Leading in the Lab: How TGB is Using Science to Shatter Nail Industry Myths

At TGB, innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a molecular mission. Founded by nail technician Daisy Kalnina, TGB was built on the belief that to truly move the industry forward, we must move beyond standard testing and enter the world of rigorous, evidence-based science. 

Today, we are proud to introduce you to the female-led science team bridging the gap between the lab and the salon. Working with the University of Bath and utilising advanced analytical methods often reserved for neuroscience and pathology, our team is on a mission to replace nail industry folklore with hard evidence through groundbreaking studies. 

The Interrupted Curing Myth: Put to the Test

If you’ve ever panicked because a client pulled their hand out of the lamp mid-cure, this research is for you. For years, there has been a common belief that pausing a curing cycle meant the bond was compromised and you had to restart the timer from the beginning. 

Our scientists decided to find out the truth. Using FTIR (Infrared Spectroscopy) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) — tools that identify molecular changes at the highest level — our team conducted a study to see exactly what happens when UV exposure is broken.[1] 

What the Science Revealed:

• Two-Stage Process: Gels begin forming a stable "scaffold" within just 1–2 seconds of UV exposure 

• Cumulative Time is What Counts: The evidence proves that polymerisation is stable and cumulative; if a curing cycle is paused, the process simply resumes where it left off 

What This Means for Technicians: No need to restart the timer if a client pulls their hand out or if you use a pause function to check an apex. As long as the total required exposure time is met, the gel's structural integrity remains intact. 

Applying the Science Responsibly: While we’ve proven that interrupted curing doesn’t break the bond, technicians should always ensure the full exposure time outlined in our application guidelines. 

Meet the Scientists Behind the Research 

Our science-led approach is steered by an incredible team of experts who are raising the bar for the entire industry: 

• Ifra Siddique (Product & Scientific Director): With 13 years of experience at brands like Burberry and ASOS, Ifra leads our global R&D and spearheads our Myth Busting initiatives. 

• Dr. Ginny Li (Senior Product Technologist): Holding a PhD in Colour Chemistry, Ginny specialises in UV-gel formulation, ensuring every bottle is backed by robust data. 

• Tanya Hamed (Senior Compliance Manager): A Cosmetic Scientist with a background at Pfizer and Elemis, Tanya ensures our innovations meet the highest global regulatory standards. 

A New Standard for the Industry 

As Daisy Kalnina, our Founder and CEO, puts it: "We aren't just developing products; we're contributing evidence that helps nail technicians work with greater confidence. I am so proud to lead a company where female expertise drives our innovation." 

Ready to see the science in action? Explore our new Illuminate Lamp and experience the precision of a research-backed cure. 

[1] Ginny Li, PhD, Ifra Siddique, BSc (Hons), Philip Fletcher, PhD. The Mechanics of UV Gel Curing: Debunking the Interrupted Curing Myth. The GelBottle Inc & University of Bath. The GelBottle Inc [TGB], 51-53 West Street, Brighton and Hove, BN1 2RA, United Kingdom. Imaging Facility, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom