in a worsening of symptoms for individuals who have developed sensitivities to products containing this monomer. ● Testing on animals that were exposed to high concentrations of liquid MMA monomer vapors suggests that excessive inhalation may cause damage to the respiratory system and the liver. ● In the early 1970s, the FDA received a number of personal injury complaints associated with the use of fingernail extenders containing liquid MMA monomer. ● At least 30 U.S. states have restricted or banned the use of liquid MMA monomer. ● Unlike liquid MMA monomer, powder MMA polymers are considered safer because they do not penetrate the skin and do not pose the same risks as liquid MMA. The FDA (2016) advises all practitioners to read product labels and to follow all precautions and instructions, including providing good ventilation throughout the facility. Nail care facilities are regulated by the state, so it is important for all nail care owners and practitioners to be familiar with state regulations and local safety ordinances. necessary – as opposed to traditional acrylic nail application, which requires technique and extensive experience to sculpt the nails – and the final results are comparable. With the introduction of colored dipping powders, there is no need for nail polish. (Nuñez, 2016 ) The dipping technique requires less time for training and mastery because application requires fewer supplies, tools and steps, thus allowing novice technicians to use it successfully. Ricky Huynh, another manager from Florida, agrees: The learning difficulty isn’t as high because there is no need for acrylic brushes to build the nail, no lamps, electric fans, or French cutting tools. It’s geared toward beginners or someone who wants to save time. (Nuñez, 2016) Not every professional is sold on the technique including Ellegra Davis from Chicago who states: I will not offer dip to my clients. Dip enhancements were offered as a non-toxic alternative to acrylic nails but when using it for the first time the glue would burn my eyes and nose when I got too close to it. I felt like it was more toxic because of that. The removal process was a nightmare for me. The instructions said acetone would soak it off but it took over an hour to remove the nail. (Nuñez, 2016) Schoon points out some sanitation issues may occur if the technique is not done properly. “It is clearly not sanitary to double dip clients’ nails into the powder. Responsible companies will instruct nail techs to sprinkle the powder over the coated nail. It will provide the same results, but in a sanitary fashion” (Nuñez, 2016). ● An activator is then applied over the powder to dry the glue. As soon as the activator touches the acrylic powder, the catalyst in the liquid activates the initiator and the chemical reaction begins the bonding and hardening process. ● The nail is then buffed to shape and shined.
Both are sometimes found in other nail products, such as nail polishes. It is important to avoid contact with the skin in order to minimize the chance of an allergic reaction. Methacrylic acid in nail primers (FDA, 2016) Despite the similar names, methacrylic acid is different from methacrylate monomers. It also is used differently and raises different safety concerns. Methacrylic acid (MAA) has been used in nail primers to help acrylic nails adhere to the nail surfaces. Nail primers that contain MAA are most commonly distributed through wholesale suppliers to nail salons and retail beauty supply stores, and are usually labeled “for professional use only.” However, some of these retail stores sell to both professionals and consumers. Since these products have been involved in poisoning and injury, The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission requires child-resistant packaging for certain household products, including nail primers containing MAA. OSHA (2017) provides the following information on MMA: ● Liquid MMA monomer may cause overexposed people to develop an allergic reaction, usually after repeated exposure. Continued exposure often results What do professionals in the industry say? One positive aspect of the dipping method, unlike gel manicures, is that nails dry instantly without the use of UV lamps, thus avoiding skin damage from UV rays. According to Schoon, the dust is decreased when compared to other acrylic methods, reducing allergic reactions (Bennett, 2017). It is important to note that these claims are not regulated and powder methods may not provide significant benefits over gel and traditional acrylic manicures because they are all based on acrylic substances. Schoon explains, “All of the ingredients used to make any type of artificial nail, whether they be glued, cured by UV, or mixed with a liquid and powder, are based on the acrylic family” (Bennett, 2017). The acrylic powder dipping technique is different from other gel and acrylic methods as shown in the following examples): ● The grains are finer, which allows for more vibrant colors. ● Dip powders are bonded using a glue called cyanoacrylate which allows nails to dry instantly on their own. ● Acrylic nails are applied by combining a liquid with a powder to form a gel. ● The ingredients in gel manicures are pre-mixed acrylics, and undergo a chemical reaction once they are cured with a UV lamp. (Bennett, 2017) Caroline Scroggins, brand manager of a major nail product line in California, notes other positive aspects of dipping: Since liquid monomer is not used in dip systems, there [are] no toxic smells. The application only utilizes a resin, an activator and finely milled acrylic powders, which allow it to have no odor the application and removal process is quick and easy. There is no sculpting Acrylic powder application Nuñez (2016) explains the steps for the acrylic powder technique: ● The adhesive, usually cyanoacrylate, is applied to the natural nail or to an applied tip. ● The wet nail is dipped into an acrylic powder (polymer). This process is usually repeated two to three times to build up a strong enhancement. It is important to avoid double dipping from client to client so the dipping vessel and powder is only used once.
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Book Code: NTNC0826
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