SAY NO TO MMA!

Over the years nail enhancements have become a huge part of the beauty industry so musch so its now considered in a leage of its own. More and more nail bar a popping up all over the country only some (not all) are using a monomers containing MMA in the application of Liquid & Powder enhancements, which can be very harmful to your natural nails.  You, as a client will be unaware of the product used, but here are a few things to look out for. 

Signs of a salon using MMA

•  Very strong almost acidic odour.

•  Severe etching of the natural nail plate , usually done using an electric nail file, which allows the MMA to bond with the nail plate.

•  Enhancements are extremely hard and very difficult to file even with coarse abrasives.

•  The nail enhancements will be difficult to remove as MMA does not react well to acetone. Electric nail files are often used to help the removal of the product.

•  Enhancements are cloudy or milky colour when cured.

•  MMA cost 1/3 of EMA so these salons are able to offer cheep sets of nails for approximately £15 - £25.

•  Dust or ventilation masks used (many technicians use dust masks today who do not use MMA)

•  Products are not professionally labeled- the technician may be reluctant to give information on the brand being used.

What is MMA?

Let me explain, MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) is a compound used in some Liquids (monomers) which can be mixed with acrylic powder (polymer) to make the liquid & powder enhancements; the substance is a cheap and nasty alternative to EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate) used by reputable salons and technicians.

Nail enhancements containing MMA are rock solid, so they very rarely lift or break. It requires severe etching of the nail plate in order for the product to bond to the natural nail which leaves the nail plate thin and damaged.

If enough force is applied in an attempt to break MMA enhancements, the resulting force is usually enough to tear the natural nail plate apart, which can lead to permanent nail plate damage (not to mention a significant degree of pain) and an increased risk of serious infections due to the tearing and exposure of the nail bed or surrounding tissue.

Alternative to MMA

EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate) is the alternative to MMA and although not as strong it is the approved substance. If enough force is applied to EMA enhancements, they will usually break with little or no damage to the natural nail plate (dependant on the thickness of the enhancement is).

Polymers

PMMA (poly-methyl methacrylate) this is contained in almost every powder in the industry it lends some of its strength to PEMA and poses none of the risks, as mentioned.

Technicians that use MMA have no concern about the health of the natural nail plate and as a consequence the client suffers.

*Please make sure your technician is using products from a reputable brand and free from MMA*