Acrylic Nails ???

[Carolyn]

I've always loved the looks of acrylic nails with the pretty white tips. I've tried and tried to get that look with a French manicure but I can't seem to get it quite right. For the past several weeks I've been seriously thinking about getting acrylics. I'd have time to do it this week and would love to do it as a vacation treat. Any thoughts or advice? How hard are they to remove if I don't like them? I know there will probably be some damage to my own nails and I would have to wait for them to grow out before they are decent again.

[Emichiee]

I used to get my nails done.

Dont go for acrylic. It s bad for your nails,turns yellow after a while and if you remove it it smells like pee :drool: yuk..

I had acrylic and after that my nails needed to recover for a while..

Later I just got them done with gel.


I really liked that. No fake tips anymore, your nails can be lengthened just with gel. You can also still shorten your nails and wear them the way you want as well as paint.

I liked it way better.:whoohoo:

[Teacherbear]

I've had gel, solar, and acrylics. None of the work for me.

I've seriously been to over a dozen different nail technicians. Every one of them claims the nails didn't stay on (they always peeled up, sometimes while I was still in the chair) because they previous technician wasn't experience enough. I've had my nail sanded down to paper thin (seriously).

I've finally decided that my nail bed is not rounded enough to "take" artificial nails. They ALWAYS lift. They *usually* begin lifting within 24 hours. I've kept nail glue closeby to glue them down as soon as I notice the lifting. FWIW, my nails are very, very thin to begin with. They may or may not have anything to do with the problems I've had.

Anyway, I know a lot of people who have a lot of success with artificial nails, but I don't.

I hope you like your nails (and that they stay on for you)!

[summer-time]

I used to get fiberglass. I loved them but expensive and alot of upkeep because I break them.
I wouldn't mind doing it again if I could find a less expensive place, but there is always upkeep again.

[Love My Cop]

I had acrylic nails once, a few years back,and although they looked nice, they damaged my nail bed. My nail bed was rippled, paper thin,yellowish ,and weak overall. It took a long time for my nails to recover from that one time use. Not sure why I did it to begin with, since my nails grow strong and long naturally. :purplex:

[justgreen]

I've worn them for about 15 years. I had gel nails for about a year, but it's so difficult for me to plan a time for them in town, so I've been doing my own the last few months. I learned how to do them about 10 years ago and just use Contours Liquid and powder. I have all the stuff the nail techs have, including a dremel (TY Cyk:whoohoo: ). I use white tips and I keep them pretty short. Once the tips grow out too far, then I polish them.

It's easier to get acrylics off if you let them grow out, keeping the nail ends short. YOu can file them down on top to reduce the 'hump' as the nail grows, with a light grind nail board. Once the actual tip is gone, I just use a pair of nail nippers and they usually come right off. I don't pull on them, that takes some of your own nail bed with it. If I have a stubborn one, I soak it in acetone nail polish remover.

[Carolyn]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm probably nuts for wanting to do it since my real nails are pretty ok. I just love the thick whitish opaquey look with the white tips. It's so girly and summery. I'm going to call some nails places this afternoon.

[Sandie]

Carolyn...

Acrylics are not a good idea if you only want to wear them for a vacation treat. Yes they can be taken off but your nails will be weak for a while after, and it's really not the best thing to do for a temporary thing. That said...I've been wearing acrylics for at least 20 years, and I love them. You go in and get them done every two weeks...it takes about 20-30 mintues tops...and your fingers allways look beautiful! I wear french all the time because it is pretty & goes with anything. So, I highly recommend them if you want to make the commitment. Check out your girlfriends hands and see who has the prettiest nails...then check out her nail girl. Prices range from about $25-$50 for a full set, and from $13-$20 for a fill.

[BBGrrl]

Sandie is right. I would never recommend acrylics or any enhancements for short term use. The damage they create when they are put on is to great. And god forbid taken off wrong they will rip your nails up. If you do decide to get them soak them off with acitone when your done wearing them.

