ÿþ<html> <head> <title>Acrylic Nail Enhancements</title> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='tab-interval:.25in'> <img alt="[Hand Logo]" align="left" src="./image002.jpg"> <H1><b><i>Nails Your Way</i></b></H1> <hr size=1 color="gray" width="100%" align=center> <a href="./index.htm" title="[Nails Your Way Home Page]"> HOME</a> | <a href="./aboutNYW.htm" title="[A Therapeutic Nail Care Salon]"> About NYW</a> | <a href="./articles.htm" title="[Articles from Chapel Hill News &amp; Views]"> ARTICLES</a> | <a href="./listserv.htm" title="[List of Services]">SERVICES & PRICES</a> | <a href="./Map-NYW.htm" title="[Location: Directions & Map]">MAP</a><br> <hr size=1 color="gray" width="100%" align=center> <H2>Acrylic Nail Enhancements</H2> <p><b>What are acrylic nails?</b> I ve received numerous calls concerning acrylic nails. The statements I hear most often are,  I didn t know acrylic nails should be soaked off.",  I didn t know acrylic nails were so damaging. , and  I didn t realize I needed fill-ins every two weeks. Acrylic nails are a liquid and powder mixture, brushed on over a plastic nail tip to add length to the natural nails. Many women get acrylic nails for weddings or other special occasions without researching what is involved in maintaining them.</p> <p><b>How do I maintain acrylic nails?</b> If you break a nail or if a nail begins to lift, schedule a repair fill-in appointment. A broken nail can become infected when moisture becomes trapped between the natural nail and the extension tip. If you re hard on your nails, shorter nails will avoid breakage and look more natural. Acrylics usually cause dry cuticles. Use cuticle oil daily to soften dry cuticles.</p> <p><b>How should I remove acrylic nails?</b> Clip the tips (length) down as short as possible, remove polish, buff the top layer off, and soak in pure acetone for about 45 minutes; scrape the softened acrylic off with an orange wood stick. Prying off is never a good way to remove acrylic because it is painful and removes layers of your natural nails. You should <i>only</i> soak-off acrylic nails. Acrylic nails should be soaked off every 6 to 8 weeks. After your acrylics are removed, your natural nails will be weak, so a six-week recovery program is recommended.</p> <p><b>What is MMA liquid?</b> <i>Methyl methacrylate</i> or MMA is a chemical acrylic liquid that the FDA has determined to be  poisonous and is <i>not suitable</i> for use in acrylic nail products. Some nail shops continue to use this illegal acrylic liquid because it much cheaper than the appropriate solvents. Indications that a salon is using MMA acrylic liquid are: the tech uses an electric drill to etch your natural nail beds; MMA has a strong sharp odor; techs wear masks; techs use an oversized brush; MMA acrylics take a much longer time to soak-off. If your fingers burn, itch or hurt after receiving acrylic nails this usually indicates MMA exposure. The side effects of MMA may cause fetus damage or nervous system damage. Other possible nail health risks involving long-term use of acrylic nails are fungal infections, product allergies, separation or lifting of the natural nail plate, thin distorted nails, dry cracking cuticles, scarring of the nail bed, and grooved nails.</p> <p><b>Are there any alternative nail enhancements available?</b> There are several alternative enhancement products that do not cause damage to the natural nail beds. Natural <i>Organic Nails</i> enhancements are for people that are allergic to traditional acrylic nails. <i>Party Nails</i>, also known as 'temporary tips' or 'special occasion nails' are often pre-decorated with nail art, last three days to one week, and are used for ages 13-18 and for adults not interested in maintaining a set of nails for a long period of time. <i>Prescription Nails</i> enhancements are for weak nails or nail biters, last two weeks, and do not require maintenance fill-ins or the use of electric drills. </p> <hr size=1 color="gray" width="100%" align=center> <p><a href="./Map-NYW.htm" title="[Location: Directions & Map]"><img alt="[Look for the Hand]" align="left" src="./5900hand.jpg"></a> Read Jeanne's Latest Monthly Article In Chapel Hill News & Views.</p> <p></p><a href="./Map-NYW.htm" title="[Location: Directions & Map]"><img alt="[MAP]" align="right" src="./MAP-NYW1-tn.jpg"></a> <p><b>Nails Your Way</b><br> <i>Jeanne Grace Curtis</i><br> <i>5900 Orchard Road</i><br> <i>Douglasville GA 30135-4726</i></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Look for the Hand Sign pointing at the gate!<br> (All the way at the end of Orchard Road)</p> <p align=right>Click on Map for Printable Copy. </p> <h3 style="color:red">By Appointment Only</h3> <TABLE border="3" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3"> <TR style="color:black"> <TD align=right><b>Sun-Mon</TD> <TD align=left><b>Closed</TD> </TR> <TR> <TD align=right><b>Tues-Sat</TD> <TD align=left><b>11am-7pm</TD> </TR> </TABLE> </b> <h2 style="color:red">770-949-3113</h2> <hr size=1 color="gray" width="100%" align=center> <a href="./index.htm" title="[Nails Your Way Home Page]"> HOME</a> | <a href="./aboutNYW.htm" title="[A Therapeutic Nail Care Salon]"> About NYW</a> | <a href="./articles.htm" title="[Articles from Chapel Hill News &amp; Views]"> ARTICLES</a> | <a href="./listserv.htm" title="[List of Services]">SERVICES & PRICES</a> | <a href="./Map-NYW.htm" title="[Location: Directions & Map]">MAP</a><br> <hr size=1 color="gray" width="100%" align=center> </body> </html>