Kay’s curious: What are the dangers of using acrylic and tips?
The Left Brain responds:
The good news is, overall, it’s pretty uncommon for acrylic nails to cause significant health problems. Of course, that’s assuming that the technicians are careful and have properly sterilized their instruments. Nonetheless, there’s still cause for concern. From Dermatology Times, here are four dangers of acrylic nails:
1. Nasty nail abuse
Mistreating your artificial nails can have serious consequences. It’s particularly bad to make the mistake of using your nails as a tool. According to Zoe Draelos, M.D., a High Point, N.C., dermatologist “Some of those nail sculptures are so rigid that a lot of people will use them, for instance, to clean things or as some type of screwdriver. The problem, says Dr Draelos, is that “the bond between the artificial nail and the real nail is stronger than the bond between the real nail and the nail bed, so it rips the nail from the nail bed, and that creates a space for which infection can occur.”
2. Chemical calamity
Chemical allergens used in acrylic nails and nail polishes can also cause problems. The top offenders: formaldehyde (which is used to crosslink polymers), methyl methacrylate (the resin that make up the bulk of the nail); and the tiny metal balls in the bottom of your bottle of nail polish. (That’s because the balls can contain traces of nickel, a known allergen.
3. Cursed UV cure
Gel-sculptured nails (the kind that requires curing with a UV light) can be problematic for people who are on photosensitizing medications. Dr. Draelos warns that “if a customer is taking something like tetracycline, which can sensitize them to light, there could potentially be a phototoxic reaction in the nail bed if the sculptured nails are cured under a bright light.”
4. Perilous polish removal
Nail polish removers can be damaging to (real and artificial!) because of their drying effect. Once the nail is dried out it can easily peel and crack. Dr. Draelos recommends using nail polish remover only every other week – which means you should do a good job of applying polish so it lasts.
Source: Dermatology Times
What do you think? Are fake nails worth tempting fate? Leave a comment and share your worst nail nightmare.
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I am a soon to graduate nail tech. I have developed an allergy to acrylic (methacrylate) from overexposure. This has left me unable to perform any service involving acrylic. I hope to be able to take my state board test. I will be exposing myself to the thing to which I am allergic in order to gain my license.
I have worn acrylic nails for years, I have never had a problem. I get repairs and fillins every 2-3 weeks.
I think as long as you understand they are high maintenance and you keep up with it, they are fine. They are definitely not a temporary thing like a press-on nail. A lot of women get them for an event like a wedding and don’t understand that they really aren’t good if you just want them for a few weeks. It’s too damaging to the nail to just have them for a short period of time.
I used to have acrylics, and twice I got a nail fungus, which basically looked like a dark spot on my nail. It was easily treated with an anti-fungal gel, but you have to wait for the dark spot to grow out. Not so cute.
The thing I really hated about acrylics are that they have to grind your real nail to make the acrylic adhere. That means if you want to remove them and go back to natural nails, you’ll have a period of time, depending on how quickly they grow, where your nails just look terrible. They are scratched up and ground-down, they break down to the quick. It’s really bad-looking and pretty painful. I won’t get acrylics done ever again, just to avoid the grow out period.
The damage to your nails is the fault of the nail tech not the acrylic. Grinding or etching of the natural nail is not necessary to make the acrylic adhere. Your nail tech should use a 240 grit file to remove the natural oils from your nail plate (also called buffing off the shine)There is never a reason to use an e-file (drill) on the natural nail. If the nail tech is using one tell them to STOP. You have a right to never have an e-file used on you. You are the client. Acrylic can be soaked off with acetone. This should leave the natural nail in good condition as long as there is no prying on the acrylic.
I Had my nails done one year ago. I got a nail infection. My nals have never been the same they have ridges in them they peel and they haven’t been healthy since. Just make sure when you go purchase your own tools and take them with you every time you go. Because half the places don’t sterilize the instruments I saw one lady use the same file on everyone. I walked out
CJ: Excellent point! Some salons use those cardboard emery boards that can’t be sterilized! Bringing your own equipment may be awkward but it’s safer.
As a licensed Nail Technician in Pennsylvania who keeps up with her education, there are some points that all of you need to understand.