[onthegrow]

Hi! I'm a nail tech and figured I'd ad my two cents worth. I agree that acrylics are not a good temporary choice neither are gels. Gels must be filed off and can't be soaked. If you pry either of them off you will totally ruin your nails underneath. I would recommend fiberglass over a white tip. It will do the least damage to your natural nail and can be soaked off with acetone easily. One thing to remember though is that depending on the tech anything can be damaging if not done properly. Best of luck.

[Carolyn]

I'm hoping I'll like them well enough to keep them. I've talked to a couple of girlfriends about what they have done and what they have liked and disliked. I'm willing to commit to them if I like them. If I don't like them I realize I could have crappy nails while they grow out. Everytime I see someone with those pretty white tips and good looking nails I'm so envious. I know I'll have to find someone where I live to go to for fills. The town where I live has recently gotten a real nail salon so it shouldn't be too hard to get them done. The only thing I'm not sure of is which kind to get done.

[summer-time]

Hi! I'm a nail tech and figured I'd ad my two cents worth. I agree that acrylics are not a good temporary choice neither are gels. Gels must be filed off and can't be soaked. If you pry either of them off you will totally ruin your nails underneath. I would recommend fiberglass over a white tip. It will do the least damage to your natural nail and can be soaked off with acetone easily. One thing to remember though is that depending on the tech anything can be damaging if not done properly. Best of luck.




I had fiberglass and I loved them. The only thing is I'm very active and I'd break them, so I was always having to get them redone- pricey after awhile.
If I could get them at a less expensive price, I would.

[Sandie]

I'm hoping I'll like them well enough to keep them. I've talked to a couple of girlfriends about what they have done and what they have liked and disliked. I'm willing to commit to them if I like them. If I don't like them I realize I could have crappy nails while they grow out. Everytime I see someone with those pretty white tips and good looking nails I'm so envious. I know I'll have to find someone where I live to go to for fills. The town where I live has recently gotten a real nail salon so it shouldn't be too hard to get them done. The only thing I'm not sure of is which kind to get done.

Carolyn...

I recommend Solar products (they are acrylic - but the best on the market.) Have the pink and whites done (white tips pink powder). They really look lovely. Be sure to ask the nail place what brand products they use. And seriously, Solar Nails are the best.

[Elle]

Carolyn... Have you tried the french manicure kits they sell at the drugstore? Most of them come with adhesive guides that you place on your nails. You can bend them to the shape you desire and they work really well.

I've tried the Sally Hansen French Manicure kit and it's lousy. Both the white and the pale pink go on very blotchy. The best one I've found is a kit by Nailene - Hard and Healthy French Manicure Multi-Pack (http://www.nailene.com/treatment/polish.asp)

They also have kits with 2 larger bottles of white and pale pink or peach. It's really inexpensive and goes on very smooth. I've had really good luck with this brand. You just have to make sure you're patient and you get better with a bit of practice. Top your manicure with Orly's Won't Chip and you're good to go! :happy:

[wavebaby]

:happy: I just get a french manicure at the salon. big chicken here!!

[Carolyn]

Well I went and did it. I ended up with gel nails in a white tippe french manicure. I went to the nail salon my friend Trish goes to. I just went in and told them the look I was going for. So far I'm very happy with them. I have had to go back and have one nail repaired. I was cleaning gunk out from under the tip and I ripped a small piece out of the side of the tip. I think I'll need to clean with soap and water and a soft brush from now on. They were very nice and repaired it with no charge. So far so good after that. I'm going fine with typing and putting on make up and jewelry. The jewelry is a bit hard to do but I can do it. I can sign my name on charge slips :ooh: They are great for scritching. Right now I can see keeping them up when I get back home. It's a fun change. And I really like how much better my hands look with them.

[Wanita]

I want pictures! :p

[justgreen]

I want pictures! :p

Ditto!:lafhard:

I love my acrylics. They keep me from picking my toenails, and picking on my face at non existent things.:gurn:

[kimberlily]

*sigh* I miss my gels. I had solar nails for my wedding, and had them done about 6 months in advance, then kept them up after because I loved them so much, but the $30 fills every month were killing my bank account so I stopped getting them.

I've tried doing nails on myself, but I suck at it. I can't get them smooth, and I'm clumsy so they always end up lifting because of the way I end up applying the goop.

