Why and How To Avoid Any Nail Products With MMA

The harmful ingredient to look out for

Nails| November 8, 2021

Getting your nails done should be a harmless, relaxing experience. Sadly, there is an ingredient called MMA that is there to ruin that. Many might not know that you could potentially suffer from harmful effects when getting your nails done with products that contain MMA.

So now we will ensure that you don’t encounter buying any nail products that contain MMA or paying for nail services that use MMA. With the information below, you will know everything you will need to know about this ingredient.

What Is MMA
What MMA Can Do To Your Skin
Why It Is Used In Some Nail Salons
Where Is MMA Illegal
When To Expect MMA Is Being Used
How To Find Out If You Are Wearing MMA Nails

What Is MMA

Let’s begin with understanding a little more about what MMA is and the history behind it. MMA stands for Methyl Methacrylate, and it is a compound used in the dental industry. The monomer MMA liquid and the pre-polymerized MMA powder are mixed together to create dentures and crowns.

In the 1970s, it was introduced to the nail industry, and its use has continued since then. What you should know is the two types of acrylic liquids and powders used in nail salons. You already know about MMA, but the other type is Ethyl Methacrylate (EMA).

Which is safer to use than MMA!

What MMA Can Do To Your Skin

There was a reason why people began to complain to the FDA about the use of MMA because what it can do to your skin and nails is horrible. You may have come into contact with this ingredient if you are experiencing:

Skin sensitization (a tingling or numbness sensation)
Drowsiness
Nail damage or deformities
Redness and swelling
Nail discoloration (yellowing)
Irritation
Fungal or bacteria infections
Dizziness
Respiratory problems (eye, nose, and throat irritation )
Shaky hands

There is also a chance of losing your entire fingernail or parts of it because of how strong the bond between the MMA acrylic and your nail bed can be.

If you are wearing acrylic nails, remove the nails as soon as possible if you begin to experience any of these symptoms or if you suspect that MMA was used. I experienced this after using Modelones polygel. As soon as I felt some skin sensitization and got a fungal infection, I quickly removed the nails.

In my review, I describe in detail what happened to my skin and nails.

Why It Is Used In Some Nail Salons

So you may be wondering if MMA can cause potential harm to your nails, then why do some nail salons still use it? The answer is simple, MMA nail products are cheaper, and when the acrylic set it becomes very hard.

In comparison to EMA, which is the safer alternative, but it is more expensive. Cheaper nail salons tend to use MMA to keep their prices low, and since these products tend to set harder, it is assumed that they will last longer.

The idea is that they and you are getting a deal.

Where Is MMA Illegal

At the same time, MMA was introduced to the nail industry, people complained to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after receiving harmful effects from using nail products that contain this ingredient.

So eventually, the FDA made a statement that MMA was not to be used in nail salons. Even with that statement, it is still not completely banned in the US. It is up to each state to regulate the use of it in nail salons. As of now, 38 states have banned the use of MMA.

For those that live in Canada and New Zealand, you may be pleased to know that MMA is banned in these countries. It is known that it is not banned in Australia because it is said that it can be used safely.

When To Expect MMA Is Being Used

To protect yourself from, this ingredient it would be best to know some tell-tell signs when nail salons are using them. Sign number one is when you notice almost all of the nail technicians are wearing masks. Keep in mind that there could be other reasons why they are wearing them, so use the other signs with this one to justify your suspicion.

Upon looking at the prices of services, and you notice that they are significantly low compared to other nail salon prices, that can also be a sign. As I said earlier, MMA is cheaper than EMA (the better product). MMA is about a quarter of the price of EMA.

Pay attention to those containers

Let’s say you decide to get your nail done, and as the nail tech is bringing out all the necessary products, you notice that they are in unlabeled containers with no description of the ingredients. As a customer, you know it is your right to know what will be applied to your nails, so you ask your nail technician what is in the products.

If your nail technician gives you a vague description of the ingredients or simply can’t tell you because they don’t know, then see that as another sign. There is a chance that the business will use a container from a reputable company and refill it with a cheaper brand that uses MMA.

In that case, use the following few signs to help you determine the use of MMA.

Use your sensory senses (sight and smell)

People say it is a dangerous warning sign if the nail tech uses an electric file on your natural nails. With this sign, I don’t think you can consider this to be true at all times because sometimes that is just a chosen technique.

If you begin to smell a strong unpleasant odor from the acrylic products, you should suspect that it is being used. After the application, you may notice that the nails are not flexible, and after a week of wearing them, they turn yellow.

Now that it is time to take them off, you may notice that they take longer to remove, so it can take up to 2 hours to soak them off, or an electric drill is needed to remove them.

So if you notice any of these signs, please avoid going to that nail salon or using that specific product.

How To Find Out If You Are Wearing MMA Nails

Let’s say that you already got your nails done but are unsure if your nails contain MMA, then use this method to take off the acrylic nails with this simple test.

Buff off the shiny layer of your acrylic nails
Dip your nails into 100% Acetone nail polish remover for 30 seconds
After 30 seconds, look at your nails

If the nail begins to break down, then you have EMA nails.

If the acrylic was left unchanged, then you have MMA nails.

Takeaways

To protect yourself from harmful chemicals, it is always best to know what is in the products you are using. Keep in mind that Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) is not illegal everywhere, so use your best judgment and don’t be afraid to ask what is being used.

You want to look for transparency when it comes to using any product or paying for any service. When it comes to a nail salon, all names of containers should be clearly labeled with all the ingredients listed. Even if you are buying a nail product, you should easily find the list of ingredients.

Having pretty nails shouldn’t result in having a bad reaction.