That green/black spot on the nail that some of you may have gotten is NOT a fungus. Fungus is a whitish/yellowish growth UNDER the nails. The spot you described is a bacterial infection. That could have come from anything up to and including gluing the nails down if there was lifting. More times than not, it IS the fault of the tech, but there are other problems that cause this to happen. Some women who take antibiotics and wear the artificial nails are prone to get this infection. The term is pseudomonas. Mold is NOT a human pathogen and it is not a fungus. Fungus is usually seen on the toes. It can happen on the nails, but it is not as common.
It is NOT necessary to STERILIZE implements in the salon. The salon is not a sterile environment, therefore it is not necessary. If the implements are “sterilized,” then taken out of the packet, once the tech touches them, they no longer are sterile. Are the polish bottles sterile? What about the area that the client is sitting at? Is it a sterile field? No.
What IS necessary is that the tech/salon is SANITIZING the implements according to industry standards and state board recommendations.
Bring your own implements? NO!!! I would never use any implements brought to my salon. How do I know if YOU sanitized them? Did you use them on your kids or husband? I do not know that. What I DO know is that ALL my implements and files are washed and sanitized and never used from client to client.
It does not matter HOW long you have the nails on. You can wear the enhancements for a week or forever. The product, if the correct product is used, will NOT damage the nails. Nails are damaged by the person doing the nails. You CAN have an electric file used on your nails IF the tech is trained how to use it. There are bits that are made to do this. If you have a sanding band used on you that is burning your nails, then your tech is NOT educated in the use of the file. Actually, if you patronize a place that does this, you are taking a huge risk not just for your nails, but for your overall health. These people are using a DREMEL and not a file made for nails. You do NOT have to have your nails “ground down” to have the product applied. If you go to a place like that, you are going to what many call a chop shop. They chop up your nails to get the product to stick. Those places use a liquid chemical called MMA (methyl methacrylate) on your nails. MMA is BANNED by the FDA for use on any nail product. MMA is cheap. If you go to a place that has a very strong smell, uses implements from client to client, DRILLS your nails and destroys them, then you are patronizing a chop shop.
Why do you go there? Well,many go there because they are cheap. But when it comes to this, you get what you pay for. Why would anyone continue to go somewhere where they ruin your nails, cause pain and in the long run, the nails are not pretty anyway? Those places do FAKE nails. A good salon will apply artificial enhancements.
These places also make your nails very long to start out with. Then they charge you to cut them down. When getting a new full set, you should always start with a sport length and let them grow. This way you are adjusting to the length. No one can get those “talons” and use them correctly.
Overexposure is due to many of those places getting the product on the skin. Your tech should NEVER get any product on the skin. Jennie, when you take your boards, take along baking soda. Immediately wash your hands with it. The baking soda will neutralize the skin and usually prevents a reaction.
There are some products out there that you “could” use that may not cause a reaction. UV gel cured nails sometimes cause a heat sensation to those with sensitive nail beds. If your tech is well versed in gel products, then s/he will know how to prevent the heat spike. For the most part, it is not necessary to fear getting UV enhancements if on meds.
A rule of thumb: your nails are jewels, not tools. Use them wisely.
NEVER EVER use your nails as tools, especially if you get them done at one of those shops. The MMA sticks to the nails like cement and you WILL rip your nail off the nailbed with a strong trauma. This is usually when I see those who have gone to the deep discount shops–to repair their damage. (SIGH)
In the long run, if you want pretty nails from a salon that is practicing industry standard in sanitation, you are going to pay more.
When I hear that someone will never wear acrylics again, it makes me sad because I know that they have patronized one of those places. Had they come to me first, they would see that you can have a great experience and walk out with gorgeous nails. You will pay for it, but again, you get what you pay for. I use top of the line product that are FDA approved and do not contain MMA.
.
The nails need to be shredded for the MMA to stick. When these people take your nails off, do they use nippers and then tear them off? Well, that is NOT how product should be removed. This causes more damage. If you patronize a salon that follows industry standards, you will never have issues with your nails. (the bacterial infection is something that any person can get.)
Educate yourself and your friends about what salons to go to. Make sure the salon is SANITIZING your implements and uses only sanitizable and washable files. These will have mylar centers and not wood.
Go to my website and look under the heading “What Is On Your Nails?” I have links about MMA usage. I also have photos of MMA/drill damage. Happy Nailing!!!
Lynnette
http://salon29.tripod.com
It is just a basic website, but there are many links about MMA for you to read about.
