Are Enhancements Really Safe?
YES!
The products that nail technicians use come from the earth.
They begin as crude oil pumped from the ground. The crude oil is then refined
into different ‘yields’. The second yield gives us products such as butane and
ethanol, and it is from this yield of crude that our products are derived. Many
will use the term ‘natural’, which means to the majority of persons that these
‘things’ come from the earth, and yes, they do. Acrylics come from the earth as
well as all the herbs that one uses in a holistic atmosphere.
Acrylic and Gel nails are the most common form of nail
enhancements in the salon due to their ease of use, strength and durability.
Both types are safe and non-damaging to the natural nail plate when applied,
maintained, and removed by a licensed Nail Technician using proper techniques.
You may hear people say, "Having acrylic nails really
damaged my natural nails... my natural nails were so sensitive and weak after
the acrylic was removed..."
The fact is that the damage done to natural nails in the
salon is done by the Nail Technician, NOT by the product being
applied or removed.
~When a nail tech uses a file or drill that is too coarse
for the natural nail, this removes excessive nail plate layers- resulting in a sensitive
and thin natural nail
~When a nail tech uses acid primer- a corrosive bonding
agent used with acrylics/gels- this can cause sensitivity if exposed to the
surrounding skin (burning sensations), and possibly allergic reactions
~When a nail tech uses prohibited MMA liquid
monomer instead of approved EMA liquid monomer when doing enhancements, this
can cause several possible severe complications
~When a nail tech removes the artificial product by
mechanically forcing it from the natural nail using a pair of acrylic
nippers/clippers, this unnecessarily removes nail plate layers, leaving the
natural nail sensitive, weak and thin
ENHANCEMENTS = "Natural nails perfectly preserved &
protected"
Enhancements are designed to SAFELY AND PAINLESSLY
protect and preserve the natural nail.
Enhancements DO NOT damage natural nails~
UNTRAINED nail technicians do.
Enhancement products DO NOT damage natural nails~
UNTRAINED nail technicians do.
Some basic principles and procedures to remember when
experiencing your enhancement procedure:
The entire process of enhancement application SHOULD NOT
HURT IN ANY WAY- EVER!
If you feel burning, or ANY pain during your enhancement
service, STOP THE TECHNICIAN!
NAIL TECHNICIANS DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO HURT YOU IN ANY
WAY!
If you feel burning, itching, redness or any other ailment
after your enhancement service, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
Enhancement products should NEVER TOUCH YOUR SKIN! This
includes ALL types of enhancement products!
If you experience pain while your nail technician is filing
your nails (whether by hand or with an e-file/ drill), STOP THE TECHNICIAN!
If you see ‘rings of fire’ - red marks on your natural
nails, this is a result of OVER FILING the natural nail. THIS DAMAGE IS CAUSED
BY THE TECHNICIAN- not the actual file!
Glue should NOT be used to bond your natural nail to the
existing enhancement.
Do not allow a technician to remove your natural nail
from under the enhancement.
Do not allow your nail technician to use nippers, clippers,
or any mechanical device to pry/remove lifted product from your natural nail!
This will remove layers of the natural nail & cause trauma and damage to
the natural nail!
WHAT IS MMA?
Methyl Methacrylate is an ingredient that was commonly
used in early "acrylic" nail services. In the early 1970's, the FDA
received numerous complaints of personal injuries associated with the use of
acrylic monomer formulated with MMA. The reports included serious nail
damage or loss, contact dermatitis, soreness and infection due to breaks caused
by the rigidly adhered acrylic.
By the end of the 1970's, the FDA had taken action against
several manufacturers that marketed MMA liquid monomers. Most main stream
acrylics use a product called EMA or Ethyl Methacrylate- which has been deemed
much safer for use in the beauty industry.
What are the health risks associated with MMA products?
MMA-related complaints range from skin allergies to
permanent loss of the nail plate. Here are the most common complaints that
prompted the FDA to take action:
Nail Infections- The surface bond of MMA acrylic is so
strong that even a slight trauma causes the nail to break and lift off the nail
bed; which may result in infection and/or loss of the nail plate. Ironically,
it is the strength of the acrylic that attracts some users. While MMA used in
the medical and dental industries provides superior adhesion to bone, it is not
appropriate or safe for use on the softer nail tissue.
Respiratory problems: eye, nose & throat irritations-
MMA vapors are toxic even in small doses and can cause lung, liver and heart
valve damage. This has been documented in lab technicians from dental labs
where crowns and dentures are made.
Permanent Nail Deformities- The small molecular structure of
MMA makes it possible for it to be absorbed through even unbroken skin. It can
permanently damage the matrix, and further absorb into the body. MMA will not
store in the tissue, it is stored as methanol in the blood and urine.
Severe Allergic Reactions- Repeated exposure to MMA can
result in severe allergic reactions. Redness, swelling, numbness and itching
are common symptoms which may lead to blisters/open sores.
"If my acrylic products don’t contain MMA, what
ingredients do they contain? Are they harmful?"
All of the traditional acrylic liquids that are available
through mainstream sources contain EMA- Ethyl Methacrylate, which is FREE of
the hazards associated with MMA.
"What’s the difference between EMA and MMA?"
First, only 3 atoms distinguish the difference between EMA
and MMA. However, this small chemical difference makes EMA much safer. An
example is the difference between poisonous wood alcohol (methanol) and
beverage alcohol (ethanol). Again the difference between the two molecules is
only three atoms. Yet wood alcohol is deadly if consumed. Beverage alcohol is
considered safe (if not used in excess!).
HAZARD SUMMARY FROM THE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS)
~ MMA has a strong, sharp fruity odor and can affect you
when breathed in
~ MMA may damage a developing fetus
~ Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose & throat
~ MMA can cause permanent skin allergy
~Exposure could damage the nervous system. Symptoms include:
pins & needles, numbness, weakness, & changes in the ability to
remember and concentrate
~Severe side effects may include abnormal liver or kidney
function, nervous system damage and reproductive problems
Have you been exposed to MMA? Here’s how to tell:
~Low pricing for acrylic service, not special sale or offer
~Acrylic difficult or impossible to remove with acetone
~Techs secretive about brands used/unlabeled bottles
~Powerful, distinct odor of acrylic- noxious, sharp, fruity
~You experience headaches when you visit the salon
Is EMA really safe?
YES! EMA is one of the most studied monomers on Earth. There
is a huge amount of scientific literature that backs up the safety of this
important substance. It is used in everything from household plastics to
medical devices that are implanted in the body. The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient
Review Panel) and FDA have approved this liquid for use in nail products. (EMA
has an odor- but it will not harm you in any way, and it is not an offensive
odor).
Here at The Matrix Nail Lab, EMA is used exclusively. We
also have adequate ventilation extraction- so that you will not be offended by
any odor- it is drawn directly to the outside.
