MMA

What is MMA?

MMA is Methyl MethAcrylate which is a substance used in some salons with can cause nail disfigurement and infections.  MMA is a liquid which can be mixed with acrylic powder to produce false nails. 

This product is a cheap alternative to EMA (Ethly MethAcrylate) which is used by reputable technicians and salons.  MMA has been banned in American but is still legal in the UK amazingly. 

MMA is extremely hard and does not bond very well to the natural nail plate.  It can only adhere to the nail through mechanical adhesion, which requires massive amounts of damage to the natural nail plate (through severe 'etching/drilling').  This alone can cause permanent damage to your natural nail leaving you with soreness, infections, redness, itchiness, swollen cuticles and possible bacteria. The upper most layers of the plate have to be removed to expose the looser knit centre 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 offering no protection from MMA seeping through to the nail bed.  Over time, your natural nails will become too thin to have an enhancement and may be permantently disfigured.

You can often tell if a salon is using MMA as

  • no client consultation takes place to check for allergies/nail requests/medical conditions
  • the technician will usually be wearing a mask to prevent inhaling the odour and dust (although not always) 
  • they use electric files to help the MMA bond to the nail
  • bottles are not labelled and they cannot tell you what the products are
  • your fingers feel the burn of the electric file
  • you can get cuts on your cuticles
  • the prices are usually cheap, around £15-£28 per set
  • no aftercare is discussed
  • you are in and out within 45 mins-1 hour. 

Clients are usually happy as they have very hard and what they think strong nails.  However, these nails are very difficult to remove as MMA does not work well with acetone (standard soak off removal system) and drills will often be used to remove them.  No aftercare is provided and little client consultation at the beginning.  They may be cheap and your nails completed quickly, but at what cost really?

MMA use will weaken and thin the natural nail.   When an MMA product nail is knocked or banged it will break and possibly cause severe trauma to your nail, in some cases rip your natural nail off.  This is because there is no flexibility to the product and the product is stuck so well to the nail it takes everything with it.  This is extremely painful and damaging.

I can't stress enough that if you really care about your nails and want them to look and feel natural, you should use a technician who

  • is insured, trained and performs a client consultation before treatment begins
  • uses products that are well known and are safe and do not contain MMA
  • uses a hand file only and sanitises their equipment
  • does not wears a mask or uses a drill
  • has a passion for healthy looking natural nails
  • wears a uniform with their hair tied back and is happy to discuss any nail concerns you have.  You may find that nail extensions (enhancements) are not suitable for you and the technician will tell you this.  Its not all about making money, it's about providing a good quality all round service and producing beautiful natural looking nails. 

As part of my service to clients who have MMA product and wish to continue with enhancements, I will remove the old product and if possible keep the tips to reduce any further trauma to the nail.  A good quality nail product called NSI will be applied and service finished off with cuticle oil.  It is recommended that you use cuticle oil on your nails twice a day to keep them well nourished, flexible and to soften the cuticles.

If you do not wish to continue with enhancements I would suggest the removal system followed by regular manicures to ensure your nails are kept at their best. It can take up to 6 months for your nails to recover from continual MMA use. 

So, say no to MMA and book an appointment with Nails by Suzy