Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Health

How do I handle a salon owner that breaks state rules regarding sanitation?

March 1, 2009

Ultimately if you know the rules are being broken and you continue to work in that environment and do nothing about it, you will feel out of place, you will not respect your leader, and eventually you will leave. I recommend you bring all of the necessary safety information to your owner. Let her know this is something you have to have in place to feel that you work in the type of environment where you feel motivated as well as serve the clients with the utmost integrity. Ask the owner to implement these systems. In the meantime, I would be looking for another nail salon where you could move in the event nothing changes. Be ready. You cannot control your owner or her practices. You can control your career. If you need to move, then you should. Even if it is temporarily challenging for you to do this, in the long run you will have your integrity and you will be standing for what you value.

-Steve Gomez is the manager of training for Milady (www.milady.cengage.com).

More FAQ

What makes matte top coat matte and glossy top coat glossy?

What makes matte top coat matte and glossy top coat glossy?... read more

Is it possible to transmit germs or bacteria via nail polish?

Is it possible to transmit germs or bacteria via nail polish? How come we worry about “double-dipping” with other products, but not nail polish?... read more

What is this washboard-pattern defect in the middle of my thumbs?

For almost 10 years I have a “washboard” configuration on my two thumbs. How can I treat this problem?... read more

Is it normal that I'm in pain after doing a couple clients' nails?

I just recently started doing nails and I had two clients back-to-back. My hands were so tired after filing and I even started getting cramps, back pain, and shoulder pain. Is this normal? Will I get accustomed to my job after a while so I’m not in pain?... read more

What’s the cause of the pinkish-red oval area on the pad of my client’s toes?

I have a client who has a recurring problem with her fourth toes during the winter months. Both of her “ring finger” toes develop a pinkish-red oval area on the pad. Then a month later, when I see her again, the skin has become dry and hard like a callus, with the layers of skin peeling away to reveal a deeper, dark epicenter.  It’s extremely painful for her and, needless to say, we do not touch it. But it clears up in the summer when she’s wearing open-toed sandals, so I suspect it has to be due to the boots she wears in the winter. Plus she never puts lotion on her feet or uses a foot file in between visits. What do you think causes this?... read more

What should I tell clients who believe that LED lights are safer than UV lights?

What should I tell clients who believe that LED lights are safer than UV lights? How do I explain the difference and that both lights are safe?... read more

How can I relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

I’m suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. Do you have any suggestions on how I can relieve the problem?... read more

What are the big white spots on my natural-nail client’s nails?

I have a client who has been with me for about two years. She used to wear acrylic nails but has been a natural nail client for eight months or so. She has these white spots on her nails — big spots that are dry, but not flaky, right in the middle of the nail. I did try to buff them lightly but they do not come off or grow off. I had a new client come in last week who had the same on her toenails. She said it started after she had a pedicure done at another salon. Can you help?... read more

How do other techs solve the problem of odors in the salon during chemotherapy?

I’m wondering how other techs have solved the problem of odors in the salon during chemotherapy? I have an amazing extraction vent system, but even the slightest odor of paraffin or polish makes me queasy. It has affected the services I can offer.  ... read more

Do I need a special permit to do medical pedicures?

I’m a manicurist. Do I need a special permit to do medical pedicures? I don’t want to work in a podiatrist’s office, but I would love to remove ingrown nails. What do you recommend?... read more

I have a client who has broken out with psoriasis on her hands and it has now spread to some of her nails. What advice can you give me and my client?

I have a client who has broken out with psoriasis on her hands and it has now spread to some of her nails. She has been to many dermatologists (one said it was caused by her artificial nails). Anyway, we have taken the artificial nails off and it has been three months. They are still bad. My client wants them back on so badly. I say no because everything I read says not to add more trauma to the nail plate. What advice can you give me and my client?... read more

Clients With Cancer

I have a client with natural nails who I’ve been seeing for 20 years. During the past year she underwent radiation for breast cancer and her nails began splitting and peeling. I have tried different nurturing and hardening products. She also goes to the gym and uses the pool for her exercise routine. Perhaps the chlorine is also harsh on her nails. Do you recommend a certain product or have any other advice?... read more