6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
Rumors of the Demise of Acrylic Are Greatly Exaggerated
There may be some confusion between ethyl methacrylate (a monomer used widely in acrylic systems today) and methyl methacrylate (a monomer formerly used in acrylic systems but banned for use today).
July 1, 1995
2 min to read
Rumors are flying that acrylic products for nail extensions are on their way out. Whether these rumors were started by nail technicians who have abandoned acrylic in favor of some other technology, or by manufacturers who have developed acrylic alternatives, is unclear. What is clear is that there isn’t any reason to believe the rumors, even though they have developed a life of their own.
I think this rumor has been spreading for a variety of reasons. For one, there may be some confusion between ethyl methacrylate (a monomer used widely in acrylic systems today) and methyl methacrylate (a monomer formerly used in acrylic systems but banned for use today). Despite the fact that methyl methacrylate, a chemical cousin of ethyl, was banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the 1970s for use in the nail industry, there are nail technicians still being it. Word is out that the illegal substance is being used and the confusion between the similarly name chemicals is threatening the reputation of the legitimate product.
Adding further to the confusion are the rumors that ethyl methacrylate will soon be banned. There is no information available to NAILS Magazine indicating that ethyl methacrylate will be banned for use on nails. While the acrylic system component has been scrutinized lately by the beauty industry’s Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board (CIR), that body did not recommend banning or limiting the chemical’s use. To the contrary, the board studied ethyl methacrylate and determined that it is safe if used as directed by trained personnel.
Nail technicians who have been trained in the proper use of acrylic systems and who are careful to prevent exposure of all products to “soft tissue,” which means skin and cuticle, have no reason to fear the discontinuation of acrylic liquids made with ethyl methacrylate.
Nail technicians have a responsibility to use this and all chemicals carefully and to continue their education to stay on top of new developments in chemical use and safety. Nail technicians who have elected not to use any acrylic system anymore should not disparage those professionals who continue to use them safely and responsibly. As we can see by the fear this particular rumor generated, the industry as a whole suffers when a rumor goes unchallenged.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Wellness
The Invisible Hazard in Every Nail Salon and How to Fight It
From acrylic monomers to airborne bio-dust, the air inside a nail salon carries risks most professionals never see coming. Aerovex Systems reveals the source-capture and room-purification strategies that are setting a new standard for salon safety.
Sponsored by Aerovex Systems
Nail Safety Council Warns Holiday Shoppers About Toxic 'Magic' Gel Polish Removers
Products marketed as 'magic' or 'burst' gel removers may contain methylene chloride, a federally banned, highly toxic chemical.
How Beauty Pros Can Prevent Pain: Somatic Movement for Career Longevity
Working in beauty doesn’t have to hurt. Learn how Somatic Movement helps hairstylists, lash artists, and other beauty pros release tension, improve posture, and extend their careers.
Spa Day, Safe Day: Stop Fungal Infections in Their Tracks
As a spa or salon professional, your clients expect more than just beauty—they expect safety, hygiene, and peace of mind. Fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot and Nail Fungus are more common than you think, especially in environments where tools and footbaths are reused without proper sanitation. This blog covers how to stop these issues before they start, using proven infection prevention strategies for salons and spas.
Federal Research on Nail Salon Safety Concludes Due to Budget Reductions
A federal initiative aimed at studying chemical exposure in nail salons has ended due to staffing and budget changes. Here’s what the project set out to do—and what its conclusion means for salon professionals.
by Anne Moratto
Opinion: What You Need to Know About Pedicure Safety
For many people, a pedicure is a relaxing beauty ritual. But what most don’t realize is that this simple service, if done without proper hygiene and sanitation, can cause serious infections and long-term health issues.
Onycholysis: What Nail Pros Should Know About Nail Separation
Onycholysis is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. While it may look painful, it typically isn’t—at least not at first. But without proper care, this common nail disorder can lead to infections, deformities, and long-term damage.
What to Say--or Not Say--to Someone Grieving
Mckenzie Kool, Psychologist, MC, RPsych provides us with guidance on what may or not be helpful in speaking with someone who has suffered a significant loss.
Protecting Your Clients From Viral Infections
Clients come to you to feel their best—not leave with a viral souvenir. Warts and cold sores can spread fast in busy salons, but a few smart habits make all the difference. Let’s talk about what’s really lurking in your salon (and how to kick it to the curb).
Beauty Professionals, It's Time to Take the Green Pledge
As Earth Day approaches, The Green Beauty Community Foundation and the Green Spa Network invite beauty pros to step forward and embrace sustainability through the Green Pledge--a powerful initiative designed by and for beauty industry leaders.
How Not to Be Cynical About Valentine's Day
Don’t cancel Valentine’s Day altogether, urges Jill Palmquist. Instead, think of it as a (frilly, flowery, Champagne-bubbly) wake-up call to fall deeply in love with your own life.
Temporary Burnout or Time to Hang Up the Shears?
Life coach and Culture Ambassador of Sam Villa, Andrew Carruthers, outlines how to tell if your burnout is temporary - or if it's time to make a bigger career change.
Nail Care and Cancer Treatment: 6 Tips for a Safe Nail Service
Cancer treatment can create very specific challenges for your guest when it comes to hair, skin, and also nails. Here are some tips for working with your salon client who is going through cancer treatment to help you provide a relaxing, enjoyable, and also safe experience.
Sun Patch Protects Hands from Sun Damage
For those clients concerned about exposure from UV lamps, the Sun Patch might be a solution. Sun Patches are waterproof, reusable (up to 10 wears) block 98% of UVA/UVB rays, and maintain their UPF 50+ rating all day long.
by Anne Moratto
The Nail Doctor: Onycholysis, or Nail Separation, Has Different Varieties
One of the most common conditions that affects the nail is onycholysis, which is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. Onycholysis occurs as a result of or along with a great variety of nail traumas and disorders. Probably the most common cause of onycholysis is a fungal infection of the nail.
Standing Stretches for Physical Longevity
Hairdressing is a physically taxing career integrating simple stretches into your daily routine can reduce the strain repetitive motion puts on your body, help you stay flexible and strong and eventually prolong your career.