Methyl methacrylate monomer, or MMA, came on strong in the world of artificial nails. Decades ago, salon techs started using it because the stuff holds nail extensions like crazy and costs a lot less than safer alternatives. MMA doesn’t chip or pop off easily, and the promise of long-wearing, “bulletproof” nails caught on quickly. But as anyone who has worked behind the counter or sat in the nail chair knows—some features come with heavy tradeoffs.
Breathing in MMA fumes can cause eye, skin, and throat irritation after just a few visits to a packed salon. Some techs say they can taste chemicals long after a busy shift. I’ve known artists who had to stop taking clients because their fingers grew raw and inflamed or their faces broke out with rash. The science backs them up—studies sorted by the National Institutes of Health show repeated exposure sparks asthma, allergic reactions, and even burns under the nail.
One of the worst parts for clients is what happens when it’s time for removal. MMA sticks tighter than a barnacle. Many salons have taken files to natural nails, thinning them down until they ache. If you’ve walked out with paper-thin, burning nails after a visit, you might have felt MMA’s bite. This isn’t anecdote—it’s listed as a reason the US Food and Drug Administration flagged the chemical all the way back in the 1970s, calling out its dangers for skin and nails.
Salons using MMA promise great deals and long-wear sets, but the money saved comes straight out of client and worker safety. The lower the price, the bigger the risk. MMA is still sold to salons that order from gray-market suppliers or use generic unlabeled bottles. It’s banned for nail use in a big chunk of the United States, Canada, and the EU, but enforcement is spotty. Clients might not know what’s on their fingers. Nail professionals say that if the smell is sharp and headaches set in fast, MMA might be in the room.
Ethyl methacrylate (EMA), a close cousin, entered the market to take MMA’s spot with far fewer health issues for workers and clients. EMA sets strong without living up to MMA’s reputation as dangerous glue. Reputable salons have switched over. Clear labeling and education do more to build trust than any fancy promotion. State boards and trade organizations offer toolkits and training to spot MMA and advise how to report its use.
Real change comes from people looking out for each other: workers talking honestly about their conditions, clients asking outright about compounds in their nail products, and telling friends what salons they trust. Policy enforcement counts, but so does the clear voice of those who shape, buff, and paint day in and day out. Healthy nails and healthy air go hand in hand. Walking out of a salon with smooth, natural nails that feel as good as they look should be the goal.
Anyone sitting down for a set of acrylics should ask what the salon uses. If the price seems too low or the odor burns your nose, it’s worth taking a closer look. Salons that respect their clients post ingredients, keep rooms well ventilated, and train workers on safe practice. Clients who care about long-term nail health know to ask hard questions and vote with their feet. Real trust grows when nobody cuts corners—especially where hands are concerned.
