Heard About the New TPO Rules for Gel Manicures? Here’s What You Need to Know

You may have seen posts recently about new rules surrounding TPO in gel nail products and wondered what they mean for your appointments.

I’ve already had a few clients message me for reassurance, so I wanted to explain the changes simply and clearly — without the dramatic headlines.

First of all, what is TPO?

TPO is a photoinitiator used in some gel nail products. Put simply, it helps the product cure and harden under a UV or LED nail lamp.

It has been used within the nail industry for many years, although brands have gradually been reformulating their products in preparation for the updated regulations.

What is changing?

From 15 August 2026, cosmetic products containing TPO can no longer be newly placed on the market in Great Britain.

This doesn’t mean gel manicures are being banned, and it doesn’t mean that every product containing TPO suddenly has to disappear from salons on that date.

There is a separate deadline of 14 February 2027 for remaining products to be removed from sale or supply, which allows businesses time to transition to updated formulas.

Why have the rules changed?

TPO is being prohibited in cosmetic products following a change to its regulatory classification.

The rules take a precautionary approach. The change does not mean that products previously used correctly in professional treatments have suddenly been declared unsafe overnight.

What does this mean for your nail appointment?

Very little will change from a client’s point of view.

Gel manicures and BIAB treatments are not being banned, and your appointments can continue as normal. The main changes are happening behind the scenes, as manufacturers update formulas and salons gradually replace products.

What am I doing at Essence?

I’ve already started switching some of my products to the new TPO-free formula.

Some of my other professional gel products still contain TPO. These can continue to be used during the transition period, in line with the current Great Britain regulations.

As those products are used up or replaced, I’ll move over to the latest compliant formulas.

As always, I use professional products as directed, follow the manufacturers’ instructions and keep up to date with changes affecting the nail industry.

The bottom line

You can still enjoy your gel and BIAB appointments as normal.

The new rules are mainly about the products manufacturers and suppliers can place onto the market going forward, rather than gel treatments themselves being banned.

I completely understand why some of the posts online have caused concern, so please feel free to ask me about the products I use at your appointment. I’m always happy to explain what’s changing and what it means for you.

With love,
Kelly xx

This article is based on the UK (Great Britain) regulations in place at the time of writing. As cosmetic regulations can change, I’ll always continue to follow the latest professional guidance and manufacturer recommendations.