‘Hypoallergenic’ Zero Gel Polish range enters nail market via The Manicure Company
By Callie Iley | 15 August 2023 | News, Products & Treatments
Founded in Waterford, Ireland in 2016, The Manicure Company (TMC) prides itself on providing nail pros with reliable, innovative products and exceptional customer support. The latest addition to its portfolio, the Zero Gel Polish range, is an extension of these goals, offering a long-wearing nail finish fitting to the conscious needs of its customer base.
Eoin Cotter
“In early 2019, after consulting with our customers, educators and brand ambassadors, we decided to create a hypoallergenic gel polish formula,” explains Eoin Cotter, co-founder of The Manicure Company. “We didn’t want to just create a Hema-free formula, and could have easily replaced Hema with Di-Hema or HPMA, but it was important to us to go beyond this.”
The team sought to push formulation boundaries to create a ‘zero’ allergens ingredient list, to meet the needs of both its customer base and the industry, while maintaining TMC’s vegan and cruelty-free ethos.
The journey from concept to creation was no small feat, with the process spanning three and a half years. Numerous formula iterations were tested, before The Manicure Company’s unwavering dedication to its Zero vision saw the formula perfected in 2022; free from Hema, Di-Hema, HPMA, TPO and IBOA and promising over 14 days’ wear. The next step was the bottle design process.
Carefully constructed to provide both a sleek appearance and functional appeal, a pop of colour has been added to the silver bottle design, allowing techs to select shades with ease. The handle and brush have also been well considered, with a short handle and wide, round brush to complement the product’s consistency and allow for precise application.
Zero Gel Polish has launched with 40 shades, spanning a rainbow of textures and hues. The range also includes a Primer, Base and Top Coat, with each 10ml bottle yielding approximately 20 to 25 treatments. Designed to work with its existing Dual Pro UV/LED lamp, The Manicure Company promises no additional equipment costs for existing customers.
“The Zero Gel Polish formula has been meticulously crafted in the USA with performance and safety in mind,” Eoin continues. “We had a vision – and we’re really proud to have brought it to fruition.”
Freya Murphy
“I was involved in testing the pre-production formulas and love the consistency and highly pigmented formula of Zero Gel Polish,” shares TMC brand ambassador, Freya Murphy.
“The rounded brush head makes application easy, and the removal process is straightforward. All my clients have achieved normal wear time without issue.”
Freya’s favourite shade from the range is the bold, electric blue hue, Azure, due to its versatility for each season.
Kelly Marie
“I love the creamy coverage that Zero Gel Polish offers, as it coats the natural nail with ease,” reveals TMC head educator, Kelly Marie Daly.
“The shades have such a vibrancy to them, and removal involves a quick buff and a soak for eight to 10 minutes. The formula simply bubbles and flakes away from the nail.”
How-to
Application:
Step 1: Prep the nails for gel polish application and lightly buff with the TMC Foam File. Cleanse the nail with a lint-free pad and TMC Pro Prep & Wipe Solution.
Step 2: Apply Zero Gel Polish Primer, followed by a thin coat of Zero Gel Polish Base Coat, capping the free edge. Cure for 60 seconds in The Manicure Company’s Dual Pro UV/LED lamp.
Step 3: Apply a thin coat of the chosen Zero Gel Polish Colour Coat to each nail, capping the free edge. Cure for 60 seconds, repeating if further coverage is required.
Step 4: Apply Zero Gel Polish Top Coat and cure for 60 seconds. Remove the inhibition layer with Pro Prep & Wipe Solution on a lint-free pad.
Step 5: Finish the treatment with TMC’s Bio Cuticle Oil, massaging into the cuticle and surrounding skin.
Removal:
Step 1: Using TMC’s E-File Pro 2.0 or a hand file with 150-grit or above, remove the top coat layer and file the free edge.
Step 2: Wrap the nails in TMC’s Removal Wraps soaked in Gel Off Solution for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the wraps one at a time and use a cuticle pusher or orange-wood stick to push off the flaked formula.
Step 4: Begin nail prep for re-application or buff the nails with a Finishing File. Apply Bio Cuticle Oil to finish.