Nail salon

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A nail salon manicure. Nail salon -Fujiyoshida 01.jpg
A nail salon manicure.

A nail salon or nail bar is a specialty beauty salon establishment that primarily offers nail care services such as manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Often, nail salons also offer skin care services. Manicures are also offered by general beauty salons, spas, and hotels. People who work at nail salons are usually called nail technicians, manicurists, or nailists.[ citation needed ]

Contents

Nail salons offer a variety of options for nail care, examples of which include acrylics, silk or fiberglass wraps, French manicures, polish, and pedicures. Some nail salons offer one-stop beauty services. In addition to nail services, one-stop nail salons offer facial treatments, waxing, and skin care.

Generally, those working in nail salons are referred to as nail technicians. In some areas throughout the United States, nail technicians must hold formal, state-recognized qualifications in order to be able to work at nail salons. Certifications must come from state board.

Nail care services

A Havana nail salon. Havana - Cuba - 0368.jpg
A Havana nail salon.
Pedicure area at the Spa at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada. The Spa at the Silver Legacy - 2021-10-17 - Sarah Stierch 07.jpg
Pedicure area at the Spa at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada.

Nail salons offer the following services:

Wages and working conditions

Nail salon wages and working conditions in New York City, a major center for nail salons in North America, are poor. In May 2015, an investigation by the New York State Department of Labor, which had been tipped off by a New York Times investigation, had been productive but was incomplete. [1]

Working conditions

There is some evidence to suggest that nail salon workers are subjected to potentially unjust, hazardous working conditions. [2] In surveys conducted on Vietnamese-American nail salon workers, many responses suggested that the work environment may cause negative health consequences. According to Standard 62-1989: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Quality of the American Society for Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Engineers, adequate supply of outdoor air should be about 20 cubic feet per minute per occupant. This necessitates multiple pathways for air to enter and exit the room. Such pathways include, but are not limited to, windows and doors. The study revealed that one-third of the surveyed nail salons had only one single door for ventilation with no secondary air pathway. [3]

Due to the nature of salon work, many nail technicians are required to wear masks and gloves. Other surveys conducted on similar worker populations revealed that 90% of workers wore masks and 70% wore gloves to work. [4]

Chemical exposures

Nail technicians use beauty products like nail polish, nail polish removers, artificial nails, adhesives, and disinfectants throughout the day. Compared to the average individual, they are exposed to the chemical ingredients the products contain on a much higher magnitude. Some of the more potent chemicals are toluene, formaldehyde, ethyl methacrylate (EMA), [5] and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). [6] Organizations and coalitions, such as the National Healthy Nail and Beauty Salon Alliance, address worker rights and exposure concerns faced by nail technicians. These movements provide platforms for conversation regarding occupational safety and health, which is a part of environmental justice.

Some solvents used, such as acetone and ethyl acetate, are very flammable and should not be used near any flame.

Ergonomic hazards

The nail salon industry in the United States consists mostly of immigrant-owned small businesses that face not only cultural/linguistic barriers but also workplace hazards such as chemical and challenging work postures. [7] Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have shed light on the risks of working in this industry in recent years with recommended workplace health practices available online. These range from protective factors such as use of masks or improving ventilation to the substitution of certain products. The nail industry is complex with multiple products entering the market. [8]

Much of the current research available focuses on the chemical exposures and toxicological impacts on workers with few studies touching on the concern relating to ergonomics. [9] Nail salon workers often report increased musculoskeletal symptoms such as neck, hand/wrist, lower back, and shoulder pain. [10] Workplace factors can contribute to these symptoms such as poor body mechanics, repetitive movement, and work equipment. The repetitive and prolonged nature of nail salon work can lead to overuse and strain which may result in inflammation related injuries that are self-limiting. There is a lack of consistency in ergonomic training and knowledge of ergonomic hazards varies among workers in this industry. [11]  Some workers take pain relievers, practice yoga, stretch, walk/stand between clients, and/or adjust their posture during their work with customers. [12] Other examples which are particular to engineering controls are nonadjustable worktables and the low position of a customer's feet when they sit in the pedicure chair can pose an ergonomic hazard, where the worker has to often bend their neck and hunch back forward.11

