Sanitation risk factors and nail drill damage has created the need for stronger compliance with state laws that makes customer safety at the top of the priority list.

There is misconception that Acrylic Nail enhancements ruin your natural nails forever, and that is very seldom the case. There are some circumstances when permanent damage is done by use of MMA products, improper use of nail drills and improper acrylic application.

Know how to be safe.

• If you see a nail tech use implements from one customer to another without sanitizing, disinfecting or sterilizing them, walk out! This is cross contamination and can spread a wide verity of infections, fungus and diseases.
• The nail tech must sanitize his/her hands before they start working on you.
• Ask what type of product is used for nail applications. Some good examples are (Creative Nail Design, OPI, Backscratchers and, Star Nails,) Quality professional nail products will not be cheap. A set of Acrylic/Gel nails normally cost between $35.00 to $70.00
• Make sure the acrylic is NOT made from MMA (methyl methacrylate); this product permanently damages the natural nail bed as well as being harmful to your health. This product is illegal to use in Texas.
• Make sure the nail tech is licensed (licenses should be posted for all to see).
• If a drill is used, proper bit sizes should also be used to eliminate the risk of causing the Ring of Fire,
  which creates a red curved line on your
  nail bed. If drilled too deep it can cause
  permanent damage. Hand filing typically
  causes less damage to the nail bed.

Peggy Phethean is the Nail Technology Instructor
for the Cosmetology Program at
North Central Texas College, Gainesville Campus.