NSS and MMA information.
NSS stands for:
Non Standard Salon
This basically means they do not follow what professional nail technicians call ‘normal’ procedure.
*They might use an electric file to etch or ‘roughen’ the natural nail. The nail should be only lightly buffed to remove the shine.
There is nothing wrong with using an electric file or nail drill but this should never come into contact with the natural nail or cause damage to the skin.
*They usually do not sanitize the tools or files or used a sanitizer on the nails and hands.
*They probably do not change the towels between clients.
*They probably do not use the correct tools for the job.
*They might not wash their hands between clients.
*They may not ask you to fill out a client consultation card to help with the identification of certain illnesses and allergies resulting in problems later.
*They might use MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) as their monomer. Monomer is the liquid used in conjunction with the powder when applying Acrylic nail enhancements.
Some of the above may apply but some may not.
Due to the NSS not following the correct sanitation procedures and the excessive use of an electric file they often seem to produce nail enhancements very quickly (40 mins-1hr).
MMA (Methyl Methacrylate)
*The monomers available in this country contain EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate) which is completely safe.
*The reasons some salons use MMA is because it is considerably cheaper than EMA.
*MMA can be found being used in the dental industry due to the way it bonds to the teeth and bones. This kind of adhesion is far too strong and damaging to a natural nail.
*MMA has been known to cause serious nail damage (even nail loss), contact dermatitis, organ damage and respiratory problems.
*MMA cannot be purchased in the UK
*The tell tale signs of a salon using MMA are:
The employee’s often wear masks due to the damaging vapors.
Un-labeled bottles, although salons have been known to refill legal brand bottles with MMA.
A slightly different more toxic smells than EMA.
The employees will often not reveal or are very secretive about the monomer used when asked.
Employees often do not speak English or not very well.
*Nail enhancements created with MMA often seem to adhere extremely well to the natural nail. This is partly due to the use of MMA and partly due to the excessive etching (damage!) to the natural nail with a nail drill or harsh abrasive. A well stuck on nail enhancement may seem like a good thing but if the nail was to become trapped or takes a hard knock it is likely to come off taking the natural nail with it rather simply becoming detached from the natural nail plate. Its easy to ask a nail technician to repair a lost nail or cure some lifting, it can take up to a year for a whole nail to grow back!
Thanks to louiser at the salon geek for the above information xxx
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