Nails

13 Things Your Nail Salon Doesn't Want You to Know

These secrets about your manicure and pedicure might make you second guess your next nail salon visit

by Anna Jimenez

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Many Nail Technicians Are Working in Toxic Environments According to AmyLing Lin, founder of the non-toxic nail salon Sundays Nail Studio in New York City, the nail industry is relatively unregulated, which can result in dangerous work environments for nail salon workers. Many nail salons select non-3-free, low-quality products due to their relatively low cost, and technicians are breathing in harmful chemicals like formaldehyde (which potentially causes skin cancer), on a daily basis. Lin says despite wearing face masks, it's very common that salon workers will experience headaches and nausea as a result from working in a chemical-ridden environment, and in extreme, long-term cases, these harmful ingredients can have negative effects on the reproductive system.

While new ventilation requirements went into effect October of 2016, many nail salons licensed before this date have an additional five years to comply (2021). So many nail salons can still legally expose their employees (and customers) to a toxic environment.

One thing you can do to help out? Request more non-toxic products, and remember, just because it's vegan doesn't mean it's non-toxic. "In general, 3-free and 5-free products are relatively safe," Lin says. "However, they might still cause headaches and dizziness because of ingredients such as camphor, and although this chemical happens to be vegan, it is still toxic."

Image via Imaxtree

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Older comments

This is why I no longer go to a nail salon.

by cyndi_albritton_hall Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 08:02PM Report as inappropriate

This is why I do my nails and spas myself! :)

by BlondeCupcake Friday, March 29, 2013 at 11:21AM Report as inappropriate

So scary what can happen when you think you're relaxing and enjoying a pampering treat! I love my pedicures, but maybe it's time to reconsider!

by PrincessKim81 Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 08:51AM Report as inappropriate

After reading this, I no longer feel bad that I can't afford salon mani-pedis and have been learning to do my own at home!

by purple9a Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 10:59AM Report as inappropriate

interesting

by luxe Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 09:44AM Report as inappropriate

Think I will stick to home treating.

by Candice11 Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 12:56AM Report as inappropriate

Okay, i am a licensed nail tech, and some of this is paranoia talk. Tho, it does have some truth behind it, some of these cases are very rare. We DO know the difference between disinfecting and sterilizing, dont insult out intelligence. We have to go through extensive schooling on disease control. In Texas it is the law to use an autoclave. Most nail techs dont use polish remover to dilute the polish. There are special products out there that are made for thinning the polish after it has been overexposed to the air, this doesnt affect the quality. But i wouldnt put it past some people to just throw some remover in there. Dont just. Go to any salon, you never know if they are following protocol, like this article states. I would suggest going to a high end spa, you will be paying more, but you will be paying for quality and better service. I know the one i Work at has extensive cleaning protocol. We dont care if your legs are hairy =) If your are going to a reputable spa, we dont just refill our product bottle, though, i do know some salons that do this.

by sara_christine_killough Monday, February 11, 2013 at 04:55AM Report as inappropriate

of course they are talking about you.... and saying things like " i hope this one tips better than my last client."

by smallio13 Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 12:54PM Report as inappropriate

That was pretty nasty to read!!! This is good information and this makes me weary of going to a salon to get my summer pedicure. Might as well do it myself.

by darkangel81 Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 08:05AM Report as inappropriate

Gross you guys!

by LittleBunny Monday, February 4, 2013 at 09:29AM Report as inappropriate