|
|
 |
How do I know if my nail technician uses MMA?
- Methyl methacrylate (MMA) has a distinctive strong fruity odor. There are
other indicators that might help you determine if a salon is using MMA.
- Strong odor that physically affects you. Beauty services involving
chemicals often have offensive odors, like perms. However, while the smell
may offend you, it should not physically affect you. If you experience any
tightness in your throat or chest, tingling in your fingers,
lightheadedness, dizziness, or an odd taste in your mouth, it is possible
that MMA is being used.
- No manufacturer’s labeled containers -- your technician should show you
what products they are using on you. If the acrylic liquid is not kept in a
manufacturer’s labeled container or if it is in a gallon jug, ask what it
is. If you do not receive a satisfactory answer, leave the salon.
- Price -- While this is not always the case, low prices can be an indicator
that the salon uses MMA. MMA is considerably less expensive to purchase than
the safer alternative EMA. If MMA is being used, a low price will usually
follow, but that is not necessarily always the case.
- In an acrylic nail service, the product that is required most is liquid.
If the liquid costs around $200 per gallon, how can the salon keep their
prices so low, especially if they are located in a high rent shopping
center? The most costly expenses in owning a salon are rent, salaries, and
products. If the prices are low, where are they cutting costs? Are they
compromising safety by using unlicensed operators? Are they using less
expensive products that are not safe just to keep costs down? ASK THEM.
- Physical reaction -- If your fingers burn, itch or hurt after receiving
nail services, this can indicate MMA exposure. Beauty services are not
a no-pain-no-gain arena. We hear of consumers who, when asked if their
fingers hurt after getting acrylic nails, say yes, but only for a couple of
days. Ask yourself, if you went to a hair salon and got your hair colored or
permed and your head hurt, but only for a couple of days, would you go back?
No, you would not. It is not normal for your fingers to hurt after
professional services.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cell
Phone
Manicurist