Relevant policies and regulations in the United States

State level

Enacted in 2005, this senate bill requires the full disclosure of all ingredients of products sold in California to the California Department of Health Services. In addition, if the substances are known to cause cancer or reproductive harm, the products will be subject to investigation by the Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control. [13]
Enacted in 1986, this proposition requires the state of California to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. All California businesses with ten or more employees must also provide "clear and reasonable" warning before exposing any individual to a chemical on the aforementioned list. [14]

Federal level

Enacted in 1976, this federal act provides the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) the authority to regulate certain chemical substances. [15] Currently, cosmetics are excluded from regulation under the TSCA but there have been campaign efforts that hope to extend the EPA's regulatory jurisdiction to include cosmetics.

Related Research Articles

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a condition in which people develop symptoms of illness or become infected with chronic disease from the building in which they work or reside. In scientific literature, SBS is also known as building-related illness (BRI), building-related symptoms (BRS), or idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pedicure</span> Cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails pedicure

A pedicure is a cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails, analogous to a manicure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cosmetology</span> Study and application of beauty treatment

Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty include hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, non-permanent hair removal such as waxing and sugaring, and permanent hair removal processes such as electrology and intense pulsed light (IPL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Occupational hygiene</span> Management of workplace health hazards

Occupational hygiene is the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, control, and confirmation (ARECC) of protection from risks associated with exposures to hazards in, or arising from, the workplace that may result in injury, illness, impairment, or affect the well-being of workers and members of the community. These hazards or stressors are typically divided into the categories biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic and psychosocial. The risk of a health effect from a given stressor is a function of the hazard multiplied by the exposure to the individual or group. For chemicals, the hazard can be understood by the dose response profile most often based on toxicological studies or models. Occupational hygienists work closely with toxicologists for understanding chemical hazards, physicists for physical hazards, and physicians and microbiologists for biological hazards. Environmental and occupational hygienists are considered experts in exposure science and exposure risk management. Depending on an individual's type of job, a hygienist will apply their exposure science expertise for the protection of workers, consumers and/or communities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nail polish</span> Lacquer applied to fingernails and/or toenails

Nail polish is a lacquer that can be applied to the human fingernails or toenails to decorate and protect the nail plates. The formula has been revised repeatedly to enhance its decorative properties, to be safer for the consumer to use, and to suppress cracking or peeling. Nail polish consists of a mix of an organic polymer and several other components that give it colors and textures. Nail polishes come in all color shades and play a significant part in manicures and pedicures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hairdresser</span> Person whose occupation is to cut or style hair

A hairdresser is a person whose occupation is to cut or style hair in order to change or maintain a person's image. This is achieved using a combination of hair coloring, haircutting, and hair texturing techniques. A hairdresser may also be referred to as a 'barber' or 'hairstylist'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beauty salon</span> Hair and cosmetic treatment salon

A beauty salon or beauty parlor is an establishment that provides cosmetic treatments for people. Other variations of this type of business include hair salons, spas, day spas, and medical spas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waste collector</span> Person employed by a public or private enterprise to collect and dispose of waste

A waste collector, also known as a garbage man, garbage collector, trashman, binman or dustman, is a person employed by a public or private enterprise to collect and dispose of municipal solid waste (refuse) and recyclables from residential, commercial, industrial or other collection sites for further processing and waste disposal. Specialised waste collection vehicles featuring an array of automated functions are often deployed to assist waste collectors in reducing collection and transport time and for protection from exposure. Waste and recycling pickup work is physically demanding and usually exposes workers to an occupational hazard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Occupational hazard</span> Hazard experienced in the workplace

An occupational hazard is a hazard experienced in the workplace. This encompasses many types of hazards, including chemical hazards, biological hazards (biohazards), psychosocial hazards, and physical hazards. In the United States, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conduct workplace investigations and research addressing workplace health and safety hazards resulting in guidelines. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes enforceable standards to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. In the EU, a similar role is taken by EU-OSHA.

Right to know is a human right enshrined in law in several countries. UNESCO defines it as the right for people to "participate in an informed way in decisions that affect them, while also holding governments and others accountable". It pursues universal access to information as essential foundation of inclusive knowledge societies. It is often defined in the context of the right for people to know about their potential exposure to environmental conditions or substances that may cause illness or injury, but it can also refer more generally to freedom of information or informed consent.

