Nope, we’re not talking about mixed martial arts here. In the nail community, MMA stands for Methyl Methacrylate, a chemical compound found in some monomers that has been a hot topic for years. Whether you’re new to acrylic or in need of a refresher, you must be well-informed of the damages it can cause and why it was banned in some states or countries. Let’s address the elephant in the room! Uncover the truth about MMA and its dangers to you, your customers, and your business. What is MMA? What’s the real deal? Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) is a colorless, organic liquid monomer that serves as a building block for acrylic-based polymers. You may have heard of it in industrial or construction applications (paints, coats, or adhesives), but it is more commonly known in the medical field. MMA is widely used in dentistry and orthopedic surgery. This bonding agent is so strong that it can surgically fuse broken bones and restore damaged dentures. In layman’s terms, it acts like cement. Working with acrylic applications requires some flexibility to manipulate the color or design. Hence, an MMA monomer is not recommended for the nails because it is a harder, less flexible product that’s very difficult to remove or soak off. The nails may require to be filed with a coarse or abrasive drill, which can cause damage to the nail plate and nail bed. The force needed to remove it can transfer to the actual nail. Why is MMA banned in some cities and countries? What are the health risks associated? According to the FDA, it received several complaints in the early 1970s regarding injuries caused by the usage of artificial nails containing methyl methacrylate monomer. These injuries included fingernail damage and deformation, as well as contact dermatitis. This prompted many US states and even other countries to prohibit the use of MMA for nail applications. Furthermore, MMA exposure in nail salons has been associated with other adverse health effects, such as skin sensitization, lip numbness, and respiratory issues. Why do some nail salons still use it despite the negative effects? The answer is clear: MMA is extremely affordable. The price point is much cheaper than the recommended monomers from nail companies. In this economy, it’s understandable why nail salons fall for the inexpensiveness of the MMA type of monomer. However, choosing affordability over quality in this case can be disadvantageous and provide more harm than help in the long run. If you want to provide an excellent nail experience for your customers, consider investing in safer and industry-standard products that will benefit you in the long run. Additionally, prioritizing and protecting the health of your customers creates a positive environment for your nail salon. What could happen if you continue to use it? Although many states and countries have banned MMA, it is not illegal to sell it because it is used in other industry applications. This is one of the reasons why some nail establishments continue to use it. Whether it is banned for nail use in your state or not, you could be putting your business at risk when you’re using MMA. It is always best to work within the bounds of the law! Inspections can happen anytime, especially for nail companies or nail salons since most products are flammable and fragile. Aside from that, continued use of MMA can lead to customer complaints and health hazards, too. What is the proper monomer to use for acrylics? Nail salons are expected to use EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate), a much safer and more flexible option for acrylic applications approved by many countries. While EMA is less likely to produce severe reactions than MMA, keep in mind that the effect of any product that comes in contact with the skin differs from person to person. We assure you that you won’t have a hard time looking for an EMA monomer since this is the type of monomer that reputable companies offer. At iGel Beauty, Liquid Monomer EMA is available in 32 oz and 1 gallon. This EMA monomer is a safe, slow-setting solution compatible with any iGel Beauty powder and promotes no marbling and no yellowing. How to spot MMA products? How do I avoid MMA exposure? Unless you're already familiar with EMA, you might initially encounter some trouble identifying an MMA product. MMA used to come in transparent liquid form, but some manufacturers realized that EMA was either blue or purple and began adding colorants to their MMA products. To easily determine and avoid MMA products, write down these 4 letters: S - Smell, F - Feel, T - Test, and L - Label. Smell: MMA’s smell is pungent and unique. It has a strong, sharp, and fruity odor that is so distinct. Feel: Nails treated with MMA feel hard and rigid. It can be sticky and difficult to file. On the other hand, EMA becomes flakey and is easy to remove. Test: To confirm if your nails have MMA, buff your nails then dip them in 100% acetone for 30 seconds. If the nail doesn't break down and starts to feel rubbery or gooey, it likely has MMA. Label: You should check the manufacturer online or the product label for the full list of ingredients. MMA is usually listed as an active ingredient. You’re free to decant the solution into another container, however, you must keep the original manufacturer’s label available to avoid issues. Take Note: As a customer, you know what is best for you. Yyou have the right to ask questions and be educated about the products applied to your skin and nails. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind! Now that we know MMA's harmful effects, we must share this new knowledge with our customers, co-workers, and friends next. Isn't it nice to go home and sleep knowing you've taken good care of your clients and didn’t put them at risk? We’re sure you agree! Share your thoughts in our iGel Beauty Facebook Community, and we’d love to hear your favorite part of the article! Remember, taking care of your nails is a form of self-care, and you deserve only the best products! ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno Alyssa Bueno, a true beauty enthusiast, brings her passion for writing and beauty to life as a writer for iGel Beauty. With diverse editorial background and industry expertise, Alyssa shares the current trends and curates tutorials and tips to inspire nail lovers worldwide.
