Frequently Asked Questions

Liquid-and-powder nails are a two-part system in which the powder has already been polymerized to its full extent.

Acrylic nails are prepared from a two part system. One element is an acrylic polymer powder and the other component is a reactive liquid. When the two are mixed together, there is a brief period of time during which the resulting paste can be sculpted onto the natural nail. Once applied, the coating cures and forms a hard, durable plastic.

Sets describe the sculpting time available before the powder-liquid mixture polymerizes. There are three types of sets. Fast set powders or liquids give the shortest amount of sculpting time. Medium set powders or liquids give a moderate amount of sculpting time. Slow set powders or liquids provide the longest sculpting time.

Methyl Methacrylate is an ingredient that was used as the "liquid" side of the acrylic formulation.

In the 1970’s, the Food and Drug Administration learned of personal injuries associated with the use of acrylic monomer formulated with MMA. Reports included nail loss, contact dermatitis, soreness and infection. The FDA then took action against several marketers of MMA liquid monomers, but since the FDA does not review or approve cosmetics before they go to market – only taking legal action if a product poses a safety problem – certain disreputable manufacturers continue to formulate products with MMA.

CCS does not offer MMA for use in acrylic (powder / liquid) nail systems. Credible acrylic manufacturers use a product called EMA or Ethyl Methacrylate, which has been deemed much safer for use in the beauty industry

The powder and liquid should be kept a room temperature (70°F). If the powder and liquid are too cold the chemical reaction will slow down causing a longer cure time.

Primer- less Monomer is specially formulated with adhesion promoting monomers. It can be used with any set of powders. This eliminates the use of primer on the nail.

Gel is a homogenous product in which the monomers and oligomers (strings of monomers) stay in a semi-liquid/semi-solid state because it hasn’t polymerized.

Original gel products are hard and very much like an acrylic. These are used both directly on the natural nail and to create an extension.

The first generations of gels were very thick. These gels took on the appearance and feel of an acrylic nail. As technology progressed, the products became thinner, flowed onto the nail better and began to resemble conventional nail polish.

There are several possible reasons. The nail industry has been using UV (ultraviolet) lamps, which are small format fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs emit a broad spectrum of light, but can lose power quickly. If using a UV lamp box, regular replacement of bulbs is good preventive maintenance.

No, despite many manufacturers’ claims. A simple toilette with alcohol will do the trick.

This is uncured gel.

Believe it or not, clean and dry hands! Simple hand-washing and scrubbing the nail plate removes surface oils, creams, lotions, and other contaminants that interfere with proper adhesion.

All polymers shrink when they form, there is no exception in any nail product. Excessive shrinkage causes many problems, such as lifting, tip cracking, and other types of service breakdown.