Avoid Nail Damage With Proper Gel-Polish Removal

Clients love gel-polish because it lasts for weeks with chip-free, high-shine beauty. But improper removal of gel-polish can not only damage the nail plate, but can harm the relationship you have with the client, who may look at gel-polish as a carefree "natural" service. Follow these smart tips to remove gel-polish safely.

This helpful HOW-TO GUIDE is sponsored by Millenia Productions, makers of Gel II Soak Off Gel Polish

Pedicure Cleaning Log
[in English]

Most states require that you maintain a log of when you clean your pedicure spa. Use this sample as a guide (it covers all the areas required by most state boards).

Reassure clients that their safety is your primary concern by keeping updated records and talking openly about salon sanitation to your clients.

Pedicure Cleaning Log
[in Vietnamese]

Bản mẫu ghi chú về cách giữ  vệ sinh bồn pedicure sau nhằm giúp các chuyên viên móng giữ đúng vệ sinh như luật tiểu bang đòi hỏi.

State-by-State Guide to Disinfection Regulations

Read about each state's required disinfection process, handling of disposable items, and handling electric file accessories. Blank areas are for states that did not provide specific regulations. Make sure you know your state's disinfection regulations and are putting them to practice.

Basic Nail Art Strokes

We asked several nail artists to combine the most basic nail strokes so that they add up to beautiful designs. Follow this simple addition to create looks that will wow.

Stay Healthy and Safe While Giving Manicures and Pedicures: A Guide for Nail Salon Workers provided by OSHA

Learn about possible hazards while working in a salon. These practices will help keep you safe and healthy. This booklet also explains your rights as a nail salon worker. 

Controlling Chemical Hazards During the Application of Artificial Fingernails by NIOSH

Ventilated tables and work habit improvements are detailed in this public handout. 

An Evaluation of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems for Controlling Hazardous Exposures in Nail Salons by NIOSH

This September 2012 study finds that source-capture salon ventilation systems can reduce exposures by at least 50%. 

Sample Resume

Your resume plays a huge role in selling yourself to potential employers. Even without a ton of work experience, you can still use this sample to create a resume that will effectively market your skills.

Safety First
[a guide to keep your salon safe]

Learn what to do in case of common or serious injuries in the salon. Also included are a first aid checklist and emergency number form.

Mystery Shopper Checklist

 Use this checklist to identify areas of improvement in your salon. Have a myster shopper fill out in detail so that you can embrace the positive and negative feedback to make business even better.

Nail Hardeners: Formaldehyde or Formalin?
Nail hardeners are special products used to strengthen natural nails. Most nail hardeners use formalin as the hardening ingredient. However, the name formaldehyde is frequently and incorrectly used as on labels, in place of formalin. Learn the differences between these two terms as well as the potential health risks associated with using nail hardeners.

Additional Languages:
Vietnamese

Guidelines for Controlling and Minimizing Inhalation Exposure to Nail Products
These guidelines outline steps that can be taken to reduce inhalation exposure to potentially irritating and harmful substances. By minimizing inhalation exposure, you can make sure your salon is run properly and safely.

Additional Languages:
Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

Guidelines for Controlling and Minimizing Skin Exposure to Nail Products
Avoid allergic reactions and minimize skin exposure to potentially irritating substances. Take these precautions to run your salon safely and professionally.

Additional Languages:
Spanish | Vietnamese

Protecting the Health of Nail Salon Workers

Browse an ingredients table, tips on tools, equipment, and what to wear. Use the data and fact sheets as well as the best shop practices checklist to keep your workers safe.

Nail Salon Workers: Health and Safety, Working Conditions, Compensation, and Demographics
With salons playing such an important role in the economy, it is important to know these numbers. Learn about who you are hiring and what you can do to ensure a happy, safe, and productive work environment.

Additional Languages:
Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

Guideline for Cleaning and Disinfecting Manicure and Enhancement Equipment

Follow these guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting all equipment used for manicuring and enhancement services. All implements must be cleaned before coming into direct contact with a client, as required by the licensing rules of your region.

Additional Languages:
Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

NMC Update: Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Liquid Monomers

This update by the Nail Manufacturers Council focuses on the issues related to use of artificial nail enhancement products based on methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA).

Additional Languages:
Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

Sample Client Consultation Form

Get to know your client before performing any nail services on them. Learn about allergies, special conditions, and any routine activities that might impact their nails. By getting this health and contact information in advance you will be better able to serve them in your salon.

