QuestionHi Ya!
After many many years of trying to grow my nails so they would not peel back layer by layer, I finally took the plunge and got what I thought was gel nails. Now that I have read a little bit, I believe that I got the plain acrylic nails along with one layer of UV coating that I had to have my nails under the UV light curer for.
I wasn't real happy with the place I went, they just opened and I thought I'd stop in there. And I was planning to look for a new place when it is time for me to start my fills.
My question to you is since I believe I have this MMR product as the product I used (based on the one article link I read), do I need to remove these nails and recreate them with the real gel? Can I just begin to have uv gel fills and that will eventually get rid of the bad MMR stuff?
Since this is the first time I have ever had nails put on after 30+ years, I am not sure of some of the ins and outs. The reason that I always hesitated was my concern that I would kill my own nails. Oh well what's done is done...hopefully you can make me feel better about my decision :)
Thanks!
Linda
AnswerHi Linda,
To ascertain if you have standard acrylic, please see these two pages of info on my site. One regards MMA and the ways that poor quality salons will scam consumers: http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id18.html
And this page describes the different types of enhancements:
http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id16.html
TRUE UV Gel has absolutely NO powder. It's as it's name implies, a 'gel'. Gel's come in varying viscosities for their different purposes, from very very thick builders that don't move to 'self-levelling' gels that do as their name implies. But they all have that 'gel' viscosity and can not be confused with nail polish like a "uv sealant' might be which is NOT a uv gel. It is ONLY a sealant that protects acrylic from yellowing, usually only used with cheap acrylics OR over nail polish to help it last longer. It's the UV Sealant that most poor quality salons use to confuse consumers, because their poor acrylic has a tendency to yellow.
Regarding the possibility of your having MMA nails, in my experience and that of many GOOD technicians who's main concern is natural nail health; in most cases it's best to leave it on and infill over it. The reason being with MMA nails, the natural nail is often etched sooooo much that it's weak and too thin and damaged. A weak and damaged natural nail makes a poor base for enhancements to adhere to. Also, it might prove painful once removed.
Many techs will also prefer to remove enhancements from another salon as A)they can't guarantee their product performance over the MMA B)they gain more revenue from removing them and applying a new set rather than just infilling.
Many consumers make mistakes with choosing their technicians and this is NOT a reflection on you! How can you know?
Basically, if the application is painful, DO NOT proceed. Enhancements should NOT be painful EVER.
I'm very happy and relieved that you've sought to inform yourself, and you'd do well to share this information with your friends.
Enhancements do NOT damage nails, poor technicians do so.
When you find another tech, who does real 'uv gels, stand firm and insist on an infill. You may see a difference in color and clarity between the two products until the old grows out HOWEVER, it's the best way to proceed. You can cover the discoloration with nail polish until the old has grown out.
I wish you the best and please do not hesitate to contact me for further info.
If you are in the states, visit beautytech.com. It's a message board FULL of qualified and CONSCIENTIOUS nail techs, and I'm sure you can find one there that is in your area OR they can assist you in finding one.
Best of luck
Victoria
