Introduction
Nail art has been around for centuries and has evolved over time. Nowadays, it has become a popular trend, with many people opting for stylish and innovative nail designs. To create these intricate designs, the use of monomer for nails has become a necessity.
What is Monomer?
Monomer is a liquid that is used to create acrylic nails. It is a chemical substance that is mixed with a polymer powder to create a nail enhancement. The mixture hardens when it is exposed to air, creating a solid surface that can be shaped and filed.
How does Monomer work?
Monomer works by creating a chemical reaction with the polymer powder. The monomer liquid is poured into a dappen dish, and the polymer powder is added to it. The mixture is then stirred until it forms a ball, which is then placed on the nail bed. The monomer and polymer mixture hardens when it is exposed to air. This hardening process is known as polymerization. During this process, the monomer molecules bond with the polymer molecules, creating a solid surface.
Types of Monomer
There are two types of monomer used for nails: ethyl methacrylate (EMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). EMA is the most commonly used monomer and is considered safe for use on nails. MMA, on the other hand, is not recommended for use on nails as it is considered toxic and can cause skin irritation.
Why is Monomer Used?
Monomer is used in nail enhancements because it creates a strong and durable surface that can withstand wear and tear. It is also used to create intricate designs and shapes that cannot be achieved with natural nails.
How to Apply Monomer?
To apply monomer, a nail technician will first prepare the nail bed by cleaning and filing the natural nail. The monomer liquid is then poured into a dappen dish, and the polymer powder is added to it. The mixture is then stirred until it forms a ball. The ball of monomer and polymer mixture is then placed on the nail bed and shaped to the desired length and shape. The surface is then filed and buffed to create a smooth finish.
Precautions when Using Monomer
When using monomer, precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of the nail technician and the client. The room must be well-ventilated, and protective gloves must be worn to avoid skin contact with the monomer liquid. MMA should be avoided as it is considered toxic and can cause skin irritation. It is also important to ensure that the monomer and polymer mixture is not contaminated with other substances, as this can affect the final outcome.
Removing Monomer
To remove monomer, the surface of the nail is filed down to the natural nail bed. The remaining monomer and polymer mixture is then soaked in acetone until it softens. The softened mixture can then be gently scraped off, leaving the natural nail intact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, monomer for nails is a liquid that is used to create acrylic nails. It is a chemical substance that is mixed with a polymer powder to create a strong and durable surface that can withstand wear and tear. When using monomer, precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of the nail technician and the client. It is also important to ensure that the monomer and polymer mixture is not contaminated with other substances, as this can affect the final outcome.
