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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Lila,
Please know that the product will NEVER hurt your nails. It is the untrained technician who ruins your nails. Without training ANYONE will ruin your nails. The good news is, that if your nails do get damaged from a chop shop, they usually grow back healthy. It may take up to a year depending on how fast/slow your nails grow. There will be a small amount of women who will have permanent damage. But, is it worth it to go to a cheap chop shop and take that risk?
Find a GOOD salon that will not use sanding bands and burn your nails and put rings of fire on them. It never should hurt to get your nails done. Anyone who tells you different does not know anything about nails!
buenos dias,
Lynnette
Go to my site: http://www.salon29.tripod.com and read the page What Is On YOUR Nails? Follow the links, too.
I would like to make a comment here. You may start hearing the term NSS regarding nail shops.
Quite a few years ago there was a group of nailtechs that came up with this term. I have the highest regard for these techs. I just do not agree with the terminology for a few reasons. The first is that supposedly an Asian shop owner told one of these techs that the term chop shop was racist. It is in NO way racist. It is just that if you rip and shred the nails apart, then you are a chop shop.
A NSS, non standard salon/shop, could be American owned and operated. The definition of the NSS term is any salon/shop that is not following industry standards regarding cleanliness and the use of the correct products that are allowed by state boards and the FDA.
When a tech/client uses that term and calls it THE NSS, they are referring to the Asian shops. It is not “THE” NSS, it is just plain old nss. This emcompasses a wide range of unsanitary shops/salons that are not state board compliant or even industry compliant.
I just wanted to clarify this for anyone who thinks that the term I use is in any way deragatory.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
http://www.salon29.tripod.com
my myspace is under construction
I would like to make a comment here. You may start hearing the term NSS regarding nail shops.
Quite a few years ago there was a group of nailtechs that came up with this term. I have the highest regard for these techs. I just do not agree with the terminology for a few reasons. The first is that supposedly an Asian shop owner told one of these techs that the term chop shop was racist. It is in NO way racist. It is just that if you rip and shred the nails apart, then you are a chop shop.
A NSS, non standard salon/shop, could be American owned and operated. The definition of the NSS term is any salon/shop that is not following industry standards regarding cleanliness and the use of the correct products that are allowed by state boards and the FDA.
When a tech/client uses that term and calls it THE NSS, they are referring to the Asian shops. It is not “THE” NSS, it is just plain old nss. This encompasses a wide range of unsanitary shops/salons that are not state board compliant or even industry compliant.
I just wanted to clarify this for anyone who thinks that the term I use is in any way derogatory.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
http://www.salon29.tripod.com
my myspace is under construction
I had two toe nails removed due to problems with them, not fungus. How can I polish my toe nails and polish those two toes to match? Will any product adhere to the hardened nailbed?
I’ve been getting my nails done for about 6 months now. I’ve heard of MMA before, but I’m still not sure if its being used on me. They hardly wear masks. I usually get acrylic tips with gel on top and heres wut they do:
- They clean my nails with acetone. Then they use a foot pedal file on my nails. (I am always asked to wash my hands somewhere in this process.) They put tips on each of my nails and cut them down to my liking. Then they would put the liquid and powder mix on my nail with a brush. After they put which ever color I like, they put on this thick gel and its cured with the UV light.
I usually don’t feel any pain, but recently I needed a new set so I got the old one taken off. While they did soak my nails for about 2 minutes, afterwards they peeled them off! That did hurt a little, and now my nails hurt when I press down on them. Since they didn’t soak off the nails could that mean they use MMA?
I went for a pedicure for the 1st time in my life Friday evening. A year ago I stubbed my big toe and my nail damaged nail finally fell off about 1 month ago. I had a regrowth nail that was a little ripply. The nail teck asked me if I wanted her to fix my big toe nail…..I said yes, thinking she would build on it and buff???………what she actually did was grind my little thin fragile nail down and stuck an artificial nail on my big toe! the next day it hurt, the following day I was in excruciating pain, I had to take Advil so that I could sleep at night. By Monday morning I had a red, hot to the touch toe, it was infected. This morning it was so swollen and tight….I went to the doctor and was prescribed antibiotics and an antibacterial ointment. The doctor also told me to soak 4 to 5 times in Epson salt and water………and to remove the fake nail as soon as possible. I had soaked it in Acetone but it did not budge…I will try again tonight. No one understands why a nail teck would put a fake nail on someone’s toe. I didn’t and never will ask for fake nails to be attached to my skin. I hope I can get this ONE off my toe and recover without any more problems. Be careful!!!!!!!!
