Absolutely not. This is one subject I feel strongly about. A salon is not a place for children. We have a sign posted next to the reception desk that says: “Attention clients! We cannot babysit while you tan or get your nails done. Please make other arrangements.” It works out great for us.
Michelle McKinn-Iriart
Tanicure Salon (Bakersfield, Calif.)
Only if they are having a service done. Younger children especially cannot sit without touching everything in sight and there are dangerous chemicals, sharp implements, and hot paraffin around the salon. Besides, this is a time for the client to get away from the husband and kids.
Jo Laki
Jo’s Naughty Nails (Hamlin, Pa.)
We don’t invite parents to bring their children into the shop. We have a logo on the wall and in the restrooms, saying: “We love children, we have some of our own, but if you have an appointment, please leave them at home.” Customers respect our little logo.
Tracey Stadamire
Un-4-Gettable Nails (Portland, Ore.)
While we don’t recommend that a client bring an infant or toddler to the salon because of the distractions, we do allow older children who can encertain themselves. We recommend that they bring their favorite video and have them sit in our technician’s office where we have a TV and VCR. We also offer to polish a young girl’s nails for free if she has been well behaved.
Annette Sather
Just Nails (Madison, Wis.)
We created a child’s area with toys, but found that the children didn’t stay in there. They seem to prefer the lobby, so we got rid of the area and still invite our clients to bring in their kids. The children are well behaved. They even bring us presents.
Cheryl Haita
Breezes Day Spa & Tanning (West Allis, Wis.)
I allow children in my salon as long as the mother can control them. If they come in and they are too young to sit by themselves, I tell her it’s best to reschedule due to all the chemicals that are in the child’s reach. Children get bored fast and want to roam. I believe a salon is not an appropriate place for a child.
Sheila Snyder
Sunshine Nails & Tanning (Radcliff, Ky.)