BANNING gel manicures would put too many nail salons out of business, according to a beauty therapist from Worcester.

The government is currently investigating gel and acrylic manicures after a surge in the number of people developing life-changing allergies to some of the ingredients in nail polish.

Chemicals in gel nail polishes, which are methacrylates, can lead to allergic reactions.

In some cases, the gel has loosened the nail bed and some people have even lost a nail due to gel nail varnish.

Dermatologists across the country said they are seeing an increase in people looking for treatment after having an allergic reaction to acrylic and gel products. They say this happens most weeks.

And Lisa Payne, owner of Retreat Health and Beauty on Bilford Road, said bad manicures can lead to infections and many beauty therapists refuse to apply gel on them.

Sophie Ta, manager at No.1 Nail in Lowesmoor, said: "Problems can occur when people use DIY kits at home which is not professional. 

"The lamp has to be at the right watts and the gel has to be done properly."

Ms Ta said the recent news has deterred people from using DIY kits, which has left her business booming. 

"We are having more people come in after the news because we have quite a popular and good reputation," she said.

"I always look at the product ingredients and products themselves, but people who are allergic to gel should not get their nails done again."

Lisa Payne also said she hasn't seen a decline in the number of people opting for gel nails since the government's investigation started.

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Mrs Payne has been a beauty therapist for over 20 years and said: "I've never had to fix a gel manicure but I have seen nail infections from badly applied gels and I've refused to apply gel on them."

However, she said: "I'm not worried at all about the government banning gel manicures, they would put too many nail bars and beauty therapists out of business."

However, she urged customers to be safe and said: "If you are in doubt, ask the therapist to show you their certificate."