My local paper has asked if I could write a 'how to choose a nail salon' piece. I just wondered if anyone would be willing to read it over and let me know what they think or add anything to it.
We have 7 non-standard salons (of the suspect MMA variety) locally and a very poor non-MMA one, as well as many good ones obviously. Therefore I want to make sure I cover all angles as well as not being too technical or too long.
I'm not sure whether to add 'ask to see certificates etc, as I'm not sure this will actually be of any use to Joe Public...
Anyway, I'd be grateful if you could let me know what you think.
Thanks
Tracie
How to choose a nail salon
The nail industry has never been so strong, however as in all strong industries there are persons who are irresponsible and greedy, interested only in the revenue that can be gained at the expense of others.
Unfortunately such persons within the nail industry are not only taking money from the public, but in many cases their health too.
So, how does an unsuspecting client know what to look for? Heres a few industry tips
Ask if it would be possible to have a chat with the technician who would be carrying out your service. As with all trained professionals the technician should be able to answer any queries you might have with ease and leave you feeling confident in their abilities.
The products used
1. Ask what products the technician uses, specifically the nail enhancement products. All products/containers should be clearly marked with the manufacturers name.
2. Enhancement products will have a chemical smell. However, the smell should not be strong so as to hit you when you walk in, or to cause a headache after extended exposure (this is an indication that the technician is using MMA-a cheap toxic acrylic manufactured for industrial use, not cosmetic, which has been prohibited for use within the nail industry in the US for over 12yrs due to its health risk factors)
The tools used
1. A skilled technician using a quality product will not need to use an electric file/drill. Technicians using MMA (see 2 above) will definitely be using these as the product is extremely hard to file. Therefore a reputable technician will be using normal nail files and buffers.
2. Nail drills should not under ANY circumstances be used on the natural nail plate.
3. All tools used by a technician should be disinfected between clients in order to prevent cross-contamination. Ask what sanitary procedures the technician uses and look for evidence that these procedures are being practised.
4. Is the technician wearing a mask? If so ask why. It may be that they have a cold/allergy/hayfever, however it is also an indication that they are using MMA and do not wish to risk their health!
If the salon/technician you are visiting is a reputable one they will be more than happy to answer your queries. If they are unable to do so and do not put you at ease, or if they practice any of the irresponsible procedures mentioned above LEAVE, your well-being and health is simply not worth that set of nails you so desperately wanted today!
Finally, if you remember nothing else, remember this if in doubt, GET OUT!
We have 7 non-standard salons (of the suspect MMA variety) locally and a very poor non-MMA one, as well as many good ones obviously. Therefore I want to make sure I cover all angles as well as not being too technical or too long.
I'm not sure whether to add 'ask to see certificates etc, as I'm not sure this will actually be of any use to Joe Public...
Anyway, I'd be grateful if you could let me know what you think.
Thanks
Tracie
How to choose a nail salon
The nail industry has never been so strong, however as in all strong industries there are persons who are irresponsible and greedy, interested only in the revenue that can be gained at the expense of others.
Unfortunately such persons within the nail industry are not only taking money from the public, but in many cases their health too.
So, how does an unsuspecting client know what to look for? Heres a few industry tips
Ask if it would be possible to have a chat with the technician who would be carrying out your service. As with all trained professionals the technician should be able to answer any queries you might have with ease and leave you feeling confident in their abilities.
The products used
1. Ask what products the technician uses, specifically the nail enhancement products. All products/containers should be clearly marked with the manufacturers name.
2. Enhancement products will have a chemical smell. However, the smell should not be strong so as to hit you when you walk in, or to cause a headache after extended exposure (this is an indication that the technician is using MMA-a cheap toxic acrylic manufactured for industrial use, not cosmetic, which has been prohibited for use within the nail industry in the US for over 12yrs due to its health risk factors)
The tools used
1. A skilled technician using a quality product will not need to use an electric file/drill. Technicians using MMA (see 2 above) will definitely be using these as the product is extremely hard to file. Therefore a reputable technician will be using normal nail files and buffers.
2. Nail drills should not under ANY circumstances be used on the natural nail plate.
3. All tools used by a technician should be disinfected between clients in order to prevent cross-contamination. Ask what sanitary procedures the technician uses and look for evidence that these procedures are being practised.
4. Is the technician wearing a mask? If so ask why. It may be that they have a cold/allergy/hayfever, however it is also an indication that they are using MMA and do not wish to risk their health!
If the salon/technician you are visiting is a reputable one they will be more than happy to answer your queries. If they are unable to do so and do not put you at ease, or if they practice any of the irresponsible procedures mentioned above LEAVE, your well-being and health is simply not worth that set of nails you so desperately wanted today!
Finally, if you remember nothing else, remember this if in doubt, GET OUT!