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Health & Fitness

Budget Nail Salons Still Using Very Dangerous Chemicals

Budget nail salons are a dime a dozen in every town, including Hampton Bays, but why are they a few dollars cheaper? You could be getting a lot more than you bargained for...

Methyl Methacrylate, also known as MMA, is a dangerous and deadly toxin to the skin and nails. Long term use may cause extensive nail damage, nerve damage,  kidney and liver function, unborn fetuses, as well as damage the respiratory system. MMA is found in the acrylic nail liquids called monomers.

In 1972, the FDA deemed MMA a poison, only forcing some manufacturers to go underground. The budget nail salons popping up on every street corner continue to use these products because the liquids with MMA are significantly cheaper to use. How can you tell if the nail salon you are in is using MMA? A full set of acrylic nails should cost between $35.00 and $50.00 for a full set if the manicurist is using safe chemicals. Acrylic nails using MMA will cost significantly less. MMA has a strong, sweet, fruity smell that is very distinct from other acrylic liquids. Nails applied with MMA liquid are almost impossible to get off, even after soaking in acetone. Often the manicurist will have to grind the MMA nail off, or the standard of removal in these shops are to "pry" the nail off using a plastic nail tip under the nail and ripping them off, causing severe damage to the natural nail plate.

Alternatively, the two most often requested nail services are UV gels, and UV manicures. These gently applied products are odorless, flexible yet strong, weightless on the nail, and cause no damage to the natural nail plate. They are ideal for a protective overlay on the natural nail, to create length on the nail, or to create the very popular "forever french" look. UV gel enhancements require very little maintenance, needing to be filled every three weeks. UV manicures are a traditional manicure that uses a special nail polish that is cured under a lamp in minutes. Your nails will remain shiny and chip resistant for 2 weeks. The polish is simply soaked off in a few minutes and is reapplied for a flawless manicure that will last for weeks!

Whether it’s a beautiful basic manicure or a flawless set of forever french nails you’re looking for don’t leave your health and the health of your nails at risk.

If you’re looking to ensure that you leave with picture perfect nails every time minus the dangerous chemicals you’re welcome to visit our experienced nail techs at E Day Spa and Salon. We’ll see you in Hampton Bays!

Also see ABC News Story on dangers of MMA: http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=123920&page=1#.UXFP4SuSLFw

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