ladies: ACRYLIC NAIL WARNING!!!!- PLEASE, READ!!!!

[redeyedfrg]

I was thinking about getting gel or acrylic nails before my upcoming cruise, and went surfing to find out what the difference is btwn the two (have only had acrylics in the past). i came across this information, and it is SCARY!!!! please, please read this if you have or are considering getting fake nails. it involves serious health risks. including MISCARRIAGE and KIDNEY FAILURE due to the use of a chemical called MMA. it's commonly used in discount nail salons because it's 1/3 the price of the product that contains the safer chemical, EMA. warning signs that your salon may be using this chemical w/o your knowledge:
-technicians wearing masks
-unusually strong, sweet or fruity smell to the acrylic liquid
-abrading of the nail bed before applying the acylic
-chemicals in unmarked containers
-CHEAP PRICES!!!! A GALLON OF MMA IS ONLY $50, BUT A GALLON OF EMA COSTS HUNDREDS

http://www.beautytech.info/articles/mmafacts.htm

[colorcrazie]

Years ago, I had acrylic nails put on prior to a cruise. Had never done it before. Was so pleased as my nails always break/chip. BUT, I caught my right thumbnail on something while unpacking in my cabin and it ripped the entire thumbnail off. Guess the salon did too good a job attaching it. But, that was a serious pain and while I still had fun, I will never do that again!
Marty

[jeana]

Thanks for the warning. I have had acrylic nails for years and I love them. Fortunately, the substance MMA is banned in New York, where I live, and hopefully the rest of the country will follow suit shortly. I am always cautious when I need to have my acrylic nails maintained away from my preferred salon. It pays to be very cautious when choosing acrylic nails!

[kimxotennis]

yikes, i get acrylics a lot, the smell sounds correct and they always wear masks!
uh oh!

[Parrot Mom]

Have had acrylic nails for well over 10 years without a lproblem... The salon does use a ion air filter and there isn't any smell in there at all.. Ths particular salon has individual files for each client..

[Rosebud5t]

A year ago, I switched from acrylics to gels and can't sing their praises enough! They don't lift and peel like acrylics do. They are a little more "flexible" than acrylics, too, so you're less likely to rip off your entire nail if you catch it on something. That still hurts, though... YOUCH! Gels also won't show the fill lines like acrylics do, so you can keep a french manicure looking good, if that's the look you like.

[cruisinforever]

What's the upkeep on gels? Are they costly? How long do they last?