Frequently asked questions

What is MMA?

MMA means methyl methacrylate and some nail salons and technicians use it when the do nail enhancements.It is the same sealant used to seal teeth. This makes nails virtually unbreakable and the underlying nail bed to disintegrate.Nail salons and technicians use MMA because it can be purchased very cheap compared to ethyl methacrylate (EMA), a high quality acrylic product. (MMA cost 1/3 of EMA)

How to know if a salon is using MMA:

  • The use of drills on your nail bed.
  • MMA has a very unusual strong or strange odor during application and filing which doesn’t smell like other acrylic liquids.
  • Enhancements are extremely hard and very difficult to file even with coarse abrasives.
  • Enhancements will not soak off in solvents designed to remove acrylics.
  • Most nail techs wear a mask.
  • The cost is very cheap for a set of nails

MMA?

MMA (Methyl MethAcrylate) is a monomer used in some nail enhancement applications that has stirred up tons of controversy over the past few years in the US and is quickly becoming a problem in International markets.

As early as the 1970’s the FDA expressed that MMA monomer is “a poisonous and deleterious substance and should not be used in liquid acrylic monomer for nail enhancement products” as it is an extremely high sensitizer and likely allergen that can cause severe allergic reactions through minor skin exposure.The FDA still holds strong on its stance for the safety of this product.

Aside from the “Use it and you will spontaneously combust” warning from the FDA,there are even more grave reasons for avoiding MMA applications.
MMA is extremely hard and as such having MMA on your nails can cause very serious problems.When enough force is applied to an MMA enhancement to break it,the result is usually enough force to tear the natural nail plate apart.This can lead to permanent nail plate damage if the tearing is located around or near the matrix or lunula.It can also result in an increased risk of serious infections due to the tearing and exposure of the nail bed or surrounding tissue.

Due to the severe hardness of MMA, the only way to file is through excessive drilling.Most techs irresponsible enough to use MMA are far too irresponsible to use an electric file.Techs that use MMA couldn’t care less about the health of the natural nail plate and as a consequence,the client suffers.Much of the damage associated through the use of MMA comes from severe damage attempting to apply and maintain the indestructible enhancements with a drill. The extra amount of drilling required to maintain these enhancements leads to situations where technicians burn the nail bed, over-thin the plate,and even drill through the natural nail plate.

MMA is so dense,that it is even more difficult to soak off than gel.Soaking off is possible (as with gel) but is very unrealistic as the time it takes for the solvent to penetrate is substantially longer than with a L&P or wrap system.
The result is usually seen in even more nail plate damage as the client or technician becomes bored of waiting and picks,nips,or rips the product off instead.

“But it just sticks so good and all”… Um… right…

MMA Does not bond very well to the natural nail plate.The only way it can adhere to the nail is through mechanical adhesion,which requires massive amounts of damage to the natural nail plate (through severe ‘etching’).The upper most layers of the plate have to be removed to expose the looser knit center of the plate.This gives the MMA something ‘substantial’ to bond to.If the nail separates or gets broken, this ‘etching’ process is usually repeated. Before long, the natural nail plates become thin sheets of keratin that tear easily as well as offer no protection from MMA seeping through to the nail bed.
MMA has the lowest level of attraction to keratin than any product used to enhance natural nails.

“ok.. BUT ITS SOOOOOO CHEAP N STUFF!”

MMA is sold through back doors and out of vans,just as one would buy stolen goods or drugs. The suppliers will usually get hold of massive quantities from dental suppliers to decant and re-distribute to known customers.Since MMA is completely undeveloped for the nail industry,and has no legal distribution, manufacturing, or education channels, it is usually at a much lower cost (just like stolen stereos are much cheaper than the legit kind).
No professional supplier sells MMA as they couldn’t afford the liability involved;just as no professional insured salon would use MMA.Insurers should be made aware of the immense liability these salons carry.This liability could cause the rest of the professional industries premiums to increase.

Around about 1974 the FDA placed MMA on its poisonous and deleterious list of substances and warned professional nail manufacturers against the use of the substance.Sale of monomers containing MMA would mean that the manufacturer could be held liable for the damage caused from the use of the product and the FDA would enforce regulation.No nail manufacturer has used MMA in any monomer formulations since as the field data and FDA stance is pretty self explanatory.

As the FDA stance was directed at manufacturers, not at technicians, MMA has been able to be used in the USA for many years, as it wasn’t exactly illegal … just warned against.

In the past several years,many states in the USA have been explicitly prohibiting the use of MMA monomers for use in nail applications at the salon level.This is a trend that should see all states explicitly prohibiting the monomer.

