Episode 11 — The TPO Ban Explained… And Why I’m Finally Talking About HEMA

Well… I went there! 😳

In this episode I’m talking all things TPO, what the ban actually means, why TPO was banned, the evidence behind it, the important dates, insurance and why I believe there has been far too much panic and misinformation surrounding it.

But while I was at it, I decided it was finally time to talk openly about HEMA too.

This is a subject I’ve avoided discussing publicly for a long time, mainly because of the fear and judgement surrounding it within our industry. But I’m an educator, I work within product development, and I believe we need to be able to have honest conversations about the products and ingredients we use.

So I’m not holding back in this one.

We’re talking HEMA vs HEMA-free, allergies and sensitisation, product exposure, curing, lamps, natural nail damage, professional responsibility and why changing the bottle on your desk will never compensate for poor education or poor working practices.

You may not agree with everything I say. You might hear some truths you don't particularly like, and that's OK.

My aim isn't to tell you what products you should or shouldn't use.

It's to make you think, question what you're being told and understand enough to make your own informed professional decisions.

Because there will always be another ingredient, another headline and another social-media panic.

Knowledge over fear. Every single time.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 11 of The Nail Tech Society Podcast.

For online and in-person nail education, courses and more, visit:

Melanie Lewendon Academy
www.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk

And yes… I definitely needed a large glass of wine after recording this one! 🍷😂

In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most misunderstood parts of nail enhancements: the apex.

We explain what the apex actually is, why it's essential for strength and durability, and why its ideal placement changes depending on nail length.

We also dive into the hidden apex, a growing trend in the industry, covering the free-edge building and underside filing technique it requires, which products work best (hard gel, acrygel, acrylic), and why soft biab isn't a good fit.

Whether you're a working nail tech or a student just starting out, this episode will help you understand apex placement on a deeper level and avoid the most common mistakes that lead to breaks, lifting, and return clients for repairs !

Great resources for structure and apex :

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nail-Shapes-Structure-Compendium-Beautiful/dp/0993079113

See courses here.

www.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk

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https://www.instagram.com/melanielewendon_nailartist/

Think an infill and a rebalance are the same thing? Think again. In this episode, I explain the key differences, when each service should be performed, and why soaking off and starting from scratch at every appointment isn't always the right choice. If you want to improve your maintenance appointments and understand the science behind long-lasting enhancements, this episode is for you.

For education, upskilling courses and resources, visit:
www.melanielewendonacademy.co.uk

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