What is MMA?
When acrylic nails were first introduced to the public, methyl methacrylate (MMA) was a commonly used ingredient. The chemical causes significant damage to the clients that come into contact with it, from simple skin allergies to permanent loss of the nail plate to permanent loss of sensation in the fingertips…and those are just the mild reaction.
So how can you tell the difference?
It really isn’t hard to tell if a product contains MMA.
1.) MMA products stink. The smell is strong and sticks to everything. It can be described as fruity or sour.
2.) Your MMA nails are usually cloudy. They look grayish. You can’t really see your nail bed through them unless they’re very thin…and even then, it’s difficult.
3.) MMA enhancements are extremely difficult (and sometimes impossible) to soak off with acetone or file off, even with coarse abrasives. The dust from the enhancements also smells strongly when filed.
4.) MMA is not sold through quality suppliers as its illegal and as such a black market product.
Tegan Frost - Executive Committee
The NZ Association of Registered Beauty Professionals Inc
May 17, 2025 - May 18, 2025