Lynnette- thanks for the baking soda hint. I feel I have developed my allergy due to overexposure beacause of practicing at school. We all needed to learn so we practiced on each other. I was just the one to develop the allergy. Thanks also for putting out a professional response. You stated all the things I was thinking. You make me proud to be a nail technician. I wish everyone was as responsible as you.
Jennie,
Sure!! Anytime! You can read some of my articles in NAILS magazine. If you do not get it, subscribe now!!! It is one of the best trade mags in this industry. Of course I am biased. Really, though, if you need anything, you can contact me. I also mentor even if it is over the internet. I use Entity products, which I feel are the best on the market!
I just wish I could educate everyone about the dangers of patronizing those places. Not all salons are created equal. I hate it when I get calls from “price shoppers.” That tells me that they are used to “fake nails” that look like chicklets from an assembly line.
Also, I never have used any clients’ implements and the other thing is that I would NEVER have a box with the client’s names on them. Unless those tools are completely washed and SANITIZED before being put in back in the box, those implements are dirty. THAT is not happeing in MY salon!!!
Anyway, I believe you can link to my e-mail through the website.
Good luck on your boards!!!
Lynnette
Hi, I’m wondering if any of you could help me. I got acrylic nails today for the second time in my life and I’m in pain on all my nails! It’s hurting to do things with my fingers and it’s a throbbing pain. The place I went to was nice and the guy was so attentive to my nails. Anyway they’re really hurting and I’m worried that maybe I’m having an allergic reaction or something? How long do I “wait it out”? Thanks!
Don’t wait. Go back to the nail tech now and have them soaked off. If you are still in pain head to the Dr’s office.
Thank you, Jennie. I posted about 36 hours ago. After a few hours (overnight actually) the pain went away and I’m fine now. I asked my sister and she said the same thing happened to her and it was just stress on the nail from all the electric sanding, etc.
Angie,
There is NO way you should have pain on your nails from getting them done.
It is not “JUST STRESS ON THE NAIL” from all the electric sanding.
You have MMA on your nails from one of the chop shops. You will now have rings of fire on your nails from them destroying your nails.
Having the sanding band shred your nails is not the way a GOOD nailtech would treat you or your nails.
How cheap was the shop you went to?
You will not be able to soak off the MMA. There basically is no solvent that will completely take off the MMA.
If you go to a salon that practices industry standards, this will not happen at all, BUT, you will pay more. You will have LEGAL products used on you instead of the MMA which is banned by the FDA.
Please find a better salon that will give you the treatment you deserve.
Click on my name above and go to the page where the heading is, “What Is On YOUR Nails?” This should be an eye-opener for those who patronize chop shops. Which, BTW, are the same people who have started the lesion outbreaks by not cleaning the pedicure thrones. But that is a whole other issue!
buenos dias,
Lynnette
Hi!
I’m not a licensed technician, but I did work at an upscale, natural wellness-focused day spa for over a year and have a lot of experience and education from top of the line nail techs and stylists regarding the artificial nail topic as well as many others.
I also have been wearing acrylic nails for over a year, and have tried gel nails and ways of doing my natural nails.
It is easier for me to maintain acrylic nails – I have found a lady in the town where I work that does beautiful free form acrylics and keeps them short for me as well, since I work with my hands a lot. She has never hurt my hands, my nails are not damaged, and they grow out for about 3 weeks to a month before I need a fill.
I love nail polish, but it’s just easier to have pink and whites, and it always looks classic. I focus my fun nail colors on my toes
I was reading along and was thinking a lot of the same stuff that Lynnette said in her posts, so I’m glad she put it more professionally for you all than I could!
The important thing to remember is that these are nail ‘enhancements’, and not a replacement for your nail. Also, it is important to try to go to the same place each time or at least know what brand of product is being used so you can avoid mixing products and having the dreaded lift happen or other issues.
Treat your hands as you would treat your designer clothes and handbags, as though you spent thousands of dollars on them instead of 50.
I find that my nails and hands stay healthier and better looking when I either rub rosebud salve or Solar Oil into my cuticles every morning.
Candace,
You could not have said it better! And to suggest the cuticle oil!!! BRAVO!!!
My bottom line is this— stay away from the cheap shops that are giving the industry a bad name. I would love to see your nails! (the free form is what we call Sculptured nails–which you will never get at a chop shop!)
