What is Shellac? TOP
Shellac is a breakthrough, patent-pending UV3 technology that combines the ease of polish with the permanence of gels. No other products in the market can stand up to the claim – on like polish, wears like gel, off in minutes.
What can I expect to pay for a Shellac service in a salon? TOP
The service price for Shellac will vary depending on the price structure & profile of the salon. Salons in most markets will position Shellac as an upgrade to existing services, charging at least 50% more.
Is the Shellac formula “3-Free”? TOP
Yes. Shellac does not include Formaldehyde, Toluene or DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate).
Is Shellac hypo-allergenic? TOP
Yes, a low level of photo-initiators are utilized in Shellac. Photo-initiators can lead to sensitivity with some clients.
Is there any odor to Shellac? TOP
A slight odor may be noticeable upon application but not as strong as nail polish. After curing in the lamp, residual odor does not remain.
Does Shellac removal damage the natural nail? TOP
No. Shellac was developed and tested for years to perfect every aspect of the Shellac process, including removal.
Will Shellac last longer than 14 days? TOP
Yes, however you will notice a “line of demarcation” as your natural nail grows away from the cuticle. It is recommended that you adhere to a 14 day re-application appointment, as the adhesion will increase if worn past this point, making the removal process a little more lengthy.
Will soaps or other personal grooming products affect the wearability of Shellac? TOP
No. Shellac was developed and tested to withstand the rigors of daily wear.
Are there any negative side effects of the frequency of removal with Shellac? TOP
No, not as long as the system is being used correctly.
Can Shellac be used over my enhancements (Liquid & Powder and Gel)? TOP
Your Nail Professional can incorporate a Shellac service with both Liquid & Powder and Gel enhancement services.
Can I remove my own Shellac? TOP
No. To ensure the health of the natural nail, Shellac is a professional only service and only trained Nail Professionals should apply & remove Shellac.
What is MMA? Methylmethacrylate TOP
Methyl Methacrylate is an ingredient that was commonly used in early "nail porcelains."
In the early 1970’s, the Food and Drug Administration received numerous complaints of personal injuries associated with the use of acrylic monomer formulated with MMA.
The reports included serious nail damage or loss, contact dermatitis, organ damage from long term use, soreness and infection due to breaks caused by rigidly adhered acrylic.
By the end of the 1970’s, the FDA had taken action against several manufacturers that marketed MMA liquid monomers. Since the FDA does not review or approve cosmetics before they go to market - only taking legal action if a product poses a safety problem - certain disreputable manufacturers continue to formulate products with MMA.
Most main stream acrylic manufacturers use a product called EMA or Ethyl Methacrylate which has been deemed much safer for use in the beauty industry. With the surge in salon growth and many salons looking to cut costs of supplies MMA has shown it's ugly head again. (MMA is 1/6th the price of EMA.)
Recently articles have appeared in newspapers and industry gossip has said that if consumers want the salon to use MMA on their nails because it will last longer.... what is the big deal? Well the big deal is...we do not know how much internal organ damage, respiratory, eye damage & allergic responses etc... MMA does and at what speed it happens....but it does happen...make no mistake about it. I was outraged when I read an article from a consumer in a New Hampshire newspaper claim it was her right to have MMA applied to her nails if she wished it. How irresponsible of her!
Getting MMA out of the salons and off clients hands will take the combined effort of state regulators, salons and consumers. In lieu of federal intervention, there are steps salons can take to discourage the use of products formulated with MMA. While the industry waits for the FDA to put more force behind the MMA issue, many manufacturers are addressing the dangers.
How do I know if a salon is using products containing MMA? TOP
MMA Acrylic nails are difficult or impossible to remove.
Once hardened through polymerization, acrylic nails made with MMA monomer are solvent resistant. It can take two hours or more to dissolve when immersed in a solvent, whereas nail products made with EMA take only 20 to 30 minutes to dissolve. To speed up the removal process, the salon may choose to use an electric drill or extremely coarse file to remove the MMA acrylic. Since it may be difficult to see where the nail has grown, the chance of filing into the natural nail are great, often leaving behind a damaged, thin nail plate leading to permanent nail deformities. I would recommend filing the product thin and leave the remaining layer on until it grows out. Once the product is cured there is no danger to the client and would create less damage to the nail in the long run.
An unusually powerful, noxious odor.
Volatility is what gives acrylic products their characteristic odors. Smaller methacrylate molecules are more volatile, producing a much stronger odor. MMA is the smallest methacrylate molecule used, hence the powerful odors associated with these illegal nail products. The safe Ethyl Methacrylate (EMA) used in many of today’s mainstream acrylics are also has small molecules and a strong smell, though not as small as the MMA variety.
Low priced full sets and fills
The cost of a gallon of MMA liquid monomer ranges from $9.00 to $22.00. The cost of EMA liquid monomer ranges from $189 to $219 per gallon. For discount salons, cost outweighs the safety factors. While MMA monomer may cost less to buy, the health risks are more costly in the long run. The sad thing is many times the salon techs have no idea that the MMA liquid is dangerous or that is, in fact, what they are using. The owner normally pours the gallon into yorker bottles with no labels or they pour them in name brands like OPI or Creative Nail that way the techs, inspectors and clients don’t know what kind of product they are using.
What happens when a salon tests positive for MMA containing products?
Salons that are identified as using MMA products are at risk for citation, fines and even loss of licensing. However it is extremely difficult to cite salons unless inspectors can find "dental monomer: containers. Many salons hide the containers in the back, or refill brand containers.
Are you concerned that you have been exposed to MMA? TOP
MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) is a liquid monomer deemed poisonous and dangerous by the FDA and is now being used improperly in the beauty industry for artificial nail applications in some salons.
Indications that MMA has been used on you! TOP
- Operators Most Often Wear Masks (FDA has deemed this substance poisonous)
- Drill Use should never be damaging or painful. Drills are always used with MMA.
- Operators/Owners/Management are secretive about product brand names
- Distinctly different odor from regular nail acrylic
- Usually low service pricing (MMA Liquid costs $20 a gallon. Industry approved Acrylic Liquid cost $200 a gallon)
- Artificial Surface will not release under extreme pressure (MMA nails rarely lift or break and will take the nail plate off the nail bed if enough pressure is applied to break it.)
Other Important Factors to Consider when choosing a Salon - All operators must be licensed and the license should be visibly posted
- Proper Sanitation Methods should be used
- Inquires should be answered in a professional and educated manner
Salons using MMA will probably not inform you of the potential dangers. We the professional salons in your area want you, the consumer to understand the importance of this issue.
