Listed below are a few things for a consumer to
look for in a salon...
Having a beauty service performed should be a safe and pleasant experience.
The salon should value your business and
should not act like they are doing you a favor. You should feel like a welcome
guest.
Smart consumers should look for a salon that is clean,
comfortable, conscientious and capable.
Don't be afraid to ask your beauty professional anything you want to know about your
service or the salon that concerns you.
Have a complaint or concern about a salon?
Contact your state board of licensing and file a formal complaint. If the
salon is filthy call the city board of health. As consumers it is our
right and obligation to report unsafe salons for the good of all.
For State Board Info... Click Here
Nail
Salon Info
Is
the salon and individual workstations clean?
Does your nail technician observe proper sanitation practices?
Before the nail technician begins your service, you should both wash your hands.
The towel at the table should be fresh and clean, and all instruments to be used in
the service should have been sanitized or disinfected. Don't be afraid to ask how
the instruments have been cleaned. Metal implements
are the only items used in your service that can be disinfected. Files can be
sanitized, but many salons are now selling the client her own
files and non-sanitizable implements. This gives the client peace of
mind knowing the implements have been only used on her nails.
What is included in the price of the
service?
Many salons provide all-inclusive service prices; some salons charge "a la
carte". Be sure you understand exactly what services are performed for the
price. For example, is polish extra? How much additional is a broken nail at the
time of your fill-in service?
Did the nail technician explain the service to you, ask
you questions about your needs, and inform you of proper home care?
There have been so many advancements in artificial nail products that nail
technicians can make the most natural looking nails in the world, but
artificial nails are not for everyone. Your nail
technician should ask you about your needs and explain the at-home maintenance you should do to care for your
nails. You should also share pertinent medical information with her (certain
medications, for example, can hinder the application of certain nail products.)
Does the salon have a strong odor?
There is an odor associated with some artificial nail products, but there is
no danger to customers smelling it during their service. However, an overpowering
odor can be an indication of an inadequate ventilation system in the salon. Ask your
nail technician or the salon owner what is being done in the salon to minimize exposure to
odors, vapors, and filing dust for customer comfort.
What products are used in the salon?
Most salons use products that are for professional use only, and your nail
technician should be able to explain what products she uses and why.
All containers should be labeled with the product information. Not be
dispersed out of a squirt bottle. There have been
great advances in nail product chemistry in the last 10 years, but some salons still use
chemicals whose use in nail care is not recommended, specifically, a product called
methyl methacrylate (MMA). This product is contained in the liquid used in the
sculpting of acrylic nails, it is very inexpensive to purchase and very dangerous
to you, the consumer, if it is used on you in the application of acrylic nails.
Click here... for additional information on MMA.
What if you have a problem with your nails?
Good communication between nail professional and customer is essential, so if you
are not happy with your service or your nails, talk to your nail technician or salon owner
about it. If you are still unhappy find another salon.
Does the technician use a drill or electric file?
Drills (or electric files) are commonly used in the nail industry, and, when used
properly, are perfectly safe. You should not feel any pain or burning when the drill
is being used; if you experience any discomfort, tell your nail technician immediately.
The drill should not be used on the natural nail unless it is a natural nail bit
(fine grit). Does the salon sanitize the drill bits between customers?
It is important that they sanitize them. As your nails grow if you see red
half circles in the cuticle area this is a sign of over-filing and damage being done to
the natural nail. A good rule of thumb....if it hurts you it is not right.
Is the nail technician and the salon licensed?
All states except Alaska, Connecticut (coming in 2000), Nebraska and Utah require licenses for nail
technicians, and most states require that the license be displayed for customers to see.
If you do not see the license ask for it. Make sure the name on the license
is the name of your nail technician. If you live in an unlicensed state, ask for any
certificates of training they may have taken to educate themselves on nail care.
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