Sheera Amundson is the owner/operator and wild child behind the nail desk at Addicted to Nails. Colored acrylic and design work is her specialty and these nails never go unnoticed! After 13 years of experience, and numerous certificates of accomplishment she has proven the abilities to create beautiful enhancements with a personable service.

Sheera achieved a Master's Certification through Creative Nail Design and has also product tests for one of the largest nail manufacturer's in the salon industry. Other industry certificates achieved includes; Young Nails, OPI, Creative Nail Design, EZ Flow, Too Much Fun Airbrush and many others.... In October 2004, Sheera had an experience of a nail tech's lifetime to cruise to the Bahamas with OPI, at the Academy at Sea. As a published nail artist, you can see her two cents appear from time to time in Perfectify Magazine.

 

What To Look For In A Quality Nail Technician/Salon?

Published in Perfectify Magazine Oct 2007-Jan 2008

With discount salons on every corner, finding a quality nail technician/salon can sometimes seem impossible. As a professional nail technician, I have a serious passion for the nail industry; and truly strive on providing my clients a professional yet personable service. Here are a few questions to ask when consulting with a nail technician;

  • Do they take the time to discuss your needs and preferences?
  • Does your nail technician use professional products, and can elaborate on why such products are used?
  • What about sanitation and disinfection practices?
  • Are they using a professional electric file with safe techniques?
  • Are their state issued nail license and inspection report displayed?

This is YOUR time for some personal attention, be confident in who is caring for your tips and toes!

Biz/Bio
Sheera Amundson is the wild child behind the nail desk at Addicted to Nails. Colored acrylic and design work is her specialty and these nails never go unnoticed! Aside from nails, pedicures are her second forte. Clients rave how they leave the salon with "happy feet!"Sheera achieved a Master's Certification through Creative Nail Design and has also product tests for one of the largest nail manufacturer's in the salon industry. Other industry certificates achieved includes; Young Nails, OPI, Creative Nail Design, EZ Flow, Too Much Fun Airbrush and many others.... In October 2004, Sheera had an experience of a nail tech's lifetime to cruise to the Bahamas with OPI, at the Academy at Sea. As a published nail artist, you can see her two cents appear from time to time in Perfectify Magazine.

 

Addicted to Nails

 


Re: MMA

Dear Friends of Addicted to Nails,

As you know we are passionate about producing a personable and quality nail service at every visit. As we see it, our job does not end when applying your last coat of polish. It is our responsibility to continue to educate our clients about proper nail care.

Many nail technicians have joined forces with many big names in the beauty industry such as OPI, EZ Flow, Young Nails and Creative Nail Design (just to name a few)in working together to completely ban a toxic and carcinogenic chemical known as Methyl Methacrylate, or MMA. This chemical is most often traced to monomer (nail liquid). During the 1970's the FDA investigated the chemical and took action against any nail manufacturer using MMA as an additive to their monomers. The FDA claims "MMA is a poisonous substance and should not be allowed." Today, most reputable nail companies, use an EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate) based monomer, it has been deemed much safer for the beauty industry. MMA is used for creating products such as prosthetics and plexi-glass.

"In chemistry, one small alteration such as adding an extra Carbon or Hydrogen atom can mean the difference between making a potentially harmful poison or something that is not harmless when used by the professional. Although close cousins, EMA has a slight, but significantly different molecular structure than MMA. This gives EMA the desirable acrylic qualities without the undesirable side effects so often seen with MMA. Only three atoms distinguish the difference between EMA and MMA. However, this small chemical difference makes EMA much safer," according to Consumer Alerts at Beautyweb.com.

MMA based monomers create extremely durable nails, due to rigidly adhered acrylics that are almost impossible to break. However, when they do break, they break not at the stress point of the nail but rather splitting on the nail bed causing serious nail damage, possibly permanently. Other health hazards include; nail infections, respiratory problems and eye, nose and throat irritation, permanent nail deformities, severe allergic reactions, and known to be carcinogenic (cancer causing).

Indications that MMA has been used on you, friends, and family:
Salons that use MMA based acrylics usually grab your attention with their extremely low-priced services, charging $13-18 for a fill-in. One reason for the low prices is because MMA based liquid cost 1/6 th of the price of an EMA based liquid. You might also notice an unusually powerful noxious odor; did you get a headache after leaving the salon? Many times, the person doing your nails is more then likely wearing a mask, yet has not offered you one. Did you notice if their license and inspection report was posted near their station or if the nail technician doing your nails was wearing acrylic nails, probably not! Did they explain what products they use and what each product does?
If they are secretive or had a hard time educating you about any product used, you might consider seeking a more educated technician. Did you see any products that were of name brand for the nail industry in their original packaging other than polish? These are just a few signs that you have been in contact with MMA.
If you are interested in doing further research, I have included a few links,

http://www.beautytech.info/articles/mmafacts.htm
http://www.beautytech.com/nailtech/mma2.htm
http://www.nailsbydesign.homestead.com/MMA.html

Talk with friends and family who also get their nails done about their experiences at a nail salon. Be sure to ask them what products their nail tech uses. Are they happy with the experience where they are going? You are more then welcome to share my research with them or have them call (480) 330-9733 or email me addictedtonails@gmail.com if they have any questions. Like I said before, I am here to educate as well as make your nails shine with confidence. _

Sent with Love,

Sheera Amundson
Addicted to Nails, owner/operator
Creative Nail Design Master Technician