Discount Nail Salons. It's not Us vs. Them... it's YOU vs. Them!

Individuals interested in healthy nails should probably not consider using a discount nail shop.

Obviously, there are exceptions to every rule. But in most cases, discount shops are built on a "quantity" business model, rather than a quality one, like Identity Salon Day Spa. Now obviously, as consumers, we all have the right to choose -- Filet Mignon or fast food. Ferrari or Yugo. So why should you not be able to make the same decisions where your artificial nails are concerned?

Obviously, you can - and that is your perrogative. However, when we say "you get what you pay for" here are five common examples of problems found in many discount nail shops, things you need to be aware of when making a purchasing decision.

1. Sanitation. Ever had a nail fungus? If so, you probably understand why sanitation is such a critical issue. We won't even get into gross issues like re-use of paraffin wax and not sterilizing implements properly.
2. Communication. If it's about quantity and not quality, don't expect much attention to detail, or to your personal wishes. Like Henry Ford once said, "You can get it in any color you want - as long as it's black."
3. Privacy. In larger businesses, we have seen 30 people packed into a small shop. Want to enjoy a pedicure in that environment? Better bring your iPod and a sleep mask if you want privacy, because it's all gonna be in your brain.
4. A La Carte. Yes, the prices are great! But polish is extra? In many discount shops, every single portion of the service is itemized and charged separately. So, the bargain you hoped for isn't always what you were counting on.

The fifth reason is the most important - and is a dirty little secret some nail shops don't want to talk about. It's certainly not something they want you to know about. That something is MMA, and here's the straight scoop.

Now, this gets a little technical, so bear with us. Every nail tech uses a product called a "monomer" to create your artificial nails. In chemistry, a monomer (from Greek mono "one" and meros "part") is a small molecule that may become chemically bonded to other monomers to form a polymer. In our instance, we actually use a liquid monomer in conjunction with a powdered polymer to create your nail enhancements. Reputable and ethical nail spas and salons use a monomer called EMA (Ethyl MethAcrylate) which is approved for use by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Many discount salons, however, use an illegal product called MMA, which stands for Methyl MethAcrylate.

In the early seventies the FDA deemed MMA a poisonous and deleterious ingredient, when used in liquid monomer. For the technician, long term use of MMA may lead to permanent damage to the respiratory system and the liver. (Now do you understand why they wear masks?) But if poisonings and allergic reactions aren't enough to convince you, here is some more information about artificial nails and MMA.

The MMA product is exceptionally hard and requires a lot of drilling in the application and maintenance process. Incorrect drilling can burn the nail bed, causing extreme pain and discomfort. Over thinning of the nail plate can occur, causing red patches and indentations. Sometimes, in severe cases, the drill can penetrate right through the natural nail. It also takes a lot of drilling to etch the nail plate -- to ensure the MMA product sticks in the first place. This causes thinning and damage to the natural nail, which then offers no protection from MMA penetrating through to the nail bed. MMA enhancements are difficult to remove, and such work can often take hours. Unscrupulous nail technicians that use MMA also tend to OVERuse electric drills to speed up the removal process, often causing severe damage and burning to the natural nail.

Ever break a nail? If so, you know it's a painful thing! Believe it or not, professional nails are designed to break away to reduce possible injury to you much greater than what could happen if they did not. A perfect example of what happens when nails don't break away are nails made with MMA. These enhancements are extremely tough, so instead of breaking off harmlessly when caught, they remain intact. This can lead to serious, excruciatingly painful breaks or tears down to the natural nail, often close to the cuticle, sometimes resulting in serious infections.

And WHY do discount shops use MMA? Because MMA costs 1/3 to 1/4 of what EMA costs. So, at least now you know why discount nails are so inexpensive. They often break the rules, operate illegally, and put your health at risk in the process -- all so you can save a few bucks.

It doesn't sound like a bargain to us.

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