If upon entering any salon, there is an overwhelming sickly smell, causing you to have problems breathing, chances are the salon in question is using MMA.
Acrylic liquid has a strong smell but not so strong that it physically affects you. Some beauty services involving chemicals often have offensive odors, like perm solution.
However, while the smell may not be pleasant, it should not physically affect you. If you experience any tightness in your throat or chest, tingling in your fingers, nails or cuticles, lightheadedness, dizziness, or an odd taste in your mouth, it is possible that you are being exposed to MMA. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
When preparing your natural nails for acrylic application, your nail technician will need to gently remove the shine from your natural nails which should be done with a hand file or a gentle sanding band with an electric drill. During this process there should be no pain or burning.
If your nail technician becomes rough or your nails and cuticles are becoming sore or starting to bleed, ask them to stop and get up and leave!
This is a definite no no!
Electric drills when used correctly will not damage your nails.
Metal drill bits (either silver or gold) are designed to shorten acrylic length, file down the acrylic in order to renew a french white or glitter smile line, but are never to be used on a natural nail.
If your technician tries to use a metal drill bit on your natural nails at the beginning of any nail treatment (manicure, shellac or acrylic) ask them to stop then get up and leave!
If you don’t think the salon looks clean – get up and leave! If the salon itself looks dusty then chances are the implements and files wont be much better. This also goes for ALL metal implements that might be used during a service (nail clippers, cuticle pushers, acrylic clippers) as well as buff blocks and nail files.
After each client all implements should be cleaned and sanitised prior to using on the next client.
The files and block buffs need during the nail service should always be issued to you as a brand new (dust free and not look like they’ve been used on the client before you) set. You may be charged a small fee to cover the cost of the new files but as you will be taking them home with you its an added bonus.
Doing acrylic nails is a dusty process, however the nail technician should always keep their desk, acrylic pots, liquid, files and implements clean, tidy and free from excessive acrylic dust.
If the nail salon is using a superior acrylic system your acrylic nails WILL NEVER turn yellow…. not today, tomorrow, next month, or next year!!
If they are using cheap acrylic, you can expect to see your acrylic nails start to discolour within 8-12 weeks.
If your nail technician is charging you for a new set every few months this is to avoid you seeing the acrylic yellowing.
The saying “nice nails aren’t cheap and cheap nails aren’t nice” is very true.
While this is not always the case, low prices can be a good indicator that the salon is using MMA or an extremely cheap acrylic system..
You should expect to pay more if your nail technician is…
using a superior non yellowing MMA FREE acrylic system
fully trained in their field
updating their current skills as nail trends are always changing
sanitising all equipment prior to and after each use
using disposable implements (where possible)
making sure you have a clean environment for you to have your beauty treatments done in
Obviously, that is going to cost the business more money so obviously they are going to pass on some of these costs to you, the consumer.
Remember… you always get what you pay for!
Does the salon you are considering have an online presence and reviews?
This is crucial if you are looking for a professional salon. If they do have an online presence you will be able to read some of their reviews/recommendations and look at photos of their work which will help you to make an informed decision.
Once you have decided on a salon, contact them to make your booking…
By doing this you will be able to get a feel of their customer service and you will also be able to ask them any questions you have or voice any concerns you may have that have risen from your previous salon experiences.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions…
if they care about you as a customer they will not mind answering any questions you have!!! If they shrug you off contact someone else.