Nail technicians in the states now run the risk of loosing their license or being sued by customers for the use of this substance. Being proactive could save the industry millions as well as the priceless loss of consumer confidence.
NSS (non standard salons) have done extensive damage to consumer confidence and the industry as a whole through the irresponsible and unprofessional use of MMA.

So what’s the alternative?

EMA.The CIR approved EMA is strong,but has a designed limitation on strength.When enough force is applied to break an EMA enhancement, the result is usually little or no damage to the natural nail plate (dependent on how thick the enhancement is).
EMA has about 25 years of research and development behind it for the nail industry and therefore offers the safest,most advanced option over MMA.
And as far as the cost, MMA applications are actually only marginal over EMA applications.

Warning signs of MMA use:

  • MMA has an unusually strong or strange odour, which doesn't smell like other acrylic liquids.Odour is present during application and when filing cured product (for rebalances or repairs).
  • Enhancements are extremely hard and very difficult to file even with coarse abrasives.
  • Enhancements will not soak off in solvents designed to remove acrylics.
  • Enhancements are cloudy or milky colour when cured.

Additional warning signs though less definitive:

  • Low price of fills and full sets (MMA cost 1/3 of EMA)
  • Dust or ventilation masks used (many technicians use dust masks today who do not use MMA)
  • Unlabeled containers - technician will not show or tell the client what brand of product is being used

MMA Just say no.

Article about MMA is by Samuel Sweet

How do I care for my nail enhancements between appointments?

A regular rebalance every 2-3 weeks is recommended to keep them in good condition.
It's very important to use Solar Oil daily. Massage it into your enhancements. It will keep them flexible, prolong their life and dramatically reduce the risk of breakage.
Don't bite or pick your nail enhancements, this can lead to weakening or breakage and can cause damage and thinning to your natural nails.
Wear rubber gloves when you wash up,using any detergents or gardening.
Always avoid pulling backwards against the tip as this could cause injury or breakage, i.e; don’t use your nails to open canned drinks and be careful opening car doors.
If removing nail enamel then always use a non-acetone polish remover.

Gradually you will get into the habit of using your hands in a different way and the nail enhancements will start to feel as natural as your own nails.
If you wish to have your enhancements removed then please contact me to make an appointment for them to be professional removed.

What is the difference between acrylic and gel enhancements?

The end result of acrylic or gel enhancements is very similar.
There is no system that is ‘thinner’ than another, as thick or thin nails are dependent on the skill of the technician who is applying them and every system can be thin and natural-looking.
Acrylics are very durable and strong where gels are lighter and more flexible.
Acrylic nails are versatile and great for nail bitters,they can also be soaked off.
Gels are an odorless and cured under a UV lamp.They need to be filed off.
Whether gel or acrylic there is a system to suit everyone and their lifestyle.

Will acrylic nails damage my own nails?

No.Only an unprofessional nail technician over filing the nails, poor aftercare, not maintaining your enhancements,or not removing the enhancements correctly will damage your nails.
A lot of clients tend to bite or pick off enhancements rather than have them safely removed by a trained professional,this can result in painful nail damage.
The reason not to do this,is that the products are designed NOT to come off, but to form a strong bond with the keratin.So of course when you try to remove them with force you take several layers of your nail plate with it.
As long as you stick to the aftercare advice given,maintain your nail enhancements properly and have them removed professionally then your nails will stay healthy underneath.

Why do my nails feel weak or soft after having enhancements removed?

When you have been wearing enhancements for a few weeks/months your natural nail is protected by an unnaturally hard surface, which you become used to.When this hardness is gone your nails take time to adapt to the changes in sensation, causing them to feel 'soft'.This usually lasts for 2-3 days,and unless you are having another full set straight away it is advisable to apply cuticle oil 3-4 times daily,and wear a strengthening basecoat.

How long will my enhancements last?

They will last for as long as you maintain them correctly and follow your after care advice. Many people have been told in the past that they need a full set every 6-8 weeks,this is untrue,it is possible to rebalance a nail endlessly.Rebalance appointments are advised every 2-3 weeks to keep them looking their best.

What should I do if I have a problem with my nails after a treatment?

Most people wear enhancements with no problems at all, but should you have any problems(redness,pain,lifting,chipping,breakages) then you should contact your technician asap to discuss your problem and rectify/suggest alternatives.Your technician does not know there is a problem if you don’t tell them, and rather you contact them than just stop going!
A professional technician will be happy to get to the root of the problem and work together with you to solve it and ensure it doesn’t continue to happen.Don’t always assume that the technician is to blame,it may be something as simple as your desired shape or length is not suitable for your lifestyle,or you may be more suited to sculptured enhancements rather than tip and overlay.

Should I take a break from enhancements every now and then to allow my nails to breathe?

No you don’t need to do this. Nails do not breathe, as although nails are porous they are made up of dead keratinised cell