TO ALL THE YOUNG LADIES OUT THERE YOU ALL THINK THAT THE ACRYLIC NAILS LOOK PRETTY BUT YOU ALL DONT KNOW THE DANGERS OF THESE ACRYLIC NAILS YES THEY MIGHT LOOK PRETTY BUT YOU ALL DONT KNOW THE CHEMICALS THAT THEY HAVE IN THESE THINGS THEY PUT IN THE ACRYLIC NAILS SO IF U KNOW WA GOOD IF YOU WANT TO DO YOUR NAILS GROW YOUR OWN AND PAINT THEM DO NOT USE THE ACRYLIC.I AM ONLY TELLING YOU THIS FOR YOUR OWN HEALTH ,BUT YOU DONT HAVE TO LISTEN TO WHAT I SAY IT IS ONLY A SUGGESTION.
what is the safest nail to get and with no odor? Is gel good and more healthy? If so I need one in ornage county ca. I got acrylics for the second time and love them but want to go the safest route. Thanks:)
I have had problems with my chest and lungs since last October at about the same time I started to learn acrylic nails, wheezing, coughing, out of breath, constant infection(antibiotic and steroids clear it up for a while)
Does it sound like the two are conected?
I have had problems with both acrylic 5 years ago an gels 2 weeks ago and yes they were done at an Asian shop.
I tried 2 weeks ago hoping that the allergy was due to the acrylic so I tried gels…same problem.
Does anyone know of a salon in the western suburbs of Chicago that uses a product that won’t cause the reaction.
Hey Lynnette, or anyone who can answer this, I got acrylic nails done almost one month ago, I have had them filled in once and they are due for another one. I know after reading this site that they probably have MMA on them, and they were done at an Asian run shop for $28.00 for a full/french tip set. I know the dangers but honestly I like them and can’t afford to have them done and kept up at a salon or spa. My question is this. They are beginning to look dingy and are starting to look slightly yellow. My nails are also growing out and I can see them through the tip of the acrylics, do I need to have them taken off and redone or is there something thay can do to make them look “new” again without removing them? Also, can I paint over them? Will they remove the polish at my next fill in or will it mess up the nails even more to keep changing polish? Any advice would help, this is my first set of nails and like I said I liked them up until now (only dislike them now because they look dingy), I have always beena nail biter and never been able to grow my nails out, the acrylics keep me from biting them. Thanks!!
one more thing! What does “Lifting” look like?
Hello! This question is for Lynnette; I am 25 and my nails finally got strong enough to grow out like i always wanted but I wanted to kow what i could do to keep my natural nail but have some type of overlay that is not acrylic? I have heard of Wraps, but am not familiar with them. I went to a nail salon to get solar nails for the first time, but they cut all my natural nails off!! and used a sander, which, goes without explanation, BURNED my nails/fingers!! ouch!What do you recommend I do after my nails grow back? What questions should I ask the NEW salon Ill be going to, to ensureits not a chop shop? Thanks
I have acrylic nails & the other day i turned to slam my door & my nails some how got caught in between the door frame & the actual door & it ended up ripping of my fake nail, real nail, and a chunk of my nail bed. It blead a lot. It also hurts really bad. Im hoping it will grow back soon.
Hi! I am trying to find a new nail drill. Does anyone have any suggestions of any?
hello ive had acrylics more times than i can count. ive been getting them since i was in 7th grade and im in 11th now. ive only had 2 bad experiences. one was a place that took 4 HOURS to do my nails when every other time its taken around an hour. and the other bad experience is i always seem to break my nails on my locker at school. i think its because i go really fast though. any suggestions [besides slowing down im deff going to do that] i always go to an “asian” place and its reallyy cheap [30$] but i dont think they use MMA. the nails arent uncomfortable or anything. ive only had lifting once but i think that was because i had gone WEEKS without getting them filled. it was like almost 2 months. but how can i be sure they dont use MMA?
where can i get quality nails in tampa, florida?
i’m eleven and i just got my first set of acrylics and i love them! i always get compliments on them.
i’m eleven and i just got my first set of acrylics and i love them! i always get compliments on them. i wouldnt take them off. The’re beautiful!!!!!!!!
