Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
California Governor Signs Nation’s First Law on Chemicals in Cosmetics
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill that will require cosmetics manufacturers to disclose which of their products contain chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive harm, or developmental toxicity.
by Staff
October 19, 20052 min to read
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill that will require cosmetics manufacturers to disclose which of their products contain chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive harm, or developmental toxicity.
The California Safe Cosmetics Act of 2005 will require manufacturers to disclose to the Department of Health Services (DHS) ingredients in their products known by the state to cause cancer or birth defects. Manufacturers will also be required to divulge hidden, harmful ingredients in fragrances. It will also allow the DHS to investigate the health impacts of those chemicals and authorize CalOSHA to regulate the products to protect salon workers if they determine a safety risk.
In its original proposal, author Senator Carole Migden (D-San Francisco) had suggested prohibiting certain phthalates from cosmetic formulations, but the proposal was withdrawn during the legislative process. Phthalates are chemicals found in a range of items, including toys and pharmaceutical products. They help nail polish spread easily and allow creams and lotions to go on smoothly. However, professional beauty industry figures, including Doug Schoon, vice president of science and technology for Creative Nail Design, say the amount of phthalates found in nail products is too small to pose a threat to either nail techs or their clients.
More than 20 California cosmetics manufacturers supported the bill. Two-hundred companies have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a pledge to replace hazardous ingredients with safer alternatives within three years, circulated by the national Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
More In The Know
Premiere San Antonio Returns as a Must-Attend Beauty Trade Show in the Southwest
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.
by Anne Moratto
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Is Coming to Philadelphia
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
by Anne Moratto
Reddit Releases Its First Beauty-Specific Report: Conversations Around Beauty, Hair, Nail, and Skincare
According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.
by Anne Moratto
Owners of Nationwide Nail Salon Business Made More Than $116 M in Unreported Cash Payments
A Texas man and woman pleaded guilty on Monday to operating a significant under-the-table cash payroll at their nationwide nail salon business.
by Anne Moratto
Nail Tech Event of the Smokies Celebrates 19 Years in Gatlinburg
The nails-only trade show welcomed 700 beauty professionals for education, shopping, networking and one unforgettable Smokies surprise.
by Staff
OPI Is Bringing Back Fan Favorites:
Some OPI nail colors became such classics that fans clamored for their return. And OPI--as always--paid attention to what clients and nail professionals were asking for.
by Anne Moratto
In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
Professional Beauty Association Opens Entries for PBA NAHA 2027, Welcomes Back Nail Professional of the Year
Entries are now open for the industry's most prestigious creative competition, marking the return of Nail Professional of the Year while celebrating the artistry that defines professional beauty.
by Staff
The Nail Trends Taking Over in 2026
MiniLuxe’s Donna Charloff shares the season’s most-requested nail art, the secrets to a polished bare manicure, and her trend predictions for fall.
by Anne Moratto