Taking the State Boards
Remember the day(s) of your state board exam? Were you scared and nervous, or cool as a cucumber? Here are some testimonials from fellow techs about that landmark day.
Strange But True Beauty Laws
Barbers banned from eating onions. Women barred from cutting their hair without their husband’s consent. No selling nail polish on Sundays. These wacky real-life beauty regulations certainly warrant a chuckle or two.
All Steamed Up
State boards governing the actions of professionals providing hand and foot beauty have been shaking up the regulations with new sanitation provisions. We set out to clear up the confusion and find out what’s happening in your neck of the woods.
Iowa Requires Sterilization for Cuticle Nippers
Earlier this year, Iowa mandated the autoclaving of certain implements in the salon. As of March, cuticle nippers (along with tweezers and comedone extractors) must be sterilized by steam, dry heat, or other sterilization equipment.
Making the Grade
State inspectors have the ability to strike fear into salon owners, but listen closely and you will find opportunity ... even in a less-than-perfect rating. How states handle inspections (or a lack of them) is as varied as the colors clients choose.
On My Mind: Grades Are Important
Some states, like North Carolina, require salons to post their inspection scores where consumers can see them. While I’m not necessarily a proponent of more rules and regulations for the nail industry, I do believe that since most salons are already being inspected, why not post the grade?
by Hannah Lee
Watch Out for Licensing Scams
Scams in at least two states make it clear that nail and cosmetology licensees should be on the alert to avoid being defrauded.
by Judy Lessin
Tearing Down Business Barriers
Complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act needn’t break the bank and may be as simple as doing what you are already good at. Take five parts hospitality, one part research, two parts active listening, and add a dash of compassion to create a salon that’s accessible to all.
PBA and NCA Agree to Proposed Merger
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) just announced the two organizations have signed an agreement to effect a proposed merger. The merger will combine the best practices and leverage the complementary strengths, assets, and member benefits of each group to improve all sectors of the professional beauty industry.
Tech's Efforts Expand Mobile Spa Rights
Jody Newman, owner of I Do Spas, works to change legislation in Maine regarding the rights of mobile spas to service parties in people's homes.
Kiss the Fish Goodbye
Florida is the latest state to ban fish pedicures.
Universal Companies-NCEA to Offer Certification Review Webinars
Universal Companies and the NCEA (National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors, and Associations) have teamed up to offer training to help prepare candidates for the NCEA Certification exam.
Texas, Washington State Make Fish Pedicures Illegal
Texas and Washington State banned fish pedicures due to safety concerns.
“Modern-Day Slavery” Alleged at Two Pennsylvania Nail Salons
From sometime in 2000 through August 2008, Lynda Dieu Phan and Duc Cao Nguyen, both of New Cumberland, Pa, and Justin Phan, of Tennessee, conspired for Lynda Dieu Phan to travel to Vietnam to recruit victims to work in her York, Pa.-area nail salons, according to a federal indictment released last week.
NCA Elects Its 2009-2010 Board of Directors
The National Cosmetology Association (NCA) recently elected a new Board of Directors, including new board president Mark Goodman.
Texas Makes Fish Pedicures Illegal
Texas has made fish pedicures, in which clients place their feet into a tub containing small carp that then ingest the calloused areas of clients' feet, illegal in the state.
Washington State Makes Fish Pedicures Illegal
The state of Washington has made fish pedicures, in which clients place their feet into a tub containing small carp that then ingest the calloused areas of clients’ feet, illegal in the state.