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MMA:
I use only top quality, professional products which have been approved for
the manner in which they are used. I do not use products that contain MMA (methyl methacrylate monomer).
MMA is a hazardous and unhealthful chemical present in some acrylic liquids
that has been declared a "poisonous and deleterious substance" by the FDA and is considered unfit for use in fingernail products.
It is still used in dental industry and you may here it referred to as "dental acrylic" or "dental porcelain." It is also
widely used as an adhesive in industrial applications such as concrete aggregates. These common industrial uses are why MMA
remains readily-- and cheaply-- available, despite having been banned for cosmetic use.
Several salons in the area are using products containing MMA-- often called "porcelain"
or "porcelain/acrylic" nails. MMA remains popular as a nail product because of it's extremely low price (as low as $15
a gallon, vs over $200 per gallon for top quality acrylic liquids!) and because of it's reputation for being difficult
to break. But the price of the service doesn't always determine quality! Several salons in
Tulare County are charging premium prices to expose their clients to this dangerous chemical.
MMA is most commonly
responsible for allergic reactions to acrylics; also common are injuries to the nail that result in permanent damage to the
nail bed, often leading to infections, which in some cases has lead to amputation. MMA poisoning via inhalation can also cause damage to the nervous system, resulting in a condition termed "brain
dysfunction" which often manifests in tingling and numbness of the fingertips, and even loss of memory: damage to the
respiratory system which can cause pulmonary edema in extreme cases: and birth defects.
MMA bonds to the natural nail stronger than the natural nail bonds to the finger. If an MMA nail is
hit hard enough, it may break below the free edge and rip the natural nail OFF OF THE FINGER. There have been documented cases
where this has happened and the wound has become infected to the point that amputation was necessary!
Please, make
sure your nail technician (if not me) knows about this dangerous chemical and can provide you with a copy of the MSDS for
her product to show that it does not contain MMA.
The photo below shows what happens when a nail made with MMA is hit too hard-- instead of breaking at the
tip, it simply tore the entire nail from the nail bed!
For even more information about MMA,
check out this link to Beautytech!
Check out 
for consumer nail information.
Sanitation:
The health of your nails is as important to your nail technician as their
beauty.I pride myself on my dedication to providing clients with the peace of mind that comes with knowing they
will not be exposed to infectious diseases, bacteria, fungi, or other contagions that can easily be avoided by simply following
the State Board regulations for salon safety and sanitation.
That's why I ask each client to wash their hands
with soap and water before beginning any service and make sure that all implements* are disinfected after each use using a
state approved, hospital grade, EPA registered disinfectant. After disinfection, all implements are stored in a sealed, dust-free
container to prevent contamination.
*Per state requirements, a new file and buffer are used for each service, all
files and buffers are disposed of after use. California does NOT recognize disinfectable files/buffers! These implements MUST
be disposed of and cannot be reused, even on the same client!
How you can help:
I often hear horror stories about other salons, then get asked why those
sub-standard salons are allowed to stay in business.
Unfortunately, the state does not have the manpower nor the funding necessary
to properly regulate our industry. And poor work practices are often not evident during a standard inspection. The state relies
on YOU, the consumer, to inform them when a salon or individual is working below the acceptable standards for the industry.
That is why it is important to inform the Department of Consumer Affairs of salons and salon workers who may be putting the
public in danger.
For more information about salon health and safety issues in California, or to report a salon or
individual for negligence, incompetence, or suspected use of illegal implements or substances please contact the California
Barbering and Cosmetology Program at:
1 (800) 952-5210
Or
CA Barbering and Cosmetology Program
P.O. Box 944226
Sacramento CA 94244-2260
Or ask me for a copy of the state complaint form.
Or click on the link below to view
the CA Barbering and Cosmetology website. (Complaints can be registered by email at their site.)
Help keep
salons safe.
CA Barbering & Cosmetology
Check out
for consumer nail information.
Click on the link to Beautytech.info to learn more about issues facing the
professional nail industry, how they affect YOU, and what you can do to protect yourself.
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