Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Health

Is the recent consumer press about possible dangers at nail salons good or bad for the industry?

June 12, 2008

I believe the press is really good for the salons that are following the state board’s rules and regulations for sanitation and disinfection. I believe your salon will benefit only if you, the tech, make this happen by being vigilant. I believe if you post your procedures and let a client hear and see you following these procedures, you and the salon will benefit in the long run, in more ways then one. Word of mouth is a powerful thing.

ANN-MARIE REAVES - SCISSOR ACTION SALON - PEPPERELL, MASS.

I think it’s a double-edged sword. It’s important that consumers are educated about safety and sanitation requirements. On the other hand, many articles and newscasts treat the issue in a sensational format by intimidating consumers with scare tactics. Most of this press seems to fall in the latter category and can only be countered by trusting and honest relationships between nail technicians and clients.

SARAH HALLFORD - KISS MY TOES - CITRUS HEIGHTS, CALIF.

Personally, I think it’s all good and here’s why. People are curious, so whether it’s good or bad news, people tend to come in just to see for themselves and/or gather more information. This is where your education falls into place. And, if it’s your salon they’re talking about, that’s a good thing because your name is getting to the public. And that’s called publicity!

PATTY LOPEZ - STUDIO 24, PARRAL - CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO

Because the press shows only the negative side of the field, we’re having to work twice as hard to undo the shame that’s been placed on us by salons that don’t take the same pride in their work. I think that if the press is going to do a report on salons they should go a little deeper and show all sides, like the salons that are giving back to their community and are updating their salons to meet any new laws, even if the cost puts them in the red. Let’s see more of the good things.

SYDNE MCFARLANE - CREATIVE TOUCH OF MAHOGANY - NORFOLK, VA.

I get so frustrated when I see reports of “bad things” happening at nail salons. I think the issue needs to be addressed, but in such a way that consumers are being educated as well. I always educate my clients on what to look for and what should be done after each pedicure, after each client, etc. It’s up to the salon owner to set a standard that can’t be wavered from and demand that from all of the service providers. Education is key — for employees and for clients — so they know what to watch for!

JYNELLE WAYMIRE – JYNELLE’S SALON RETREAT - LAKELAND, FLA.

It depends on how the person feels about the media exposure regarding salon dangers. My sister-in-law is a registered nurse, and she continues to frequent the discount salons for her pedicures. As a nail tech it’s always in my mind that the consumer is aware but doesn’t care and won’t, until something bad happens to them. I booth rent and, when asked, I explain to my client how and when I sanitize and disinfect. I do my cleaning of implements in front of them so they’re aware I am doing my part regarding their safety.

TAME ZOLLER - UNTAMED EXPECTATIONS - SAMUEL’S DESIGN TEAM, MONROE, MICH.

More FAQ

All of a sudden I have one client with pseudomonas. What is going on?

I have never had a problem with my clients getting “greenies” (pseudomonas). However, I do have one new client who has been getting a greenie on a different nail every time I see her. I never re-use a file on any of her other nails after filing off the green, and of course I disinfect my implements after each client. What is going on? She said she has never had this problem before, and I have never experienced this before.... read more

How to a correct a vertical split in the nail?

I have a client who has been coming to me every two weeks for about four months. She originally came to me with a vertical split going up her nail toward the cuticle on both of her thumbs. It appeared that it was only splitting about 1/8th of an inch from the free edge. But as time has gone on I notice that it doesn’t ever grow out because there is a ridge that travels completely to the cuticle. She moisturizes daily and has even been using various nail strengtheners. I don’t know how to correct this. Please help!... read more

Why aren't my client's nails growing and what can I do to get them to grow?

One of my clients has worn acrylic extensions on her nails for several years. She used to live in Florida, and her nail technician there used a drill on her nails. Since then, her nails have stopped growing. They grow about three-quarters of the way out on her nail bed, and stop. There has been no new growth for several years. What has happened to her nails, and how can I get them to grow? Also, can she wear extensions? I put fiberglass wraps on her nails last week and they all fell off in just a few days. Is this problem related to her nail bed problem?... read more

Can chemotherapy cause problems to the nails?

I had a client who wanted fiberglass applied on her “eggshell” nails. The next day, the application started to slide right off her nails in one piece. I couldn’t understand why. Then she told me she was receiving chemotherapy. Can that cause this problem? Since then, I have been using acrylic on her nails instead. It has worked better, but her nails are still lifting and sometimes one may loosen and fall off. What can I do?... read more

What is the average shelf life for acrylic powder and monomer?

What is the average shelf life for acrylic powder and monomer?... read more

What steps are taken by a state board to shut down (or fine) a salon that uses MMA illegally?

I live in Indiana and I want to know what steps, if any, are taken by the state board to shut down (or fine) the non-standard salons that blatantly use MMA in a state where it is supposed to be illegal?... read more

What do you do to be environmentally friendly in your salon?

What do you do to be environmentally friendly in your salon?... read more

How does cold weather affect the nails?

How does cold weather affect the nails?... read more

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

The owner of my salon is breaking many state rules and regulations regarding disinfection and sanitation, particularly when it comes to pedicures, and I am worried for my clients’ safety. I’ve spoken to her, but she doesn’t seem to care. How should I handle this?... read more

Why do you choose not to wear a mask when filing acrylics or gels?

We all know our lungs deserve a break from the dust produced when filing acrylics or gels — especially when using an electric file. But for a variety of reasons most of us choose not to wear a mask for protection. We asked techs who don’t wear masks to tell us why not.... read more

How do I get my salon owner to compy with state sanitation rules?

The owner of my salon is breaking many state rules and regulations regarding disinfection and sanitation, particularly when it comes to pedicures, and I am worried for my clients’ safety. I’ve spoken to her, but she doesn’t seem to care. How should I handle this?... read more

Can you get an infection without being cut?

My coworker did a manicure on a client and the client came back with a major infection. My coworker didn’t cut her during the service. My question is, can you get an infection without being cut? Could it have been my coworker’s fault?... read more