I miss having thicker nails, because like Justy said, it keeps me from picking at my face. And they're also great for removing blackheads ;) And the thought of scritching with them makes my scalp tingle in delight.

[Sandie]

*sigh* I miss my gels. I had solar nails for my wedding, and had them done about 6 months in advance, then kept them up after because I loved them so much, but the $30 fills every month were killing my bank account so I stopped getting them.

I've tried doing nails on myself, but I suck at it. I can't get them smooth, and I'm clumsy so they always end up lifting because of the way I end up applying the goop.

I miss having thicker nails, because like Justy said, it keeps me from picking at my face. And they're also great for removing blackheads ;) And the thought of scritching with them makes my scalp tingle in delight.

$30.00 fills!!!!! http://www.zaftig-2000.com/smilies/shocked.gif That is highway robery, my dear.

I pay $13.00 for mine and they are stunning. I always give her a $5.00 tip, and there you go.

You should check around. $30.00 really is way over priced for a fill.

[justgreen]

$30.00 fills!!!!! http://www.zaftig-2000.com/smilies/shocked.gif That is highway robery, my dear.

I pay $13.00 for mine and they are stunning. I always give her a $5.00 tip, and there you go.

You should check around. $30.00 really is way over priced for a fill.

I'm thinking she (Kimberlily) meant $30.00 (2 fills a month @ $15.00), because they tell you to come back for a fill within two weeks?

[Stephanie]

IMHO, it's only too expensive if you don't feel it's worth it. My old nail tech was fan-freakin'-tastic and really knew her stuff, too. Nails were her passion and she was always keeping up with the latest trends and techniques. Always taking more classes, too. She always did such a great job and even coached me on how to do my own polish really well. $30 a trip was more than worth the treatment I got. I really should go have gel nails put back on again... I feel like a queen whenever I walk out of there. She's also the one who turned me on to my beloved (and discontinued :() OPI Granite. ;)

Now, $30 for one of those walk-ins at the mall who dremmel the ever loving shit out of your nails? I'll pass.

[kimberlily]

$30.00 fills!!!!! http://www.zaftig-2000.com/smilies/shocked.gif That is highway robery, my dear.

I pay $13.00 for mine and they are stunning. I always give her a $5.00 tip, and there you go.

You should check around. $30.00 really is way over priced for a fill.

Uh, no :whyme: $30 every month, for one fill. This was in Canada though, and I had UV gels, which are more expensive (at least they were in Canada 6 years ago).

I agree with Steph though - spending more is worth it sometimes. Deb was awesome, and she knew my nails better than I did by the 2nd visit. She was one of fewer than half a dozen nail techs in Vancouver who did the UV gels at the time. I felt like I was breaking it off with a good friend when I told her I wasn't going to continue getting my nails done!

Still considering getting nails done, but it would be a bit complicated, since I'd have to leave my spawn with their daddy and take off for the afternoon. Actually, that wouldn't be half bad :innocent: You ladies are such enablers :lol:

[justgreen]

Things are much more expensive here in Wyoming, low population and all, but a gel nail refill here is only $20. Now I feel lucky, 'cuz I was thinking it was a high price compared to where I used to live, Oklahoma. Gel fill's there were only $15.

[Wanita]

Questions: are the nails (acrylic and/or gel) pretty tough? Can they withstand abuse? I'm wondering because I've seen a few women at work with nail jobs. My hands and nails take a beating in the file room, so I would worry that I'd ruin nice nails.

But maybe the nail jobs can handle the abuse better than natural nails?

[justgreen]

Questions: are the nails (acrylic and/or gel) pretty tough? Can they withstand abuse? I'm wondering because I've seen a few women at work with nail jobs. My hands and nails take a beating in the file room, so I would worry that I'd ruin nice nails.

But maybe the nail jobs can handle the abuse better than natural nails?

If they are put on correctly and don't lift, they withstand alot. I hardly ever break one. The only thing I ever have problems with, is buttoning a shirt, but I can do it, just takes me a bit longer than it should.:grim:

[April00]

Ok I'm new here but wanted to jump right in. As a nail technician, I have to say that whatever information you may have been given about acrylics are not necessarily true.

