear?
Sheila (Ty The Hunter)
11/20/2019 05:52:43 am
Hey Talia, I'm SO sorry you're dealing with this, it really is a terrible feeling. The 3M gas mask will work for sure. As for the eyes, I think you'd have to have maybe a full face gas mask to keep the fumes from getting in. I didn't try that, but the itchiness in my eyes seemed to go away once I was no longer breathing in the fumes. That said, I wouldn't want to buy two masks, so if you want to keep your eyes protected, I'd get a full face, just to be sure. I hope you're able to get back to dipping at home.
Talia
11/20/2019 06:55:42 am
Thanks again for all the info. I'll be trying again this week. I'll keep you posted. I've been researching this for months now. I was starting to think I was the only one experiencing this until I came across your post.
Michelle Rearick
12/2/2019 06:09:29 am
I too am having a reaction. I used NuGensis products and the allergy developed overtime. It gets worse if I leave the nails on. Exposure to the chemicals I guess. Have you tried removing the dip to see if that makes a difference for you? I can’t see putting myself through this even with a mask. I’m going to get a home UV light and try gel polish. Since my symptoms seem to be worse with the nails on.
Sheila (Ty The Hunter)
12/2/2019 09:12:08 am
Hey Michelle, I haven't had an issue with dip on my nails, but I definitely wouldn't mess with it if you're dealing with that. It sounds awful. :( UV polish is great, it can last a couple of weeks.
Teresa
12/10/2019 11:49:58 pm
I am so glad I came across this post! I have also experienced allergic reactions and not being able to breath through my nose for 2-3 days after I do my dip manicure. But this only started after the second time I dipped my nails. I’m a licensed cosmetologist and have been experiencing it on myself before I try it on clients. I’ve used Nugenesis and Gelish dipping systems and have allergic reaction to both. I’ve tried to double mask without success. But I will order me a gas mask and try. Also, my eyes have slightly burned when applying the dip liquids. However, I went to a nail salon and had my nails dipped using Nugenesis and it didn’t bother me. So it must be the distance you are from the liquid when it’s applied to your nails.
Sheila (Ty The Hunter)
12/11/2019 05:44:25 am
Hey Teresa, I am SO sorry you're dealing with this, especially as a cosmetologist. I think you're totally right, though, it's the distance from the product. I had my nails dipped for years and never had any trouble at all. And, just like you, I didn't experience any ill effects until I'd dipped my own a couple of times. I hope the gas mask works for you.
Leanne Koehnen
12/12/2019 12:43:44 pm
I can really relate to your story. I decided to try dip nails because of a slit in my thumb nail that just would’t grow out. I used the Kiss dip Kit that I purchased at Target. I was so I’ll afterward. Runny, sticky, stuffed up nose. I couldn’t breath. It was very scary. I can’t believe I tried to do my nails a second time a couple weeks later. (I did a fill.) This time I used a mask and I still got sick. Not as bad as the first time, but enough for me to say no thank you to dip powder nails.These products are not safe. I’m so glad I found this thread.
Sheila (Ty The Hunter)
12/12/2019 12:53:12 pm
Hey Leanne,
Monica
12/12/2019 03:25:21 pm
Thank you for your post! I am ordering the gas mask right now.
Sheila (Ty The Hunter)
12/12/2019 03:40:50 pm
Hi Monica! That's what happened to me! I really thought I had no reaction the first time, but now I realize that it just took so long to show that I didn't connect the two. It got quicker and worse each time. I hope the mask helps! Leave a Reply. |
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