Facts on MMA (Methyl Methacrylate)


TREAT YOUR NAILS LIKE JEWELS

Knowledge is the most important tool any client can have when it comes to selecting a quality nail salon for your nail care services. This pamphlet will assist you in making the right choice, so you can have an enjoyable relaxing experience of having complete nail care.

What is MMA ? (Methyl Methacrylate)
MMA is a chemical that originated in the dental industry for making crowns and bridges. It is also used by orthopedic surgeons as bone cement during joint replacement and also used in some flooring products, resins and Plexiglas.
This chemical was never designed to come in contact with skin or nails. The problem being that MMA's atoms are so small that they easily penetrate the skin and nail plate . MMA is a Asensitizer that can cause irritation and allergic reactions once it is in contact with the skin.
MMA is not recommended for use in acrylic nail products because it is much too hard, and can tear the nail off the finger easily. It is also solvent resistant, which makes it very difficult to remove.
While it is the incredible strength of MMA enhancements that attracts users, it is not safe for use on nail tissue. MMA-based products have extremely poor adhesion. That is why for the enhancements to adhere the nail plate must be overly filed (drilled) and excessively thin before the MMA artificial nail is applied. It is this dangerous strength that increases the potential for nail damage when applied to the weakened nail plate. If the nail breaks, the whole nail plate may be removed. There have been cases where the natural nails ri
pped out (sometimes permanently) because the MMA acrylic did not break off when exposed to trauma. MMA nails can take up to 3 hours to remove using industrial strength acetone, but to save time in discount salons they pry or nip off the acrylic nail which pulls off layers of the natural nail and may injure the matrix (which is crucial in the formation of cells for the new nail) leading to permanent deformities to the nail.

How can I know if my nail technician uses MMA?

MMA has a strong, sharp, fruity odor and can affect you when breathed in.
Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat.
MMA can cause a skin cause skin allergies.
Exposure could damage the nervous system.
Symptoms may include also include a pins and needles sensation, numbness, weakness, light headedness and the ability to remember and concentrate.
Severe side effects may include abnormal liver or kidney function, nervous system damage and reproductive problems. It may damage the developing fetus.
Low pricing for acrylic nail services.
Acrylic difficult or impossible to remove with acetone or other solvents.

Technicians or management secretive about acrylic product brands used. Just because the have a Name brand polish in the salon does not mean they are using that brand of acrylic. Ask to see the original containers. Technicians often wear masks to prevent inhalation of the powerful distinct odor - Noxious, sharp and fruity. Knowingly using MMA is irresponsibly endangering the client's health. Quality nail care should be a relaxing pleasurable experience, NOT painful. The nail tech should be helpful, courteous, informative, helpful and make you, the client feel special.

SAFETY IN THE SALON QUICK CHECK LIST:
  • If the salon is dirty - LEAVE
  • If the nail tech hurts you - LEAVE
  • If the nail tech is using DIRTY, USED implements, files etc on you - LEAVE
  • If the nail tech is using chemicals in unmarked containers - LEAVE
  • If the nail tech cannot or will not answer your questions about their sanitation procedures - LEAVE
  • You are getting any type of enhancement service and the nail tech is slopping product all over, getting it on your skin - LEAVE
  • If the nail tech attempts to PRY or RIP off your current enhancements-LEAVE LEAVE - RIGHT NOW

Web sites for more information:

www.BeautyTech.info
www.americanbeautyassociation.org

In 1974 the FDA determined that MMA used in nail products was a poisonous and deleterious substance. Today 30 states have banned the use of this product in acrylic nail services. MMA is used because it is inexpensive to buy and its use is driven for monetary purposes and not professional concern for clients.
A nail technician should always protect and preserve the natural nail under any enhancement product. When in doubt, select a knowledgeable, reputable technician and choose UV Gel Nails, Silkwraps, Fiberglass or a Natural Nail Manicure. Ask many questions and if the tech cannot answer them to your satisfaction select another salon.
It is your health that is at stake.

Tips from:
Kathy's Nail Garden
Quality service is what you should expect from a nail tech.
Phone: 913.541.1880
Fax: 913.541.1860
info@kathysnailgarden.com

Located at:
Haircuts Plus
15131 W. 87th Street
Lenexa, KS 66219