Customizable Client Handout ?Our Pledge to You: a Safe and Clean Salon
This handout lists the precautions and measures you have taken to ensure a healthy and clean salon for your clinets. Give them the confidence they need to trust your salon is up to code.

Select File Format:
PDF | DOC

Updated Salon Safety Guidelines for Nail Technicians
Each state has its own regulations covering sanitation guidelines. It's a technician's legal responsibility to read, understand, and follow these regulations as well as keep up with any changes. This document is a compilation of industry standards gleaned from the Professional Beauty Association and NMC co-chairs. These guidelines are updated every year to reflect any changes.

Additional Languages:
Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

NMC's Pedicure Equipment Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedures for Nail Technicians
These are the  recommended procedures for cleaning and disinfecting all pedicure equipment. Use an EPA registered hospital liquid disinfectant that the label claims is a bactericide, virucide, and fungicide. Always record the time each cleaning procedure is performed in a slaon cleaning log.

Additional Languages:
Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese | Polish | Russian

Updated MMA Monomer Information for Nail Technicians

Methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) has been banned as an ingredient in nail products by the FDA for 30 or so years. Learn how to detect MMA in products, so that you are not found liable.

Gel Manicures and Pedicures [NMC Handout]

Gel systems have been available for decades but are experiencing newfound popularity due to technical advances. Gel manicures and pedicures are easy to apply, dry fast, and are safer than ever, which adds to their popularity.

Ergonomic Basics for Nail Salon Professionals

Basic tips for eliminating/preventing injuries, pain or discomfort coming from salon work.

Salon & Spa Sustainability White Paper by the National Association of Eco-Friendly Salons & Spas (NAEFSS)
This paper celebrates great strides in salon/spa sustainability and is meant to further engage professionals in practicing these strategies. Discover where sustainability thrives in the salon/spa industry and see where you fit in.

UV Gel Manicures Proper Removal for Continued Nail Health by NMC

Nail plate damage becomes more likely if gel polishes are removed in a way not recommended here. Various factors affect removal time. Listed here are some basic techniques that are proven to work, as well as some things you should not do. Not following manufacturer's instructions will make later removal more difficult.

Salon Self Inspection Checklist

The North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners has a Salon Self-Inspection Checklist. It is listed here and advised that you tailor it to your state's requirements. Help yourself and your salon reduce the number of violations you can get by being prepared.

Do UV Nail Lamps Emit Unsafe Levels of Ultraviolet Light?

Three experts attempt to rebuff a study that claims UV lamps emit unsafe levels of ultraviolet light. They test UV-A and UV-B lamps and compared that output to natural sunlight. Here are their findings.

Emergency Nail Repair At Home

Work with your manicurist to prepare a kit for those times you just can't get to a salon. Short and simple repairs can hold you over until your next visit. This list includes items you should keep on hand, what to do in case of cracks and breaks, discoloration, splitting, and peeling.

Do-It-Yourself
Acrylic Removal Guide

These are the supplies and methods you should use for removing acrylics. Remember, removing acrylic nails should never be painful. Keep your nails healthy throughout the removal process by following these steps.

10 Nail Myths to Stop Believing

Will bringing your own implements to the salon really prevent an infection? Will eating gelatin really strengthen your nails? Find the answers to these common nail myths and more, so you can do the best to care for the health of your nails.

What to Look Out for in Nail Salons
Know what to look for in a salon that signals for you to leave or insist on better practices. Also included is a list of what to beware of when it comes to technicians or salon providers. These guidelines will help you choose the salon that is safest for you.

Additional Languages:
Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

Facts about Salon Nail Polish Products for Consumers
If you've ever wondered about the ingredients in a polish, if it's safe to use, or what government agencies do to regulate polish, then you will want to look through this list of facts.

Additional Languages:
Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese

Caring for Your Nail Enhancements at Home

Use these key pointers to care for your nail enhancements at home. Listen to your nail tech and know what you can do on your own, what your nail tech can do, and when you need to see a doctor.

Maintaining the Natural Look

Keep your nails looking just as  they did when you got them manicured. Follow these guidelines to maintain your nails at home.

How to Choose a Quality Nail Salon

Use this handout to determine if the salon you have chosen is not only providing great nails, but a safe and healthy environment as well.

Age-Defying Tips for the Hands and Feet

A youthful appearance isn't only about your face. These tips will help your hands and feet look and feel young as well.

Health: Diamond Nails? Crystal Nails? What Are You Really Getting?

Learn standard nail service terms and some of the misleading names that get thrown around. Know what you are getting in a service so that you can compare prices accurately.