I wonder how many reading this will step up and stop patronizing those places and start paying more so they can have a great experience at the SALON.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
I just got my nails done for the first time for homecoming and since then my nails grew out… Well the acryic tips that I had weren’t all the way down to the cuticle so the fake nail started to pop off. When I pulled it off it took a lot of layers of real nail with it and its really flimsy and gross.
Any suggestions on fixing that nail?
I’m going to the nail salon to take off the rest of them so hopefully that will be more effective and I’ll see what they can do to fix the flimsy one
Anyone had bad reactions to gel tips. Got them on for guitar picking and soon got sick. Dizzy rapid heart rate. Very scary. Took the nails off and felt better. Acetone formaldehyde and toxic stuff in them. Be careful.
Ted,
What was the place like that you got the gel nails put on? Did they use a liquid and powder with a brush first? Please let me know. What did the place smell like?
Just a note here: water is also toxic. If you are not ingesting the product, it would be RARE that you would have a toxic reaction.
Please let me know what they did to your nails.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
I just got acrylic nails and work in the yard and paint often. Will any of the fertilizers, weed killer, paint or paint thinner ruin the acrylic?
Kristin,
The fertilizers and week killers will not damage your nails. They could leave you open for a psudonoma (bacterial infection) if you have any lifting. If you got your nails at one of those discount/chop shops, you are ripe for getting an infection. Many people call this mold and fungus of which they are NEITHER.
Paint thinner will cause a softness to occur on the nails.
Of course, if it is from a discount shop/chop shop, you most likely will not have to worry about any solvent, as there is not one available that completely dissolves MMA from the nails.
If you have on a product that the liquid is EMA, then you will have issues with the solvents.
You did not ask your nail tech about this when you got them done? If she is educated in her product, she should be able to tell you what to do.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
I also just had acrylic p+w overlays done. But I wasn’t happy about the methods used. The work station was not wiped down after previous client (I arrived early). Foot-pedal operated grinder bit was used, I asked about washing hands and was told it wasn’t needed. And some smelly liquid was put on after a little bit of “roughing up” and before the acrylic fluid/powder mix was applied. No idea if the file or the brushes were cleaned or not. Should I go to another shop to have them removed and re-applied properly? Or do I just let the nails grow out?
I also just had acrylic p+w overlays done. But I wasn’t happy about the methods used. The work station was not wiped down after previous client (I arrived early). Foot-pedal operated grinder bit was used, I asked about washing hands and was told it wasn’t needed. And some smelly liquid in a brown bottle was put on after a little bit of “roughing up” and before the acrylic fluid/powder mix was applied. No idea if the file or the brushes were cleaned or not. Should I go to another shop to have them removed and re-applied properly? Or do I just let the nails grow out? From reading this, I was apparently not in a high quality shop although it was recommended by my hairdresser.
Georgina,
Sounds like you were at a chop shop. Do not go back there. Ask your hairdresser if she recommends Quick Cuts instead of her. It is similar in theory.
You should NEVER let anyone work on you with files and implements that are not clean. Meaning not used on anyone before you.
You do not need them removed, as what they did to your nails has damaged them.
Find a GOOD salon. You will pay more, but your nails and health are worth it, aren’t they?
The “smelly brown liquid” was probably primer. Acid primer. I do not use that anymore. I use a sticky based primer, as it is much more safe if it accidentally gets on the skin. (that stuff smells like stinky feet to me!!)
I am sure that they also used MMA on your nails. From what you explained, it sounds like it.
Where are you at? I could put out and APB on a nail forum I belong to.
Hope this helps you some.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
My nails didn’t hurt or burn so I hope they are not badly damaged. The pre-acrylic bit felt like a rubber bit like an eraser and used lightly. It did sound like it could be a chop shop. Never having been to a salon I did not know what to expect. I would like to find a good safe salon to have these nails fixed maybe in a month. What do you suggest? I am in St Petersburg FL. I called the shop back today and told her half the nails are lifting on the sides because she had no cleanliness or sanitation practices and she did not do a manicure to clean my nais first. Her response was she doesn’t do a manicure before a pink and white. I told her I have called around and that she is supposed to! (I read on line that is part of the package) ?? I am also thinking of reporting the shop to somebody. I’m so annoyed at this bad first time experience.
Georgina,
I would not wait a month for this. In two weeks, your nails will have grown out enough to need a fill. Many women try to push the weeks to save money, but it is pertinent that the nails not grow out too much before the fill. If you have too much growth, you will damage your nails, as the weight of the product starts to pull on the free edge area. If you happen to bang the nails, you will most likely lose your own nail with the trauma.
