Women Should Realize That Nail Salons, Technicians Vary

Sat., July 8, 2000

Lori Pendergraft Special To Opinion

Hundreds of women every day visit nail salons. These women go in to treat themselves to either a full set of nails, a nail fill or just to have a manicure. They rely on the training and education of people like me - nail technicians.

But some women go to salons that don’t seem to care or take the time to educate their technicians. We call these discount salons, because they usually operate in cheap storefronts and rely on low-wage, poorly trained technicians. They offer a full set of nails for $25, compared to the $45-to-$60 sets at salons with trained nail techs.

Two years ago, when I was on vacation, a client needed a polish change so she thought she would go to a discount salon. When she went in they told her that her nails were no good and she needed a new set. She thought they should know, so she let them redo her nails. She told me they took “nippers” and ripped her nails off her nail bed. They then drilled the nails, primed and filled them with product. When I saw her nails I was in shock! She had four nails that were bloody and sore. It took six months for them to recover. She told me she would never return to that salon again.

When women go to a salon the first thing they should look for is the license of the manicurist. Make sure it is up to date and has the person’s picture on it. Also make sure they are licensed to do nails. The next thing a woman should ask for is a Data Safety Fact Sheet. This sheet should have all the products listed that the salon uses and information on all the chemicals, and what they might do to the safety of the consumer. Some women are allergic to the chemicals manicurists use. All salons in Washington are required to have this sheet on hand. If a salon doesn’t, think twice about getting anything done there. Also, if a salon is using a product known as MMA, beware. You’ll know it’s being used by its strong smell and the technicians will be wearing face masks. It has been banned in 33 states, (although not in Washington or Idaho) because women were losing their nails from having it applied.

Another thing to look for is how well the technician uses the nail drill. If you have a red ring at the base of your nail, they’ve drilled down to the nail bed, which can cause severe damage.

Your trip to the salon should be a fun one, not a nightmare. Choose carefully.

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