Professional Defined
No
decision is more critical to the health and beauty of your nails than
your choice of a nail professional. Nail technicians abound, but those
rare true nail professionals exhibit the following characteristics:
1.
They are licensed.
Almost
every US State requires nail technicians to complete a prescribed
course of training and examination before they are permitted to operate
as manicurists or nail technicians in that state. Nail techs are
required to display their licenses prominently near their
workstations.
Here's
a simple rule of thumb -- before you sit down to have your nails done,
look for the tech's license. If you don't see it, ask her to show it
to you, and verify the name on the license with her photo ID. If she
doesn’t have a license, kindly say, "I'm sorry, but I only allow
licensed techs to work on my nails." Then walk out of the salon. This
may seem very bold, but why would you want to place your health in the
hands of someone who has not been professionally trained and tested?
This is a no-brainer, really.
2.They follow state regulations regarding sanitation.
Take
a look at the salon as a whole and at your tech's workstation in
particular. Are those areas clean? What sanitation practices does the
tech observe? Are all metal instruments disinfected? Are new nail
files used for each client, and if not, are the files sanitizable and
properly sanitized? Does your tech wash her hands and ask that you do
the same before beginning your service? Does she use a clean towel for
each client? If you have any questions about these areas, feel free to
ask your nail professional.
3.They use quality materials.
One
of the most common problems encountered by unsuspecting nail clients is
the use of methyl-methacrylate monomer (MMA), an acrylic product which
has been deemed a health hazard by the FDA and banned from use in many
states. The use of MMA can cause asthmatic symptoms, severe skin
reactions, and even loss of natural nails. The product adheres so
tightly to the nail, that when put under stress, both the acrylic and
the natural nail can be pulled off the nail bed. Acrylic monomers
(liquids) containing MMA have a distinctly strong odor. Because MMA
acrylic is very hard, a drill is almost always used to shape the
finished product and to prepare the nail before filling or rebasing.
Despite its hazards and illegality, MMA is still widely used in
"economy" salons primarily because it sells at about one tenth the
price of its safe counterpart. If you suspect a salon is using MMA, do
not have your nails done there. Appendix A contains more information
on MMA, including how you can report suspicious practices to your
state's regulatory agency.
If
the tech you are considering does not use MMA, what materials does she
use? Do you like the products she uses on you, and are you having
success with them? Do you like the polishes she provides for use?
Does she use acrylic primer correctly, or do you feel a burning
sensation after the primer is applied?
Does
she use a nail drill? There are proper methods and occasions for the
use of a drill, but I have seen more nail damage caused by the improper
use of a drill than by any other one technique or material. Nail drills
should never be used on natural nail surfaces (hands or feet). When
used on nail enhancements, the client should never feel discomfort or
burning. There should never be a ring of fire, noticeable reddening of
the nail bed after a service. If you are experiencing any discomfort
from the use of a nail drill, talk to your tech or look for a new one.
