How to spot a high-quality professional nail product

In today’s saturated nail market, quality is a complex issue that requires unpacking. From ingredients to in-house support and labelling to UK and EU law, read on to discover what quality means in the professional nail realm.

What is a high-quality product?

“A high-quality product is one that performs as expected without causing unanticipated consequences,” comments Jim McConnell, co-owner & head chemist at Light Elegance.

“A high-quality product will stay on a client’s nails with reasonable expectations and certainty, and not negatively impact the natural nail.”

“Quality is about more than how a product looks, its ingredients and how it performs in the short term – it’s about long-term safety and performance,” notes Theresa Foddering, nail industry consultant, founder of Saviour™ & recipient of the Scratch Stars Shooting Star Award 2025.

“A high-quality nail product will perform consistently, be backed by credible science and manufactured to meet safety and regulatory standards, with ongoing support available.”

Why quality matters

“High-quality products directly impact nail results, safety and client satisfaction, and using them demonstrates a commitment to professionalism – which builds a strong reputation and trust,” shares Hazel Dixon, multi award-winning nail artist, educator & founder of HD Professional Nail Systems.

“By using high-quality products, nail techs reduce the risk of allergies, maintain the integrity of the natural nail and skin, achieve faster and easier application, and save time and product used for reapplication and repairs.”

Of course, manufacturer guidelines should always be followed when applying products, consultations should always be given to determine the appropriateness of the products for the client, and care must be taken during the application and removal processes.

Signs of a low-quality product

Jim McConnell emphasises the link between quality and education. “If a brand does not offer education or technical support for its products, I would avoid it completely,” he says. “Also look at pricing: if you can order nail products for an extremely low cost, this can be a negative sign.

“In terms of ingredient quality, there are some simple checks you can carry out,” Jim continues. “I look for the content of oligomer molecules, which have long names such as Bis-HEMA Poly(1,4-butanediol)-9/IPDI Copolymer.  If an ingredient list has a few oligomers at the start, the product will likely cause a lower exothermic reaction, so generate less heat when curing. It will also have better tensile and elongation strength and be more durable.

“Strength and durability are less when an ingredient list starts with Acrylates Copolymer, followed by monomers such as HEMA, HPMA, Isobornyl Acrylate or HEA.”

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Caroline Rainsford, director of science at the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), adds: “Common signs of an illegal product in the UK include labels that are not written in English, are missing legally required warnings such as ‘for professional use only’, and don’t include the name of a ‘Responsible Person’, who is legally responsible for the product’s safety.”

The CTPA shares six ways to spot counterfeit products at this link.

Brand compliance

“Most nail products are legally classed as cosmetics in the UK if they are intended to change the nails’ appearance, protect them or keep them in good condition. This means they need to comply with the UK Cosmetics Regulation,” notes Caroline Rainsford. “This is a detailed law with the primary purpose of ensuring products are safe. Nail glues, press-on nails and products intended to treat nail issues do not meet the definition of a cosmetic, so fall under different regulatory frameworks.”

Theresa Foddering adds: “The UK Cosmetic Regulation requires a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) completed by a qualified assessor, ingredient traceability, stability testing, microbiological testing for water-based products and a nominated Responsible Person.

“Products must also be listed on the SCPN (Submit Cosmetic Product Notification) before being placed on the market. This is the UK government’s online portal – equivalent to the EU’s Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP).”

Accessing information

“To find the facts to determine a product’s quality, start with the brand’s website,” advises Theresa Foddering. “A professional brand should – and should want to – provide ingredient listings and details about compliance. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about product testing, allergens and regulatory status.”

“Clear information on application, removal and recommended curing equipment and times, if applicable, will be provided by high-quality brands,” says Hazel Dixon. “Easy access to educator support, tutorials and product helplines will also be accessible.”