You do not have to do a manicure before applying product. BUT, the nails should be prepped PROPERLY. If your prep was with a dremel, you are lucky that it did not burn or hurt. You must have armor for nailbeds!!!! (just kidding)
New clients usually get a mini mani,as I need to make sure my prep is good enough for the product to adhere.
Be careful of how you explain your lifting. Lifting will not occur due to lack of cleanliness or sanitation. It is due to improper prep and bad product or bad habits the tech has learned.
I can put out and APB for you in St. Pete’s, but isn’t that a very large city? Can you narrow it down to a ZIP code? I cannot promise to get someone, but there is a possibility.
One more thing, keep the nails at a sport length or just a bit longer than that. You do not want talons. Aside from the fact that the length could snap your nails, I find them to be quite unattractive. They scream “LOOK AT MY NAILS!” lol
buenos dias,
Lynnette
Just a note here: when I suggested to not take the nails off, I should have explained:
they probably damaged your nails enough that if you take off that product the way THEY do, then you will cause even more damage.
When I get clients that come from those places, I just file some of it off and then apply my product.
BTW- when you hand file MMA, it takes forever to file. It is hard to file. Also, you will sit for hours in 100% acetone waiting for the MMA to come off. It never will. As far as I know, there is no known solvent that completely removes MMA.
MMA is used to make Corian countertops and is used in industrial flooring glue. Who wants THAT on their nails?
buenos dias,
Lynnette
Georgina,
Here are two places I found out about. I saw you contacted another website that I subscribe to.
Here are the places:
Kathryn at Back Door Nails in Dade City, FL. We’re not too far from Tampa which is across the bay from St. Pete. Our number is 352-521-3339. I’m usually there from 10am – 7pm., Tues-Sat.
OR
Not sure of the name, but here is some info:
727-345-1933…the salon is in St. Petersburg…on Central Avenue.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
I have had fake nails for 1 month and 13 days now, and i have had NO problems with them whatsoever. I got them for my sister’s wedding on November 3rd. At least 6 people in my family got fake nails. None of us had any problem. Maybe it is different for some people, but I’m fine.
Jaklyn,
I am happy to know that you have not had any problems with your nails, but am sorry to hear that you have FAKE nails on!!!!
If you came to my salon, you would not have FAKE nails, you would have artificial enhancments.
If you are patronizing a type of shop I described in previous posts on this thread, then you do have fakes on. They are cookie cutter and all look the same.
Unfortunatly, you may not have encountered any problems–YET. MMA exposure may take YEARS to see problems. One of the common ones are either kidney or liver issues. I forget at the moment, but will be able to pull this info up when I have time.
Why do you think masks are worn by those doing those types of nails? Have they offered you any type of protection? Not that the masks offer TRUE protection, as the dust does make its’ way through to the nasal passages.
My concern is more the MMA liquid on your skin.
I sure hope you and your family members never have issues. For me, it would not be worth it to save a few bucks.
The unsuspecting public is so ignorant to the facts of MMA it is scary.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
So I have recently developed an allergy to my acrylic nails and after doing some Internet surfing have discovered that I am not alone. Was hoping someone out there could recommend a reputable salon in the Washington, DC area (Northern Virginia is ok too).
lynnette,
i was just wondering if it is okay to inhale the acrylic vapors while breastfeeding. will that somehow get into the milk and hurt my baby?
Pam,
You are probably the “victim” of overexposure. This happens when the tech is careless in applying the product. If you patronized one of the places I wrote about above, it is surely what is wrong.
You may be able to wear resin and powder on your nails instead. They are not as durable as liquid and powder, but I have had success with those who REALLY are allergic to the acrylic products.
I will put an APB out for you in case there is someone who can help you out.
Good luck in your search for a GOOD tech.
Feliz Navidad,
Lynnette
Dawn,
I know many nailtechs who worked all through their pregnancies and the babies are all fine.
I would not worry. BUT, if you are around the MMA, I would have some concerns.
Some of them also nursed and things were fine.
Are you a tech?
buenos dias,
Lynnette
lynnette,
yes i am but i am going to nursing school but i am doing it a few days for the holidays and had a baby 6 weeks ago.
Dawn,
I am sure you and the baby will be fine. Congratulations!!!
What product do you use? Just curious.