Brazilian hair straightening is a semi-permanent hair straightening method done by temporarily sealing a liquid solution consisting of formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative and a preservative solution into the hair with a hair iron.

Workplace health surveillance or occupational health surveillance (U.S.) is the ongoing systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of exposure and health data on groups of workers. The Joint ILO/WHO Committee on Occupational Health at its 12th Session in 1995 defined an occupational health surveillance system as "a system which includes a functional capacity for data collection, analysis and dissemination linked to occupational health programmes".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Artificial nails</span> Beauty accessories

Artificial nails, also known as fake nails, false nails, acrylic nails, press ons, nail extensions or nail enhancements, are extensions placed over fingernails as fashion accessories. Many artificial nail designs attempt to mimic the appearance of real fingernails as closely as possible, while others may deliberately stray in favor of an artistic look.

Engineering controls are strategies designed to protect workers from hazardous conditions by placing a barrier between the worker and the hazard or by removing a hazardous substance through air ventilation. Engineering controls involve a physical change to the workplace itself, rather than relying on workers' behavior or requiring workers to wear protective clothing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Occupational dust exposure</span> Occupational hazard in agriculture, construction, forestry, and mining

Occupational dust exposure occurs when small particles are generated at the workplace through the disturbance/agitation of rock/mineral, dry grain, timber, fiber, or other material. When these small particles become suspended in the air, they can pose a risk to the health of those who breath in the contaminated air.

The health and safety hazards of nanomaterials include the potential toxicity of various types of nanomaterials, as well as fire and dust explosion hazards. Because nanotechnology is a recent development, the health and safety effects of exposures to nanomaterials, and what levels of exposure may be acceptable, are subjects of ongoing research. Of the possible hazards, inhalation exposure appears to present the most concern, with animal studies showing pulmonary effects such as inflammation, fibrosis, and carcinogenicity for some nanomaterials. Skin contact and ingestion exposure, and dust explosion hazards, are also a concern.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Occupational hazards of solar panel installation</span>

The introduction and rapid expansion of solar technology has brought with it a number of occupational hazards for workers responsible for panel installation. Guidelines for safe solar panel installation exist, however the injuries related to panel installation are poorly quantified.

A migrant nail salon worker is a nail technician, manicurist, esthetician, or masseuse working in a Migrant, often Asian–owned nail salon in America. These workers are typically women who have immigrated from South Korea, though there are also Latina and Chinese immigrants employed by these shops. The majority of women who work in these nail salons are paid low wages, exposed to dangerous chemicals because of weak regulations, and develop complicated relationships with their clients, largely due to language differences and contradicting views on what constitutes quality customer service. Most Korean-owned nail salons are located in New York, and in reaction to a 2015 New York Times exposé documenting corruption within the state's nail salon industry, Gov. Andrew Cuomo created the New York State Nail Industry Enforcement Task Force, and signed into law stricter salon regulations and required the posting of wage bonds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Workplace hazard controls for COVID-19</span> Prevention measures for COVID-19

Hazard controls for COVID-19 in workplaces are the application of occupational safety and health methodologies for hazard controls to the prevention of COVID-19. Multiple layers of controls are recommended, including measures such as remote work and flextime, personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings, social distancing, and enhanced cleaning programs. Recently, engineering controls have been emphasized, particularly stressing the importance of HVAC systems meeting a minimum of 5 air changes per hour with ventilation or MERV-13 filters, as well as the installation of UVGI systems in public areas.

Research on the health and safety hazards of 3D printing is new and in development due to the recent proliferation of 3D printing devices. In 2017, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has published a discussion paper on the processes and materials involved in 3D printing, potential implications of this technology for occupational safety and health and avenues for controlling potential hazards.

