MMA stands for methyl methacrylate, an acrylic liquid that is designed for use in industries OTHER than the beauty industry. MMA creates a nail that is extremely strong, and adheres really well to a nail if it is prepped in such a way that it will adhere at all. This may sound great at first -- nails that stick like you wouldn't believe -- but it is dangerous! If a client wearing MMA acrylic jams her nail, there is an extremely high chance that the natural nail itself will dislodge from the nailbed. Also, the way that the nail has to be prepped in order for the MMA to adhere is unbelievably damaging to the natural nail. Heavy etching of the nail is required for MMA to adhere, and this makes the natural nail thin and very weak.

Signs of MMA Use:

• A strong, sweet-ish odor. If you compare this acrylic with EMA-based acrylic systems, there is a definite difference in odor.
• Very inexpensive prices. MMA is *ten times* cheaper than EMA. On the average, most technicians using EMA products charge in the $45-75 range for a full set, while MMA technicians may charge around $15-20.
• Difficult removal. EMA-based acrylic takes between 15 and 30 minutes to safely remove in solvent, while MMA can take upward of 2 hours. Most of the time, discount salons simply pry off the MMA nails (ouch!)
• Product secrecy. Ask to see original containers for the products they are using. Do NOT just blindly believe if they say they use OPI. For some reason, it seems a lot of MMA-using technicians say they use OPI (probably because the public has heard of that brand).

For more information and articles on MMA, please visit BeautyTech.info's MMA Section.

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Amy Lunde - NailzByAmy - Operating at: Ahhhtistry Hair and Nail Salon, 6001 South Willow Drive Studio Six, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 - Phone: 303-246-1367