Feliz Navidad,
Lynnette
thanks…i use creative and opi.
merry christmas to u too!
dawn
Dawn,
There is a newer product on the market now that outshines those two brands.
Go to http://www.entitybeauty.com to see. I LOVE this product.
Let me know if you are interested. If you become a Member, you can use my number.
72116
Lynnette Madden
SimplyIrish1@yahoo.com
I have never worked with a product that goes on like butter and has shaved so much time off my service. The product is beautiful; does not yellow and the best part is there is NO lifting or those dreaded pocket lifting!
Feliz Navidad,
Lynnette
Hi – I am thinking about getting gel’s. Does anyone know if how sturdy these are? I work daytime as programmer and type on keyboards all day long. Additionally, I like to work in the yard, and paint alot at home. Would gels be the best fit for me? If not, can you pleas advise which nails would be best?
I just got P&W again on my nails and I couldn’t be happier with the way they look! I’ve been going to the same place for over 2 years now, and got my old stained gels soaked off and P&W put on. Now you have me concerned about whether they use this MMA stuff. The only “weird” thing they use is a primer in a brown bottle. Any advice for me?
Mara,
There is nothing weird about the primer in a brown bottle. Primer actually works like double faced tape to keep the product adhered to the nail and the nail to the product. I just prefer to NOT use the acid primers anymore.
There are ways to know if you have MMA on your nails. Go to my site: http://salon29.tripod.com and look at the link “What Is On YOUR Nails?” and read all about MMA. If you are patronizing an Asian shop, you MOST LIKELY have MMA on. Sorry, but ALL the ones in my area use it. I have been advertising for years NO MMA, and now *they* are telling people No MMA! LOLOL… they lie.
Another thing– gels do not stain. MMA turns yellow after about four weeks.
If you do not mind, tell me what steps they do for you. Do they use a large brush dipped in liquid and then in the powder? Then after you are done all that you go under a light?
Please tell me your steps.
You can write to me at
Lynnette59@tmo.blackberry.net
(be sure to use TWO N’s in my name)
I want to help you out.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
Hi – I am thinking about getting gel’s. Does anyone know if how sturdy these are? I work daytime as programmer and type on keyboards all day long. Additionally, I like to work in the yard, and paint alot at home. Would gels be the best fit for me? If not, can you pleas advise which nails would be best?
Jamie,
That would depend on if you are getting TRUE gels. Many Asian shops advertise gel nails and they have NO idea what true gel nails are.
Gels are not as flexible as acrylic. BUT, the gels are in the same acrylate family as acrylics. It is how they cure that makes them different.
Neither are better than the other. It is a personal preference for the tech and the client.
A TRUE gel is clear and thick. You do not use a liquid and powder to make the enhancement.
I have 99% of my clients in Liquid and Powder. I use ENTITY products. I have two clients in gels.
Gels do not yellow like some acrylics do. Gels cannot be soaked off. Acrylic can. Gels are a finer powder when filed.
Let me know if you need more info. (read above and do not hesitate to drop me a line in the e-mail I have listed above. )
buenos dias,
Lynnette
Mara,
THAT was quick!!! LOL…
I will reply later. I have to get back to work.
Lynnette
Well to start off, I came to this site because I recently tried removing my own acrylic/solar nails(went somewhere & had what I thought was acrylics. then went somewhere else to get refill and lady said “no you need solar”) Most of the places where I live are ran by people who barely speak english and there is often a bit of a language barrier. My nails always look better when done at these shops then when doen by nail techs from here though. Anyways, I’m off subject. I came here because I tried pulling off my artificial nails because, in the past I’ve always been able to. I’m a nail bitter so the brittle ugly nails are fine by me. I just get a new set to cover my ugly nails. I don’t know if it is because I had this set last longer and my nails grew longer than ever before or what but when I went to pull off the pinky nail I felt a tear and noticed it bleeding. well, turns out I split my nailbed. There is a split acrossed it…not lengthwise. my nails have been off for about 3 days and the split is still there but no bleeding. When that happend, I went to the store and bought artificial nail remover for the rest of them. I soaked them for about 5 min like it said and filed them and everything and nothing was happening. It did lossen them a little and I was able to pull them off though. I was wondering if it is safe to get a new set, or is there a length of time I’m supposed to wait. Then I started reading about this MMA stuff. Which being 20yr old, I’ve never heard of in my life! The places around here charge between $20 to $40 depending on the place and whether or not you are getting french look or not. French look is always more. I noticed everyone talking about the chop shops. I have never had the ring of fire. Sometimes I get the rings but not so dramatic as what is on lynnettes page. I always assumed the rings are from not getting them filled in right away, and because I’m very clumsy and always slamming my nails into things. I thought it was mainly from the artificial nail not the drill. I was planning on going back to work on my part-time job and appearance is crucial. I prefer salon nails but If I have to, I will just do the glue on. Also, Is there anyone who can tell me where a good nail salon is in corpus christi, texas?
