Our initial investigation indicates that unusually high temperatures may have caused a temperature-related loss of a volatile component during the manufacture or handling of this batch. TrueBond contains acetone, which plays an important role in the product’s application and performance. Acetone is naturally volatile, and increased temperatures can cause it to form vapour and evaporate more readily where there is a route for that vapour to escape. We believe this may have altered the intended balance of the affected batch and reduced its ability to support optimum adhesion.

We are continuing to investigate the exact mechanism, but we already know enough to confirm that we have no confidence in the performance consistency of this batch. That is why we are replacing the whole batch rather than limiting replacements only to customers who have already reported a problem.

No. The intended TrueBond formulation has not changed, and we are not reformulating the product as a result of this issue.

This appears to be a batch-specific manufacturing or raw-material handling deviation, rather than a problem with the TrueBond formula itself. Our current investigation has found no evidence that any other batch is affected.

No. Based on our investigation to date, the concern we have identified relates to product performance and retention. We have not identified evidence of a safety incident associated with this batch. However, because we cannot guarantee its intended performance, we are asking customers to stop using it and request a replacement. Reduced retention can lead to premature lifting, so the affected product should not continue to be used on clients.

Not every customer using this batch has experienced reduced retention, and some technicians may feel that their bottle is working normally. However, once our testing showed that performance within the batch could not be guaranteed, replacing only the bottles already associated with complaints would not have been acceptable to us. Even if you have not experienced an issue, we will replace your bottle.

We have already:

• Removed TrueBond from sale while the investigation was carried out
• Quarantined and reviewed the affected stock
• Tested retained and current samples
• Identified the affected batch
• Prevented further bottles from that batch being dispatched
• Introduced insulated thermal storage for the relevant volatile raw materials
• Strengthened temperature monitoring and raw-material handling controls
• Added further quality checks before future batches are released

TrueBond was only returned to sale once we were satisfied that the current stock was not part of the affected batch and met our expected performance standard.

Please check the batch code on your TrueBond bottle.

The affected batch is: TB3125210726

If you have this batch:

1. Stop using the bottle. (Rubber base can be used in the mean time if needed)
2. Complete the replacement form.
3. Keep the bottle until your claim has been confirmed, as we may ask a small number of customers to return theirs for additional testing.
4. We will arrange a free replacement at no cost to you.

This applies whether you purchased directly from HONA or through an authorised HONA stockist.

“We understand the impact retention issues can have on a nail professional’s time, confidence, clients and reputation. We are genuinely sorry to everyone affected. We also want to reassure you that this issue came to light because we actively monitor customer feedback across the whole HONA system. When we saw an unusual pattern appearing across several otherwise different products, we investigated the shared product, removed it from sale and carried out further testing. We could have limited replacements to the relatively small number of people who had already contacted us. Instead, because we cannot guarantee every bottle within this batch, we are replacing all of them. That is the standard of transparency and accountability we believe our professional community deserves."

Michael Henson
Co-founder, HONA