Acrylic nails are only harmful IF they are put on incorrectly. There also should be absolutely NO damage to the nails if they are removed properly when you no longer wish to wear them. That means, no tearing them off when you get bored or fidgety! Good nails, done right, should never turn yellow over time and most importantly, should never cause you pain when getting them put on!

My recommendation, stay away from the discount shops (you know the ones, they usually charge $25 or less to put on a full set of acrylics, are usually found in shopping malls or Walmarts, and the people working there like to wear masks to save themselves from the harmful/illegal chemicals that they are using on you). Instead, Find yourself a highly skilled, reputable nail tech who knows what she/he is doing, who cares about you and your health, will back up her or his work, knows the answers to any questions you may have, sends you home with beautiful nails that you're proud to show off. If you'd like to find a good reputable nail technician in your area, I'd be happy to help you!

Just a word of warning, just because they have a license, doesn't mean they are skilled. I take great pride in my work and continue my education by attending classes as often as I can. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

[April00]

Carolyn...

I recommend Solar products (they are acrylic - but the best on the market.) Have the pink and whites done (white tips pink powder). They really look lovely. Be sure to ask the nail place what brand products they use. And seriously, Solar Nails are the best.


Solar nails are nothing but a fancy name for regular acrylic nails. They charge you more and you think you're getting something special, but you're not. Dont fall into the traps they try to sell you.

Another popular trap, They might also offer you gels, that are really acrylics with a gel top coat (which is just a really shiny top coat cured under a UV lamp). They will charge you more, but they are just cheap old acrylics. Heck, they might even mark their container GELS ..but if its powder mixed with liquid, it's acrylics. REAL gel nails is a thicker consistency and EACH STEP is cured under a UV light. Gel nails must be built in layers and cured as they are built. If they're just curing your nails under the lamp on the final step, you've just paid for a basic set of acrylics with a shiny top coat...and yeah, you've been had!

[Dulci]

... Instead, Find yourself a highly skilled, reputable nail tech who knows what she/he is doing, who cares about you and your health, will back up her or his work, knows the answers to any questions you may have, sends you home with beautiful nails that you're proud to show off. If you'd like to find a good reputable nail technician in your area, I'd be happy to help you!

Just a word of warning, just because they have a license, doesn't mean they are skilled. I take great pride in my work and continue my education by attending classes as often as I can. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

Hello April00, you sound like you really know your stuff! So, how do you go about finding a good nail tech? Are there certain things to look for in the phone book ad, or special questions to ask? I am totallly clueless, but interested...

[April00]

Hi Dulci...
I network with a group of excellent ladies (and men) who are all nail techs from around the world. We really take this stuff seriously, as lame as that may sound, but we are a competitive bunch who are out to prove ourselves, focus on our skills, and educate not only ourselves, but our clients as well.

One of the things that really gets under our skin is the discount salons that seem to be on every street corner and every walmart. They use filthy implements and files to work on your nails, often apply acrylics incorrectly, overfiling the nails, and misuse electric files. :evileye: They use products that are harmful to their clients with no regard of the effects it could possibly have on them. I have had many customers come to me that have been such places with horrible damage to their nails. The sad part is, the customers are led to believe that this is "normal" and is just part of having acrylics done. It really gives the nail industry a bad name. :pissed:

One of our networking groups' major goals is to focus on what's best for our customers and give them the beautiful nails they want, not to think of how much money we can make by ripping people off. :innocent:

If you are really interested in more, contact me at nailnut88@aol.com. I'll be happy to help you find a reputible tech in your area. :grinhappy:

[summer-time]

Hi Dulci...
I network with a group of excellent ladies (and men) who are all nail techs from around the world. We really take this stuff seriously, as lame as that may sound, but we are a competitive bunch who are out to prove ourselves, focus on our skills, and educate not only ourselves, but our clients as well.