References

  1. ↑ Nir SM (May 7, 2015). "The Price of Nice Nails Manicurists are routinely underpaid and exploited, and endure ethnic bias and other abuse, The New York Times has found". The New York Times. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
  2. ↑ Nir SM (May 8, 2015). "Perfect Nails, Poisoned Workers Some ingredients used in nail products have been tied to cancer, miscarriages, lung diseases and other ailments. The industry has long fought regulations". The New York Times. Retrieved May 8, 2015. They come in usually with breathing problems, some symptoms similar to an allergy, and also asthma symptoms — they cannot breathe," he said during a break between patients this winter. "Judging from the symptoms with these women, it seems that they are either smokers, secondhand smokers or asthma patients, but they are none of the above. They work for nail salons.
  3. ↑ Quach T, Nguyen KD, Doan-Billings PA, Okahara L, Fan C, Reynolds P (October 2008). "A preliminary survey of Vietnamese nail salon workers in Alameda County, California". Journal of Community Health. 33 (5): 336–43. doi:10.1007/s10900-008-9107-7. PMID   18478317. S2CID   33266007.
  4. ↑ Roelofs C, Azaroff LS, Holcroft C, Nguyen H, Doan T (August 2008). "Results from a community-based occupational health survey of Vietnamese-American nail salon workers". Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 10 (4): 353–61. doi:10.1007/s10903-007-9084-4. PMID   17940905. S2CID   35060229.
  5. ↑ Ceballos DM, Craig J, Fu X, Jia C, Chambers D, Chu MT, et al. (July 2019). "Biological and environmental exposure monitoring of volatile organic compounds among nail technicians in the Greater Boston area". Indoor Air. 29 (4): 539–550. doi:10.1111/ina.12564. PMC   6565444 . PMID   31112343.
  6. ↑ Craig JA, Ceballos DM, Fruh V, Petropoulos ZE, Allen JG, Calafat AM, et al. (December 2019). "Exposure of Nail Salon Workers to Phthalates, Di(2-ethylhexyl) Terephthalate, and Organophosphate Esters: A Pilot Study". Environmental Science & Technology. 53 (24): 14630–14637. Bibcode:2019EnST...5314630C. doi:10.1021/acs.est.9b02474. PMC   7192361 . PMID   31736299.
  7. ↑ Huỳnh TB, Nguyễn DT, Vũ N, Robinson L, Trần E, Nguyễn N, Carroll-Scott A, Burstyn I (September 2023). "A participatory approach to designing and implementing an occupational health intervention for the nail salon community in the Greater Philadelphia region". Ann Work Expo Health. 67 (8): 938–951. doi:10.1093/annweh/wxad044. PMC   10848307 . PMID   37584489.
  8. ↑ Hao R, Sun J, Liu R, Zhao H, Yao Z, Wang H, Hao Z (January 2024). "Emission characteristics, environmental impact, and health risk assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during manicure processes". Sci Total Environ. 906: 167464. Bibcode:2024ScTEn.90667464H. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167464. PMID   37783437.
  9. ↑ Sanaat S, Holness DL, Arrandale VH (March 2021). "Health and Safety in Nail Salons: A Cross-Sectional Survey". Ann Work Expo Health. 65 (2): 225–9. doi:10.1093/annweh/wxaa078. PMID   32728720..
  10. ↑ Harris-Roberts J, Bowen J, Sumner J, Stocks-Greaves M, Bradshaw L, Fishwick D, Barber CM (August 2011). "Work-related symptoms in nail salon technicians". Occup Med (Lond). 61 (5): 335–40. doi:10.1093/occmed/kqr096. PMID   21831819.
  11. ↑ Broadwater K, Chiu S (2019). "Evaluation of ergonomics, chemical exposures, and ventilation at four nail salons". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Health Hazard Evaluation Report 2015-0139-3338.
  12. ↑ Huynh TB, Doan N, Trinh N, Verdecias N, Stalford S, Caroll-Scott A (March 2019). "Factors influencing health and safety practices among Vietnamese nail salon technicians and owners: A qualitative study". Am J Ind Med. 62 (3): 244–252. doi:10.1002/ajim.22947. PMC   7375023 . PMID   30658004.
  13. ↑ "Senate Bill No. 484" (PDF). State of California. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
  14. ↑ "Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986". State of California. Archived from the original on 17 February 2009. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
  15. ↑ "FDsys - Browse USCODE" . Retrieved 9 April 2014.
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