5 WARNING SIGNS YOUR NAIL SALON IS UNSAFE

How to know if your manicure is making you — and your nail technician — sick.

Last month, The New York Times published a devastating investigative reportabout New York City nail salons that left many manicure lovers feeling sick to their stomachs about a service they once considered a guilt-free treat. The report revealed that manicurists were suffering severe long-term health consequences as a result of being exposed to the chemicals in nail products. On top of that, manicurists were not being paid minimum wage, not getting their due tips, and were often living in cramped quarters while working incredibly long hours.

If you thought it was a NYC-specific problem, the sad truth is that nail salon working conditions — especially when it comes to nail technicians' health — are a nationwide issue, according to Julie Menin, commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, and Letitia James, New York City public advocate. Here are the signs your local salon might not be doing good by you or its employees:

1) The nail technicians aren't using masks or gloves. Nail polishes can contain what's known as the toxic trio of chemicals: formaldehyde, which causes cancer; dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which can cause reproductive damage; and toluene, which causes neurological damage. To protect themselves from the effects of these chemicals and other harmful ingredients found in polish removers, glues, and more, nail salon workers should be wearing gloves and masks. If your nail technician isn't wearing them, you can always suggest that they do so.

2) There isn't a ventilation system or there aren't any fans blowing in the salon. If you can smell that nail salon smell and it's in your face, something is wrong. Ask an employee to turn on the ventilation system, to open doors, and turn on fans. (If you're doing your own nails at home, it's good practice to do so in a well-ventilated room.)

3) Bottles are left open. If the caps are staying off, that means fumes are being disseminated into the air.

4) The salon isn't using nontoxic products. DBP is already banned from use in cosmetics in the European Union and formaldehyde is on its way to being banned in the E.U. as well. Salonsshould be using products that are known as 3-free or 5-free, meaning that they don't contain the toxic trio of chemicals. (Five-free products also don't include camphor and formaldehyde resin.)

5) There are way more technicians in the salon than there are licenses on display. Licensing requirements vary by state, but be observant. If the number of licenses compared to the number of employees feels off to you, there's probably a bigger problem about the salon's labor practices.

HOW TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOUR MANICURE

Ask the salon to stock nontoxic polishes (or bring them in yourself). We rounded up some brands, that are either 3-free or 5-free.
Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer in "Loverly," BUTTER LONDON, $18; Le Vernis in "Rose Moiré,"CHANEL, $27; "Aire of Bel-Air," LAUREN B., $18; "Bahama Mama," ESSIE, $9; "Daisy," ZOYA, $9.

Tip your nail technician directly and tip in cash. The best way to ensure that your manicurist is getting the gratuity you're leaving behind is to offer the tip, in cash, straight to your manicurist.

Establish a relationship with your nail technician. The state of New York now requires that a nail workers' bill of rights be posted in every salon; this may not be the case where you live, and salon employees might not feel as empowered to demand fair treatment. If you feel comfortable, talk to your manicurist. Ask if they are making minimum wage and getting their tips.

Spread the word about nail salons that are doing the right things. Use the hashtag#HandleWithCare to let your friends and followers know about salons that should be getting props.

After all this, you might think it's better off to stop going out to get your nails done altogether — but that's not the right answer either. Be mindful of good businesses (they're also trying to make themselves known now). Support those and the market will eventually correct itself.

From: Cosmopolitan