One of the things that really gets under our skin is the discount salons that seem to be on every street corner and every walmart. They use filthy implements and files to work on your nails, often apply acrylics incorrectly, overfiling the nails, and misuse electric files. :evileye: They use products that are harmful to their clients with no regard of the effects it could possibly have on them. I have had many customers come to me that have been such places with horrible damage to their nails. The sad part is, the customers are led to believe that this is "normal" and is just part of having acrylics done. It really gives the nail industry a bad name. :pissed:

One of our networking groups' major goals is to focus on what's best for our customers and give them the beautiful nails they want, not to think of how much money we can make by ripping people off. :innocent:

If you are really interested in more, contact me at nailnut88@aol.com. I'll be happy to help you find a reputible tech in your area. :grinhappy:





I know your talking about acrylics but do you know about fiberglass nails.
I used to get those, and I'd be interested in any information you may have about them and what to look for with a skilled nail tech.
Thanks :)

[April00]

I think you might be referring to what we were taught in school as "wraps". Is the fiberglass you're speaking of a peice of actual "fabric" that is put over your entire nail? In school we did fiberglass wraps, silk wraps and linen wraps - all were done with the fabric mentioned and a glue system. They're nice if done right. Not too many techs do them though. As far as finding a reputible tech, if you give me your area I can check around for you.

[summer-time]

I think you might be referring to what we were taught in school as "wraps". Is the fiberglass you're speaking of a peice of actual "fabric" that is put over your entire nail? In school we did fiberglass wraps, silk wraps and linen wraps - all were done with the fabric mentioned and a glue system. They're nice if done right. Not too many techs do them though. As far as finding a reputible tech, if you give me your area I can check around for you.


She did use what appeared to be a fabric "netting" if that makes sense, and a nail tip, it didn't go all the way down the nail bed- half way. Then she's cut the tip down, shape it and brush on a clear liquid glue. Then she'd do a top coat, two coats of color, then a quick dry top coat.

I have never had gel, or acrylic nails- I need something really strong and they told me fiberglass nails were the strongest- is that true? If not which type is the strongest ?

I live in Gillette, Wyoming , when I had the fiberglass nails I was living in Casper Wyoming.


What concernes me is, I was talking to a lady who I noticed had her nails done, the bottom of one nail was lifting or coming up nearest the cuticle.
I didn't say anything but they are not supposed to do that-correct?

That said, I don't know how skilled the nail techs are in my area.

[April00]

Yeah from what you described, it sounded like she did a fiberglass wrap on you. I wouldn't say they are the strongest of enhancements, no. They can be quite flimsy and as you saw, the bottom can start to lift away from the cuticle. Fiberglass gels are attached to the nail with a resin (glue) and we all know that over time, glue will break down in water, causing the material to lift from the nail. Also, if your tech is not careful and gets glue on your skin while doing this service, this can also make the fiberglass lift from the nail bed.
Fiberglass wraps are nice if you are trying to add a little strength to your natural nail, but they aren't really recommended for long term wear or known for their durability. They require maintenance as well - a fill is needed about every 2 weeks to cover the gap where the nail has grown at the cuticle area.

I think acrylic nails are the most durable, followed by gels, and then wraps.
In the nail world, not too many people really do wraps anymore.

I did a search and didn't find a tech in WY for you yet, but Ill keep looking. :grinhappy:

[summer-time]

Yeah from what you described, it sounded like she did a fiberglass wrap on you. I wouldn't say they are the strongest of enhancements, no. They can be quite flimsy and as you saw, the bottom can start to lift away from the cuticle. Fiberglass gels are attached to the nail with a resin (glue) and we all know that over time, glue will break down in water, causing the material to lift from the nail. Also, if your tech is not careful and gets glue on your skin while doing this service, this can also make the fiberglass lift from the nail bed.
Fiberglass wraps are nice if you are trying to add a little strength to your natural nail, but they aren't really recommended for long term wear or known for their durability. They require maintenance as well - a fill is needed about every 2 weeks to cover the gap where the nail has grown at the cuticle area.

I think acrylic nails are the most durable, followed by gels, and then wraps.
In the nail world, not too many people really do wraps anymore.

I did a search and didn't find a tech in WY for you yet, but Ill keep looking. :grinhappy:






Ok I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't clear. When I lived in Casper, Wyoming I had my nails done with fiberglass, I never had a problem with them, and I really liked them.


Now I live in Gillette,Wyoming I have not had my nails done here. I was talking to a woman here in this town about two weeks ago, she had her nails done, one of her nails was uplifting at the cuticle. I didn't ask her where she had her nails done, but now I'm concerned about finding a skilled nail tech.

