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We do not Use Methyl Methacrylate.

One of the most controversial topics in the professional beauty industry involves a monomer liquid called MMA or methyl methacrylate.  Unfortunately, there are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding the use of this chemical.  This lack of proper information opens the door for speculation and rumors.

Some acrylic liquids contain a product called MMA (Methyl Methacrylate). This product is classified as a poison and is more damaging than EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate) which is what we use here at Odyssey Nails. MMA is not illegal yet in Australia.

However, the American Beauty Association, Nail Manufacturers Council noted:

The Nail Manufacturers Council wants you to be informed about the potential dangers related to the use of MMA. We agree with the FDA that the use of liquid nail enhancement products containing MMA is unsafe and unwise.”

Again the Methacrylate Producers Association (MPA) in America recommended:

MPA members have for many years recommended that methacrylic acid and its esters in their unrelated monomeric liquid form not be used in cosmetics.

Why you should avoid MMA?

MMA can cause many problems through prolonged exposure such as

• Low acute oral toxicity
• Respiratory irritant (ever wondered why the nail techs in some shops where masks)
• In low doses result toxic if absorbed by inhalation or through the skin
• Severe dermal irritant
• Mild eye irritant
• Because of it's strength it is inflexible and can literally lift the natural nail off the nail bed.

The risks of respiratory irritation and skin sensitisation are higher for MMA than EMA. The threshold for respiratory irritation is lower for MMA than for EMA, and the higher vapour pressure of MMA meant that the threshold concentration will be more rapidly attained in the absence of efficient ventilation.[1]

How to tell if your acrylic liquid contains MMA:

• It can only be drilled off because filing off will take ages.
• It takes a very long time to soak them off, after about 30 minutes, the enhancements will still not have budged.
• Cloudy or milky color when cured.

• Liquid containing MMA smells different and much stronger compared with liquid containing EMA. MMA has an unusually strong or strange odor. Odor is present during application and when filing cured product(for fill-ins or repairs).
• Extremely low price: the impact of cost are personnel around $20.00 per hour, overheads around $3.00 to $ 7.00 per hour plus products between $3.50 and $9.00. The cost of a full set of Acrylic should vary between $50.00 and $80.00 Anything less than that, you can bet is MMA.
  

To take off acrylic nails, proper care should be adapted to not to damage the natural nails.

• We start with cutting your your enhancement so it will be easier to soak them off.

• Remove the nails polish.  We do that with acetone rather that non acetone polish remover since we will precede to soak them off anyway.

• File off the acrylic nails on your natural nails. Filing will help the acetone to react sooner with the acrylic.

• Soak the nails in a bowl full of acetone. To speed up the process we immerse the acetone bowl into a bigger one filled with warm water (no more than 40 degrees celsius).  It is better to cover the bowl with a clean towel so that you do not inhale the fumes produced by the evaporating Acetone.

• Then we will remove the excess acrylic that, at this stage, is just jelly, carefully and slowly. When done wash your hand thoroughly.

• Once at home, apply olive oil on your hands to fight the effect of Acetone on your fingers.

Time is of essential, so that you need to allow 30 minute for a proper soak off.  If your nail technician uses a different method, you will be in pain. Is it worth it?

We re-balance and refill your acrylic nails rather then start all over: in the long run is better for your pocket.

Acrylic Nails, like every other nail extension must be maintained, simply because your natural nail doesn't stop growing. But what if i tell you that we can refill your acrylic nails extension or re-balance your french acrylic nails? Acrylic enhancement need to be refill or rebalanced every 3 weeks as general rule. Some people's enhancement can last 4 weeks.

Isn't it cheaper than be forced to have a full set all the time? Isn't it less painful?

If you do not want acrylic nails you might consider UV Gel Nail Enhancements or the revolutionary new Prescription Nails.