I’ve had my nails done two or three times through out my teen years, I’m now 20. I am going to a wedding and, after reading everything on here, have decided to go with press-on nails. I first got press-on nails about two months ago because I have this nasty habit of biting my nails, I know I know, BAD! When I actually took my time and put them on they looked like real nails! But they popped off rather quickly. The next time I did it, with different nails, I buffed them to kind of do what the ‘chop shops’ did though I used a wood file. I see now that it bad so what should I do to keep the nails on for at least a week and not mess up my nails?
really interesting site!! been a nail tech for nearly 2 years in Malta (eu)using gels, its interesting to read that there are people who really do understand in nails. problem is its so easy to get your licence as a nail tech that everybody is getting there license but not many know what there doing!
i get many clients whose nails are seriously damage(from other nail techs) and think its normal!! then many people generalise giving all nail technicians a bad reputation.teaching your client and keeping them informed makes a whole difference, they appreciate and trust u so if they really want it done they dont mind paying.
keep up the great job..
i have a question. well i got my acrylics around three weeks ago, and one of them came off. it looks pretty dameged and i was just wonderig if i get them all off in the next couple days and thy look damedged, should i go get a pedicure to fix them up, or should i wait and let them get a little healthier?
ADVICE PLEASE!
I was once told that Acrylic Nails are “unhealthy” because the chemicals involved seep into your bloodstream via your nails & nail beds. Do you know anything about this? I loved my nails but I won’t risk my health for them!
so does that mean i should wait?
I have gotten acrylic nails before, it is not that I don’t like them it is the cost. It can be a little expensive to spend $15-$35 every 2-3 weeks just for nails. It was so relaxing to get my fingernails done. I never had a fungus with acyrlic nails, however I have and a couple of nail funguses with press on nails.
I’ve had acrylic nails for years with no issues but I currently have a problem…I dropped a wight on my finger at the gym and the nail split lengthwise along with my nail underneath. i knwo it’s going to cause problems…my question is, should I glue it? Thanks!
i spilt some methyl methacrylate at work on monday and am really worried as i am 6 weeks pregnant and am scared if my baby will have n e deformities any words of advice x
I need help! I have had artificial nails put on in one way or another for about 20 years. It started out as glue and powder, then tips, acrylics, gels, etc. I have had nothing on my nails for a few months now and it seems my nail plates are destroyed. My nails are just not growing. Is there anything I can do? My hands look disgusting? Any vitamins I can take? Thanks for any help you can give me.
Patricia,
I’m by no means an expert but I do know that Biotin is a vitamin for you hair and nails. And from reading Lynnette’s posts it sounds like your tech(s) have used MMA. She has a website and email in the posts above if you want to contact her for more info.
Thank you Shasda. After re-reading Lynnette’s prior posts that sounds exactly like what has happened with my nails. But now what do I do? I am wondering if my own nail plates and nails will ever regenerate. I also bought some Biotin supplements
Shasda…I will try to contact her. I see her salon is in PA. and I live in NJ. I am desperate to find something to do about this.
Dear Lynette,
I love getting my nails done,but I want to go the safest route.For the first time I did go to a chop shop(I didn’t know about MMA Stuff)but after reading your postings I would like to know if you know a good salon here in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Thank you for your help.
Maria
I have had acrylic nails for almost two months now and have had them filled. Although now reading through this, I realize it was most likely a chop shop. However, one of my acrylic nails (the pinkie nail to be specific) got caught on a friend’s sweater, and when she fell down, well lets just say some bad things happened. My nail, was ripped up and off and is barely hanging on. It ripped about three quarters of the way up the nail bed. And it hurts severly and I can’t do anything with it. The acrylic nail and the real nail are hanging on by a thread so to speak. So I would like to know your opinions, what should I do to get it off?
Leigh,
Put some nail glue on the area that is broken. If you do not have nail glue, use Krazy Glue. Let it dry and then file the nail with a coarse abrasive–just enough to thin the MMA on your nail. Get a buffer and lightly buff all the product to smooth it close to your nail. File the free edge to make it as close to your fingertip as possible. (short nail)
This is classic with MMA.
You CAN have product put back on, but PLEASE find a reputable salon to do this for you. Where are you at?
buenos dias,
Lynnette
Hey everyone,
I apologize to everyone for not getting back to them with all the questions I have been receiving. I have had MAJOR issues with my Outlook and got a virus that took a day to get rid of. I was too cheap to pay Comcast to help me and anyway, it is better to learn to do it in case it happens again!
Anyway, I am hoping that when I can read all the above that I can get to your questions regarding the problems you have had.
I have had my mail forwarded to my Blackberry, but that is so temperamental, too. It just auto deletes messages unless I have saved them. SHEESH!!!
Please forgive my delay in helping all of you. It has just been nuts with the computer stuff and we moved my daughter out to Chicago, so it has been quite emotional for me for about a month.