[April00]

OH Ok. I gotcha now. Lifting should never be so prominent where you would notice it from just looking at her nails. If it is, then that's a really bad nail job! The acrylic was probably applied way too thick at the cuticle area and too close to the skin, which would cause lifting. Might have been a good idea to ask her where she got them done just so you'd know NOT to go there. :happy:

Here are some tips from my website:

For Clients: How to Choose a Quality Nail Salon

1. Are the salon and individual workstations clean? Does your nail technician observe proper sanitation practices?
Before the nail technician begins your service, you should both wash your hands. The towel at the table should be clean, and all the instruments to be used in the service should have been disinfected. Don't be afraid to ask your nail technician how the instruments have been disinfected. (They should be using a hospital grade disinfectant). If the files, drill bits, buffer blocks, or any implement they use on you looks dirty, tell them you've changed your mind and walk away. It is against state regulation to use dirty implements on anyone. It's also pretty disgusting!

2. What is included in the price of the service?
Many salons provide all-inclusive service prices; some salons charge a-la-carte. Be sure you understand exactly what services are performed for the price. For example, is polish extra? Is top coat or fast dry extra? Will you be charged for broken nails?

3. Did the nail technician explain the service to you, ask you questions about your needs, and inform you of proper home care?
There have been so many advancements in artificial nail products that nail technicians can make the most natural-looking nails in the world, but artificial nails aren't for everyone. Your nail technician should ask you about your needs and explain the at-home maintenance you should do to care for your nails. You should also share pertinent medical information with her (certain medications, for example, can hinder the application of certain nail products).

4. Does the salon have a strong odor?
There is an odor associated with some artifical nail products, bu there is no danger to customers smelling it during their service. However, an overpowering odor can be an indication of an inadequate ventilation system in the salon. Ask your nail technician or the salon owner what is done in the salon to minimize exposure to odors, vapors, and filing dust for customer comfort.

5. Does the technician use a drill or electric file?
Drills (or electric files) are commonly used in the nail industry, and, when used properly, are perfectly safe. You should not feel any pain or burning when the drill is being used; if you experience any discomfort, tell your nail technician immediately. The only time a drill should be used on the natural nail is with a buffer (no grit).

6. Is the nail technician and the salon licensed?
All states except Alaska, Connecticut, Nebraska and Utah require licenses for nail technicians, and most states require that the license be displayed for customers to see.

7. What products are used in the salon?
Most salons use products that are for professionals only, and your nail technican should be able to explain what products she uses and why. There have been great advances in nail chemistry in the last 10 years, but some salons still use chemicals whose use in nail care is not recommended, specifically, a product called methyl methacrylate (MMA).

8. What if you have a problem with your nails?
Good communication between nail professional and customer is essential, so if you are not happy with your service or your nails, talk to your nail technician or the salon owner about it. Your nail technician should be able to easily answer any concerns you may have.



Ok, now here's some info from my friend's website that should be considered as well:


Nail technicians across the country and around the world have been commenting that some salons are "duping" their clients by stating they are receiving a special service and charging more money when in reality they are getting a very common normal service with a fancy name at an inflated price. You need to understand the basic types of fingernail enhancement services and their differences to know what you are paying for:


1. Acrylic is a liquid & powder mixed applied with a brush that will harden (cure) with no lamps in 2 minutes or less.
2. Gel is a pre mixed acrylic in a gel like state that almost always needs to be cured under a UV lamp. Acrylic usually has an odor while gels are odorless. Gels often will cost slightly more than acrylic.
3. Silk (interchangeable with fiberglass and sometimes linen) is applied with resin (glue) and sometimes glue & acrylic powder (Dip System).
4. Acrylic Dips is the use of resin applied to the nail, then dipped or sprinkled with acrylic powder.
5. Crystal nails is any type of enhancement done with CLEAR acrylic, gel or resin either with clear tips or sculpted.

