Gel nails are probably one of the biggest trends to hit the beauty business in the past few years, with companies such as OPI and Essie throwing their hats into the arena. However, independent brands such as Bio Seaweed Gel (BSG), a family-owned company based in Toronto, Canada, are stepping up with their own formulations. BSG nail color can dry in the sun without UV-lamps and is “five free” to boot. Happi took time to correspond with its founder Sarah Luu about how BSG is carving a name for itself in the nail category.
 
Happi: What type of ingredients and/or packaging are key in your products and why? 
 
SL: For BSG, it is more important what is not in our products! Bio Seaweed Gel is the only big-five free gel brand, there is no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, BHA or solvents in our formula. This means there is zero dehydration, staining or weakening of the natural nails. This is a common drawback of conventional gels with use over time. BSG gives you the freedom to wear gel nails as often or as little without any repercussions. It is safe for all ages and even during pregnancy.
In addition to the user-friendly ingredients, Bio Seaweed Gel does not require any sanding or drilling of the natural nails and does not have any fumes or odors—another bonus for a healthier nail experience.
 
Happi:  What makes your product different than others in the marketplace?
 
SL: On top of being the healthier gel polish, Unity All-In-One Colour Gel Polish by BSG has exclusive SolarCure Technology! Unity is the first and only true gel polish you can use without a lamp! With Unity's base, color, top and nail strengthener all-in-one formula, users literally just need one bottle and the natural sunlight for a pro gel mani and pedi right at home. Unity cures to the touch in as fast as 30 seconds in direct sunlight for 2+ weeks of healthy, chip-free high shine nails. For an extra long-lasting shine, Bio Seaweed Gel also just launched a brand new No-Wipe Top with SolarCure Technology.
 
Happi: What benefits are consumers seeking out in nail care?
 
SL: The popularity of gel nails has been booming. We believe consumers are seeking healthier, more natural alternatives to outdated acrylic nails. With the rise of gel nails both in the salon and at-home, it is undeniable that users want the bang for their buck. This means no more smudged and chipped nail polish and no more long tedious dry times. Gel nails provide that edge; you get instant cured (dried) nails in 30 seconds and over two weeks of chip-free wear. This is the basic of gel nails: it fits in everybody's busy lifestyle as a low-maintenance form of beauty! However, Bio Seaweed Gel goes beyond the conventional gels to offer unique benefits such as our SolarCure Technology and big-five free formula. We believe it is more than just aesthetics, but nail care really is health care. It does matter what you are applying on your body, from tips to toes. BSG gives the consumer the freedom to express creativity and personality right at their fingertips without compromising health.
 
Happi: What are some future trends in nail color for 2015 and how will your company be expanding?
 
SL: We are working hard right now on our Spring and Summer 2015 Campaign! We cannot reveal too much, but users can look forward to a pallet full of whimsical, hippie-chic shades to blazing bright pops of color. BSG has been a professional line for over nine years with experience in the industry for over 20 years. We are very excited to move forward in the retail world to bring healthy, beautiful nails that much closer to home.
 
More info: http://bioseaweedgel.com/