What is MMA?
Methyl
methacrylate, or MMA, originated in the dental
industry for making crowns and bridges. It is also
used as bone cement by
orthopedic surgeons during
joint replacement procedures, in some flooring
products, resins, and Plexiglas. This chemical was
not designed to come in contact with skin or nails.
Did you ever had to wait for a permanent crown to be
made in a lab? The reason for this is that MMA,
while in a liquid state, should be used in a
controlled laboratory environment by properly
trained technicians. Once MMA is not dangerous when
it has hardened.
In the late 1960s and 70's, some nail technicians
began using MMA for acrylic nail services because it
was much less expensive than the safer alternative,
ethyl methacrylate Due to numerous consumer
complaints, the FDA determined that any manufacturer
who used MMA in nail products was using a 'poisonous
and deleterious substance,' and in 1974 took action
against a manufacturer for doing so.
MMA is not recommended for use in acrylic nail
products because it is much too hard, and can tear
the nail off the finger easily. It is also solvent
resistant, which makes it very difficult to remove.
It takes a long time to remove MMA when soaking in
acetone. Many technicians damage the nail plate when
prepping for MMA, since that product needs grooves
in the nail in order to stick well. A technician
should always protect and preserve the natural nail
under any enhancement product. And, finally, MMA
should not be used in nail products because the FDA
has determined that it is not safe for that purpose.
How to tell the
difference !
Some ways of telling whether a manicurist is using
methyl methacrylate (MMA):
Because safer chemicals are more expensive, acrylic
nails should cost between $30 and $60 a set. MMA
nails usually cost $25 or less.
MMA has a super-strong, sweet, fruity smell that is
distinct from other acrylics, causing some salon
technicians to wear a mask.
The manicurist has to severely abrade the surface of
the nail until it is rough enough for the MMA to
stick.
MMA nails are almost impossible to get off, even
after soaking them in acetone for hours. Often, the
manicurist has to grind the MMA nail down to the
real nail.
MMA nails are very hard and difficult to file.