Examples of typical scams include:
* SOLAR NAILS - Solar Nails is a Brand Name Acrylic product. It is manufactured by Creative Nail Design. It is a true acrylic and nothing more.
* GEL NAILS - are exactly what it says, Gel. There is No liquid and powder mixture at all in the process of the application.
* CRYSTAL NAILS - simply a clear tip with clear acrylic overlayed on the entire enhancement.
* PORCELAIN NAILS - are the name that acrylic nails originally had.
* DIAMOND NAILS - this is a dipping system from the brand Dimond Nails.
* BAIT & SWITCH - salons will have three jars on the table, possibly hand labeled. One says acrylic, one says gel, and one says fiberglass. They are all acrylic, but the consumer will be told fiberglass and gel are better for their nails and cost more
* NONE of the above services are anything special, nor should they incur any additional cost.

There are 2 types of acrylic liquid monomer used in our industry:
1. EMA - Ethyl Methacrylate
2. MMA - Methyl Methacrylate
- The FDA, as far back as early 1970's, has stated, and still states, that MMA is a poisonous and deleterious substance and should not be used in liquid acrylic monomer for nail products.
- MMA is a very hard substance when cured (dry). Removal and maintenance of a MMA enhancement usually involves the use of a drill (electric file or e-file). E-files, when used by a technician who has been fully trained, are not dangerous or harmful to the natural nail plate. However, many who use this tool are untrained and have been known to cause pain and excessive damage to the nail plate by drilling into the nail plate, sometimes THROUGH the nail plate into the nail bed (sometimes this causes permanent damage).
- When a nail enhancement of MMA is banged or knocked, it has little to no flexibility and will break severely, often taking the nail plate with it. EMA is formulated to be flexible, the enhancement will break or crack, sometimes the nail will break off, but will not usually damage the nail plate.
- MMA does not soak off easily or in a reasonable length of time, causing undue exposure to acetone while soaking. Most Non-Standard Salons (NSS) will simply RIP the nails off or pry them off causing extreme damage to the natural nail plate. EMA should take about 20 minutes or less to soak off, while MMA will take two or more hours to remove by soaking in acetone.
- To make MMA adhere well to the nail, overly rough preparation methods are used. The nail plate is "roughed up" with a coarse file or an electric file, creating in effect, a shag carpet look to the nail plate, giving the MMA something to adhere to. This process thins and weakens the nail plate allowing more chemicals to be absorbed through the weakened nail plate during application and curing time. All acrylic enhancements, while hard enough to file in 1-4 minutes, continue to cure for as long as 36-48 hours after application.

Warning signs of MMA use:
1. MMA has an unusually strong or strange odor which doesn't smell like other acrylic liquids. Odor is present during application and when filing cured product (for fill or repairs).
2. Enhancements which are extremely hard and very difficult to file even with coarse abrasives.
3. Enhancements that will not soak off in solvents designed to remove acrylics.
4. Cloudy or milky color when cured.

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

[summer-time]

OH Ok. I gotcha now. Lifting should never be so prominent where you would notice it from just looking at her nails. If it is, then that's a really bad nail job! The acrylic was probably applied way too thick at the cuticle area and too close to the skin, which would cause lifting. Might have been a good idea to ask her where she got them done just so you'd know NOT to go there. :happy:






I will ask from now on, but I was not in a situation where I could ask.



Thank you for the information on nail service. :)

[snowbear]

April, you really seem to know your stuff! Might I ask what's available in the San Fernando Valley area of California?

[Delenn]

I've had acrylics a few times in the past and the only time I had good results is when I had them done completely by hand... no powertools. My nails are paper thin to begin with and I've had the grinders just about go completely through, I didn't notice at the time when she did it but as soon as she put down the new acrylic I almost hit the ceiling from the burning. Needless to say I never went back to that shop, that was so incredibly painful and it took forever to recover.

Years ago I used to have mine done completely by hand, it's more expensive and takes longer but for someone like me it's worth it. Right now it's not really a priority for me so I've just been keeping my natural nails somewhat short but polished.

[April00]

Snowbear,
I havent found anyone specifically yet for you. Have you tried doing a google search? I would just recommend staying away from the mall shops, non-english speaking shops and the Walmarts nail salons. Dont be afraid to ask questions and get a tour of the place first. Make sure it's clean and ask them how they disinfect their implements.