UK nail techs - have you applied to be a safe salon yet?

['chelle]

Hi

I'm assuming you all know about the new agency, SafeSalons? (see Homepage - Safe Salons).

I'm wondering how many of you have already, or intend to apply to become a registered safe salon? I've done it, but so far there are only 3 of us nationwide!

Is anyone else doing it????

 

[nicky's nails]

have a look at this hun, raises some very interesting thoughts, think theres been other threads over it too, at first i thought oh good, then after reading some of the other geeks comments, it did make me question how its going to work tbh

hths

http://www.salongeek.com/nail-geek/71162-safe-salons.html

 

[geeg]

No I haven't nor will I be doing so ... even if I had a salon in the UK which I do not.

I personally do not think there is a "snowball's chance in hell" of this having any real meaning at all nor do I think the list can be maintained or properly supervised.

Given the opportunity to speak out on behalf of the scheme here on the site to explain .... no one did. I cannot see anyone benefiting from this 'list' other than the organisers of it.

I prefer legislation and regulation because without it we'll only get what we've got ... and it's not good. IMHO

 

['chelle]

hmmm, interesting.

I've had a peek at the other thread. Whilst I agree with what you are saying about needing something with clout such as as legislation, I still think that the Safe Salons organisation is a fantastic idea and would word very well in addition to legislation.
I think that our industry gets bad press when there is talk of legislation, because consumers are inclined to think that all nail salons are bad, not just the NSS type. Some ladies dont have their nails done at all because they think all nail salons/services are bad, so I think an organisation like this could turn some of these ladies into clients.

Upon joining this myself, I was subject to a thorough inspection, and I have been told that I will receive regular visits, so I'm happy that there's enough contact from the organisation to make this work and not allow shoddy salons to clean their act up in order to get the membership then go back to their old ways.

I'm also quite happy that I'm getting my moneys worth for the subscription fee. I've got the plaques to display at the salon, and I understand that the company will be placing high profile national press articles in relevant places such as womens glossy magazines. I also understand that there will be a banner link on yell.com, and I have been given a web page on the site. I will also get unlimited free client consultation cards and after care leaflets while I'm a member, so Im more than happy that its worth the money to be honest.

I do understand all your concerns, and I completely agree that we need legislation first and foremost, but I do think that this organisation would work really well alongside any legislation.

 

[skymark]

Happy to hear that you are getting some value for money out of it, with the extra value of some correspondance and aftercare leaflets, but it's not something I would join, purely because I personally don't believe that I should need a plaque to say I am doing things to standard. To me, a certificate to say I am doing things as they should be done is a little like those certificates you get at school for turning up.

I do see your point though and I think that maybe for people who are unforntunately situated in an area that is riddled with substandard salons and disgruntled customers it may give the customers some confidence, but I believe that confidence is from a pure marketing perspective (and marketing your salon never did any harm).

 

[Cathie!]

I think that the Bill that will hopefully go through Parliament will ban MMA and make local coucils regulate nail salons, in a similar way the EHO regulate catering establishments. Yes it will take time but it will be 'proper' regulation.....

The more who sign the petitons and get involved via their local MPs, the more chance we have of regulation in our industry....

don't sit still, report every complaint you receive about NSS to your MP, it will help to make a difference and help this bill go through.

If you need any info on reporting complaints to your MP give me a PM, it's easy and they do listen....they are fully aware of Dr Phyllis Starkey's bill.

 

[geeg]

I think the regulations will be a REAL start in the right direction BUT many NSS do not use MMA ... it is their practises which are very questionable re hygiene etc.

Bill or no bill, there will always be salons that fall below the mark and it will be even more difficult to regulate mobile technicians and the DIYers who do only 'friends and family' .... uh huh (sure they do)!!

I think regulation of the distributors who sell to everyone and anyone should be looked at as well ... lets close a few of these loop holes not to mention the illegal importation of professional products into the UK ... dangerous shipping of flammable goods that are labelled 'nail files' and 'nail art' etc to hoodwink the authorities, no payment of import duty (tax evasion) etc etc. Customs and excise should be looking out for these shipments and stop what is going on.

There is an awful lot to do.