Amanda,
You have given lots to talk about!
Okay–Solar Nails… just a tactic the chop shops use. Does anyone know what solar nails are? LOL… Creative Nail Design has a system called Solar Nails. It is just a name. The chopshops took off on this and began telling their customers they had solar nails. Their nails are MMA.
* if there is a language barrier and they do not understand you, do not go there. (this may tick off some people, but sorry, if you want to work here and run a business, KNOW THE LANGUAGE. My grandmother had to learn, so I am not being prejudiced here-so no slamming please!!)
If they do not understand what you want, then find someone who does. BTW–they understand the money aspect, right?
The reason your nail pulled away and bled is because you have so much damage from the dremel/drill, your nails are way too thin now. You cannot pull off that product. Actually, it is not a good idea to pull off ANY product from your nails, including polish. Just not good for the health of the nails.
*Five minutes to soak your nails will NEVER work with MMA. There is NO solvent to completely remove MMA. Five minutes will not work on EMA either. Five minutes will likely work on the Lee glue/press on nails.
MMA needs to be filed very thin and then needs to grow off.
If you are a nail biter, the rings of fire will not seem as bad because you have seen worse with the biting. If you bite the nails all the way down, the rings will not look that awful to you.
The rings are from the dremel/drill. This is not necessary when the correct products are being used on your nails.
The products will not cause the rings of fire/divets in your nails. It is the untrained, unskilled and uncaring person working on the nails that does this.
I think it is about we start passing the word along about what these places are doing to unsuspecting customers.
I will put out an APB for you for a tech. You will likely pay more, but that is something you have to decide. Me? I would rather pay for something than have happen what is to all women who patronize those shops.
Use the glue on nails until you find a good salon.
OH, the techs are usually found in salons and spas. There are not too many “just nails” like you see with the Asian sector.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
Hi, Recently started getting rings of fire around my nais after getting acrylic fills. The fire/itching lasts for days – like I want to rip my fingers off….I suppose it’s MMA based products the shop(s) are using from all the posts you’ve done prior. It happens at several nail salons I have been going to…Can I purchase my own products and bring them to a salon and make them use it? How do you find a reputable salon in my area? HELP if you can – Colleen
Colleen,
I would never use products a client would bring in unless it is polish.
Asian shops will never use anything unless they have it there. (in unmarked jars of course)
You itching and burning is a sure sign you are being overexposed. This means that they have been getting product on your skin.
Most likely you will react to most acrylic lines now. Your best bet is to find a reputable salon and always use baking soda immediately after the buffing AT THE SALON to neutralize your skin. You just need to wash your hands with the baking soda and water.
I hate to say this, but your cheap shops are not going to be reputable.
My full sets are $60 and fills are now going to be $30. But, there is a saying–you get what you pay for. This is so true within the nail industry.
Let me know where you are at and I can put out an APB. Not that I promise to get a tech, but I can try.
Remember YOU are paying to have YOUR nails done. YOU call the shots. Do not let anyone rip your nails apart and NEVER let them use MMA.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
Hi, I recently just got my gel nails taken off I have had fill, after fill, since july, and i finally decided to take them off, when i relized that my nails were really really thin, and you could see my skin under my real nails, my nails are growing a little back but they are flimsy and thin, what can i use to make them strong and healthy again!! I’m desperate!!
No!
Last Time I Got My Nails Done[[Fake]] Mind You. They Broke & When They Broke They Pulled My Whole Nail Off. Not To Mention Some Pieces Of Fake Nail Got Stuck In My Nail Bed!!Serious Ouch!!!!
Well, Linda, sounds like you got *FAKE* chop shop nails. I do not do FAKE nails. If your nail came off with the product, then you had MMA on and THAT is what ruined yur nails. You should not have patronized the cheap shops. Isn’t the health of your nails worth it?
Lynnette
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