Tag: nails

NailMua: MMA vs. EMA

Brief overview of the risk that comes with using acrylic products that contain MMA.

MMA vs. EMA

So there is this on going issue in the nail industry: MMA(Methyl MethAcrylate) vs. EMA(Ethyl MethAcrylate). A lot of articles and information can be very helpful in theory, but how can you tell if you have come into contact with MMA products.

Look, lets get real:

Not all nail techs and acrylic producing companies are telling the truth about the products they create, sell and use on clients.

The 411:

How can you protect yourself and your clients from MMA exposure?

First of all, test the products. Mix the monomer with the acrylic powder. Let it harden and then let it soak in acetone to see if the product dissolves. If the product dissolves, then the acrylic product is safe, EMA. If it does not dissolve, its MMA. Do this in front of clients to inform them.

MMA was developed for use in the dental industry. However, they use it in a lab with proper ventilation when filling the molds sent in by the dental office. This is okay because once the product has hardened, it is no longer harmful.

Now, imagine this product on the nail. As a nail tech, I can tell you first hand it is very difficult to remove acrylic MMA because it doesn’t dissolve and there is a lot of filing and usually causes damage. Very uncomfortable for clients. EMA dissolves in acetone and easily files off. The odor of the liquid monomer is very STRONG, which is damaging and unsafe for breathing. It is also banned by the FDA. Clients who I have come to me to have MMA removed from nails, tell me they felt betrayed and lied to, which is never good. If you run into this situation as a tech, reassuring them to rebuild trust can ease any tension the previous experience might have caused.

Recap:

Best advice: research and test acrylic before using is on clients. Take special care when removing MMA from nail to prevent damage, since it does not dissolve in acetone. Finally, educate clients about MMA to avoid and protect yourself, co-workers and clients from harmful side effects.

Let me know what your experiences have been with acrylic services, feedback, communication and education are key in preventing harmful and illegal salon products and services.

Thank you for reading!

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NailMua: Salon Services

List of nail services provided by nail technicians in salons across the globe.

So I haven’t been able to post in a while but not to worry the #contentqueen has been working hard and taking insight from nail techs from across the globe.

The foundation of the education is important. I find that a lot of my clients are not educated well enough on the range of services a nail tech can offer them.

Below, I’ve listed a variety of options available:

  1. Manicure: a basic manicure consist of filing, buffing and shaping nails. Cutting the cuticles is an option that should always be discussed. There are two types: Wet and Dry.
  2. Pedicure: Same as manicure but performed on feet.
  3. Polish: there are so many options for natural nails. Regular polish is the traditional polish that removes easily. Gel Polish is cured under a UV lamp.
  4. Acrylic Overlay: is the liquid and powder combination that turns into a durable layer to protect nails. Regular polish or Gel Polish can be used over finished acrylic. Colored acrylic is an option.
  5. Liquid Gel Overlay: also known as hard gel overlay, comes in a gel form. It is thicker than gel polish and becomes a durable overlay. Must be cured under UV lamp to harden. Can be polished and colored gel is an option.
  6. Nail Wraps: usually made of silk or fiber glass, comes in strips that easily adjust to nails size. Wraps are used in combination with resin glue to harden and provide thin layer of protection and can be used with any polish.
  7. Dipping Powder: comes in powdered form. Used together with bonder, liquid resin and top seal, this product creates a thin overlay leaving nails ready for polish.
  8. Polygel Overlay: this is a gel and liquid duo. Another option that can provide protection over the natural nail.

I tried to keep it short and to the point. Keep in mind that not all nail techs and salons provide all of the services mentioned above. Ask around in your city and find a tech that specializes in the nail services you prefer.

Thank you for reading!

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Twitter & IG: @NailMua 💋💅🏿

NailMua: Liquid Gel Experience

So I’m super love with my #pinkandwhite #french #liquidgel #overlay. I got them done at #GablesNails in #Miami. It was my first experience receiving #liquidservice

Process:

  1. file & prep nail surface for product application
  2. apply base gel layer
  3. apply builder gel
  4. apply high gloss top layer

As a #nailtech, I’ve had every service, and I must say this #liquidgel is by far my preferred #nail #manicure.

Benefits:

  • light weight
  • more durable than acrylic
  • longer last
  • less harsh on nails
  • no smell

A good #liquidgel #overlay should set you back about $60 for a full set and about $40 for a refill…but defiantly well worth it!

So head over to 1940 ponce de leon blvd, #miami, Fl 33134 to try #liquidgel for yourself!

Thanks for reading!

Twitter: @nailmua

IG: @nailmua ; @gablesnails