Global Nail Exchange Plans Set of Standards for Nail Industry

The hair industry has them, and so do estheticians. But the nail industry is sadly lacking them—skill standards, That’s why at its recent meeting, the Global Nail Exchange (GNE) Advisory Board decided that in the coming year, GNE should focus on providing a set of worldwide standards for the industry. “A major reason for doing this is that nail techs want to have a standard way of doing things,” says association member Christie Smaidris.

Not only that, a uniform set of standards would also make it easier to get legislation changed and passed. The standards would include a master nail technician program that would certify nail techs at major professional beauty shows, which Smaidris says is the fastest way to get to nail techs. The association plans to produce a book before any standards are set. “It’ll be a safety and standard manual. It’ll cover everything from professionalism to technology to sanitation,” she says. Smaidris says the association hopes to have the book ready by August 2001, just in time for the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology’s (NIC) annual convention.

In addition, the board also stressed the importance of influencing major manufacturers to provide support to nail technicians throughout the world.