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Why IBX; Whitespots;

February 13, 2014

Posted on February 10, 2014 by

Thanks to all of you who have “welcomed” me back to writing this blog.  I truly do enjoy writing and sharing my thoughts.

I want to discuss the need for a product like IBX today.  Linda and I are thrilled with the early response to IBX, maybe overwhelmed is the better word!  Most nail professionals immediately see the need for IBX. We are receiving daily testimonials on the results that IBX is delivering (Go to our Famous Names Facebook page to see more   https://www.facebook.com/famousnamesproducts)  As I shared last week, many of our fellow nail manufacturers have congratulated us for creating a product that will make our industry even more effective to the consumer base that relies on the Nail Professional as part of their personal care routine.

There was one company that suggested that if their gel polish is applied and removed properly, that there would be no need for IBX (since there would be no nail damage) and in fact, that adhesion could be adversely affected.  I must respectfully, but strongly disagree with this mis-statement  for two reasons.  Firstly, one can never assume the starting condition of the natural nail prior to application of a gel polish.  If you start with a damaged natural nail, no matter how skilled or how careful the Nail Professional is in the removal process, the nail will be prone to continued damage.  To suggest that any and all nail damage is the solely the fault of the Nail Professional and not of the product is both unfair and incorrect.  As any Nail Professional knows, every client is unique and different.  This is why a skilled technician knows how to assess and suggest the best course of action for each and every client.  We believe IBX is a valuable new tool to aid in that process.

Imagine being the BEST builder of  buildings in the world.  You know that if you follow your time tested methods and long trusted suppliers, that your buildings will continue to be considered the “best”.  Then one day, a new supplier discovers that if you use “re-bar” in the foundation, that it will bolster the strength and toughness of the foundation…what a fantastic breakthrough!  Even better, it’s use has NO effect on what is placed on top ofthe foundation.  Why on earth would you not want to immediately use this fantastic new method in your buildings?  Of course you would IF you want to continue creating the best end result.  Well, back to the Professional Nail Industry…IBX is like adding re-bar to the natural nail, making it tougher and stronger so that when you apply your gel polish over the top, it will provide a stronger foundation to withstand the removal and re-application process!  It will also begin to strengthen and repair any pre-existing damage as it’s used after each removal.  Talk about a win-win for you and your customer.  So, don’t be misled or discouraged from trying a new way or a new product that potentially will make you an even better professional AND make your customers happy and more loyal to you.

White spots…they are an often mentioned issue from the Nail Professionals we talk to on a daily basis.   The prevailing view is they are caused by de-hydration from the acetone being used to remove the gel polish coating.  This is incorrect, it if was true, the entire nail plate would appear white and not just appear in localized areas.  The white spots are actually a result of the gel polish removal process.  I came across this excellent article by Doug Schoon, a top expert for the Professional Nail Industry:  http://www.schoonscientific.com/eblast/eblast_2012-05-12_Dont-Let-This-Happen.htm   It does an excellent job of explaining white spots and has some amazing photos.  In short, these variables influence the occurrence of white spots during the removal process:

  • Using the incorrect lamp to cure your gel polish system (usually it is over curing that occurs)
  • Leaving the gel polish on too long…gel polishes actually increase their adhesion to the natural nail the longer they are left on
  • The soaking process is not long enough.  There is a tendency to follow the minimum suggested time rather than the longer end of the suggested range.  The key idea here is to soak long enough to remove without scraping.
  • The soaking process softens the natural nail…if you soak and scrape, you will likely create some level of nail damage.

Here is the good news:  IBX Repair acts as a “sealant”, sealing over the surface of the nail and reducing or even eliminating the white spots.  It also has adhesive properties, thus it’s ability to adhere nail damage such as delamination, peeling or splitting so the natural nail can grow out on it’s own.  Using IBX Repair along with IBX allows the “re-bar” into the nail and also repairs the surface damage.

If you have not tried the IBX System, we hope you do (more info at ibxnails.com).  If you have, we look forward to hearing about your experiences.

Jim