But, this weekend I should be back in business!!! (on the computer!)
buenos dias,
hugs,
Lynnette
My nail tech uses Tammy Taylor, and she uses a drill on my nails. When I soaked them off to get a fresh set, my nails were paper thin and had white scars on them. I would like to know if there is a artificial product that I could put on my nails that will allow them to look good while growing out the damaged nails? I live in Orlando, and would like to also know if there is such a product, is there a salon here that uses it. My nails are so dented and uneven, polish looks awful on them and I can’t go with NOTHING. thanks
Hi,
I’m planning to have nail enhancement uv gel — Is this the best method to use as far as it being kinder to the nails? I would like a natural look –
I am living in England and have just moved into the area of Staffordshire so I dont know of any reputable salons around here — How do I know they are reputable? What do I look out for, and what questions do I ask?
Thanks in advance for any advice! So nice to come here and find professionals who know what they’re talking about!
Gez
Gez,
Gel nails are not any different than acrylic. They are not safer or gentler!! They are all in the acrylate family. It is how the tech preps your nails that is the determining factor as to how your nails under the product will be.
Most gels do not soak off. There are new gels that do, but not many techs use them yet.
Gels are very pretty as they do not change color. Many acrylic powders change colors over time as it gets old. Gel is consistent.
I will put out an APB for you on a tech list I have in England.
I will get back to you.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
Gez,
I got a reply that fast!!! Here is the info:
Theresa
–
http://www.beautybytheresa.co.uk
She is in North Staffordshire. Please let me know if this works out for you.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
Hi Lynnette,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! I’ve already booked an appointment with a nail tech here in Birmingham. She was recommended to me by a lady called Karolina who works in London. Here is her website — I think her work is beautiful -
http://karolinatryc.blogspot.com
I will keep your recommendation in my favourites but the salon is a bit further away than the one in Birmingham. My appointment is for today so I’ll write back and let you know how everything goes. You’re a sweetheart for replying so soon!
Hope you’re having a good day.
Gez~
Lynette,
I want to get arcylic over my real names they are pretty long. Is that a good idea. I’ve went to a cheap shop that ground my nails down and they looked bad after nails were off. I am trying to find a good place to go. What should i ask the techian to make sure i am going to the right place before i go there? Please Help
Kelly,
If you have long natural nails, I would not put acrylic on them. Find someone who will do a resin overlay on your nails.
I try to talk clients who have nice nails out of getting acrylic or gel.
If you just get the resin and the tech knows what she is doing, then you can have your nails nice and long and the polish will last longer than if you had just your nails.
If the resin overlay is done correctly, it will remain thin.
If you let me know your town, I can put out an APB for you to see if someone is out there that does this.
If not, you can do it yourself. It will take time to learn, but it can be done.
I normally do not recommend this, but I would rather see someone do their own nails than to go to one of the chop shops and have their nails ruined like you did.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org
Trish,
Sorry to reply late, but I am working my way UP the forum!!!
Okay, Tammy Taylor is a good product. (I do not use it as it has a very strong odor and it gives me a headache. It also does not hold color–it yellows over time)
Anyway, it is not Tammy Taylor that is ruining your nails. It is your tech. If you have the rings of fire, those marks you mentioned, she is drilling way too deep into your nailplate.
I use an electric file on all my clients, but I am very gentle and NEVER make those indentations on anyone. The tech has to be EDUCATED in how to use an electric file. If they are using a dremel, then run out of there!
I can put out an APB for you too, but Orlando is large. What is your ZIP code?
You, like Kelly, can most likely have a resin on your nails while growing out. Resin is easily soaked off the nails.
Your nails are very damaged now and need to be treated with care to get them back on track.
Do you have any photos of your nails you can send me?
Also, I mentioned way up there on this thread about what names are used for places like this. This is definitely a chop shop. If the tech is ripping your nails to shreds, then she deserves to be labeled a chop shop tech.
Tammy Taylor does not recommend ripping the nails apart to apply her product. I am sure she would not be happy to know a tech is applying her product this way.
Get back to me!
buenos dias,
Lynnette
http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org
My nail tech uses Tammy Taylor, and she uses a drill on my nails. When I soaked them off to get a fresh set, my nails were paper thin and had white scars on them. I would like to know if there is a artificial product that I could put on my nails that will allow them to look good while growing out the damaged nails? I live in Orlando, and would like to also know if there is such a product, is there a salon here that uses it. My nails are so dented and uneven, polish looks awful on them and I can’t go with NOTHING. thanks
Lynnette….I have had my acrylics off now for almost 3 months and my nails are not growing. I am the one with the destroyed nail plates and I am wondering if they will ever regenerate. I get all kings of hang nails and rough cuticles. Maybe I should go for regular manicures weekly. My zip code is 08807 in NJ, can you recommend a salon. My hands look terrible
Patricia,
I am putting out an APB right now for you. Bear with me, we are leaving tonight for the Notre Dame game in South Bend and then to Chicago to see my daughter. I will not be back in commission on the computer until Tuesday. BUT— I am going to have my e-mail forwarded to my Blackberry. IF I get a reply, I will contact you immediately.
