Acrylic Nails and the Importance of Sanitation
Acrylic nails can make your fingers look beautiful, but when not done right, harmful effects, including growth of fungus underneath the nail, can result. But with proper sanitation in manicure services, these effects can be avoided.
First, let’s briefly talk about the individual who performs the service—the manicurist. Education and knowledge are the keys; in the State of Illinois, all manicurists are required to have a minimum amount of continuing education every year. The purpose is not only to become aware of upcoming nail trends and styles, but also to learn of techniques for hygiene and to stop the spread of bacteria. These educational events can be expensive, and since there’s no policing of the system, some manicurists may choose to miss out on mandatory education.
The leading cause of fungus in sculptured nails is unsanitary equipment. Here are some things to look for when you next visit a manicurist.
First, check that all implements are sanitized with a 99 percent alcohol-based sanitizer before and after a service. You should watch the manicurist sanitize everything; this is your reassurance that everything is clean. Second, check that disposable items are only used once and then disposed of. Third, check that clean towels and fresh water are used. Also, a responsible manicurist won’t ignore your concerns, but will refer all questionable nail conditions to your physician.
Finally, make sure a product called MMA, or methyl methacrylate, isn’t used. MMA is a bonding agent commonly used in making Plexiglas and dental products. MMA is inexpensive and has become popular in some discount manicure parlors for bonding acrylic nails. It’s banned in the State of Illinois, however. MMA can penetrate the skin and cause irritation and possibly spread into the blood stream.
Manicurists who provide high-end services will only use hospital grade sanitation methods. They are also state licensed and well educated in the latest techniques for maintaining and practicing hygiene.
It’s never a pleasant experience when, after you’ve been pampered and your new nails look great, you develop fungus. One such bad experience can stop you from going back to a manicurist forever. You can avoid bad experiences by making sure you choose the right manicurist and watching carefully what he or she does. Ask questions as they’re performing the service.
If you have questions for the author, please e-mail them to info@peoriamagazines.com. TPW
First, let’s briefly talk about the individual who performs the service—the manicurist. Education and knowledge are the keys; in the State of Illinois, all manicurists are required to have a minimum amount of continuing education every year. The purpose is not only to become aware of upcoming nail trends and styles, but also to learn of techniques for hygiene and to stop the spread of bacteria. These educational events can be expensive, and since there’s no policing of the system, some manicurists may choose to miss out on mandatory education.
The leading cause of fungus in sculptured nails is unsanitary equipment. Here are some things to look for when you next visit a manicurist.
First, check that all implements are sanitized with a 99 percent alcohol-based sanitizer before and after a service. You should watch the manicurist sanitize everything; this is your reassurance that everything is clean. Second, check that disposable items are only used once and then disposed of. Third, check that clean towels and fresh water are used. Also, a responsible manicurist won’t ignore your concerns, but will refer all questionable nail conditions to your physician.
Finally, make sure a product called MMA, or methyl methacrylate, isn’t used. MMA is a bonding agent commonly used in making Plexiglas and dental products. MMA is inexpensive and has become popular in some discount manicure parlors for bonding acrylic nails. It’s banned in the State of Illinois, however. MMA can penetrate the skin and cause irritation and possibly spread into the blood stream.
Manicurists who provide high-end services will only use hospital grade sanitation methods. They are also state licensed and well educated in the latest techniques for maintaining and practicing hygiene.
It’s never a pleasant experience when, after you’ve been pampered and your new nails look great, you develop fungus. One such bad experience can stop you from going back to a manicurist forever. You can avoid bad experiences by making sure you choose the right manicurist and watching carefully what he or she does. Ask questions as they’re performing the service.
If you have questions for the author, please e-mail them to info@peoriamagazines.com. TPW