Also, your nails are growing. It it just taking time, as they are damaged and they will tear off in small pieces. It could take up to a year for the nails to get back in shape.
You should get regular manicures to keep the nails in shape.
I hope someone replies to my request and I get you to someone. You can e-mail me privately if you like. The list I belong to only has about 700 members worldwide, but I have been successful lately. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
buenos dias,
Lynnette
simplyirish1@yahoo.com
Please help! I have gotten my nails done multiple times and everytime I tell the nail tech not to file down on my nails so hard because once they fill them I get these purple rings on my nails. I see other women get there nails filled and they are fine. Is there something wrong with me. today when I got them filled they looked so horrible I cried right there in the shop. they said they wold take them off for me but the last time they did that they ripped a piece right off of my nail exposing the nail bed. it hurt so bad. I like getting my nails done but not when they look like that. What should I do?
Hi this is a question for lynnette, I do my own nails and after reading all these posts I know for sure that in the past I have had mma out on my nails. After I had my second child I started doing my own nails and I’ve had my ups and downs with doing them but I have gotten better I can even do my right hand. Now my question is I’ve been buying all my supplies from sally beauty supply and was wondering which one you’d recommend also what kind of brush? I do have an efile that I got at walmart for $20 is there a better one that can buy and get some training on how to use it right I ONLY do MY own nails cause I know if it hurts or not and if it does its my fault.I would be to scared to do someone elses nails. Please get back to me thank you so much steph-
Hi, several years ago the New York Times had a huge, full page, in-depth article on the fasting growing allergy in North America. FAKE NAILS
I was on a flight back from Puerto Rico when I read this article and I was covered in Eczema and I had a serious eye infection. I ripped them off there and then.
I had gone to several doctors and a naturopath, none could diagnose my symptoms. I was given a myriad of medicines and/or treatments and nothing worked. Well, after the nails were removed, the eye infection cleared up with in days. The eczema, sadly, is still with me, but not to the point were I look like a leper.
From this article and other subsequent information I’ve read, once you have a reaction you will always have a reaction. An allergy does not go away, it only gets worse. I would never again go near these poisons, I don’t care what anybody says….Formaldehyde etc…. is meant for the dead.
I can’t even wear nail strengtheners now. The same chemicals are in both products. Your nails are porous and these chemicals leach into the blood stream and can cause a whole host of problems. As for pregnancy, I know two nail techs who have had multiple miscarriages. This is not normal and doctors have told them both to find new careers if they ever want to have a child.
Why anyone play with these products especially if they are or want to be a parent is beyond me, but I guess, vanity has no limits.
Jude,
I will see if I can archive that article you mentioned to see what it actually says about the chemical used.
Doctors need to be very careful about telling their patients that the definite cause of the miscarriages was the nail product.
There are different nail products that can safely be used.
Your allergy was caused by overexposure. Your “tech” most likely ruined your nails with a sanding band on a dremel and then slopped the product all over your fingers.
If the product being used is MMA and the service provided is like what I described above, then, yes, you would have left yourself open for this to happen. Anyone who goes to a chop shop to get their nails done really has no one to blame but themselves for allowing it to get that far. I am sorry to have to say that to you, but if you went to a reputable salon, where the nail tech used products that are not banned by the FDA, then you likely would not be having the issues you describe now.
There is hope if you ever want to have nice nails again. You must have gone to get your nails done because you are not happy with yours. You just need to find a good salon where the tech cares about YOU. (if you came to my salon, I would not have product all over your skin and would work with you to see if you do have allergies)
The media is not being totally honest with the readers. They need to let the public know that it is the SHOPS that use MMA that is the problem. Those chop shops are ruining the good name of those of us who FOLLOW THE RULES and REGULATIONS OF OUR STATE BOARDS AND THE FDA.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention, but please, do not lump all the problems, like the miscarriages, into all artificial enhancements. There is no medical proof that they were caused by the nails getting done or the tech doing nails. If there is, can you please let me know where I can find the medical proof so I can pass this along to my colleagues?
muchas gracias,
Lynnette
Stephanie,
I hope you got all my e-mails. I sent them to you from my Blackberry!!!
Lynnette
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