California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative
Since 2005, the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative has worked to address reproductive, environmental justice and other health and safety issues facing the nail salon and cosmetology workforce.
Funds provided through the Equity Center’s Community Seed Grants Program were used to conduct 45, two-hour “Stay Healthy and Safe While Giving Manicures and Pedicures” trainings for Vietnamese nail salon owners and workers.
Three months after these trainings, participants demonstrated improved understanding of how to promote chemical safety in their salons, how to prevent aches and pains, and how to protect themselves against infectious diseases when they are exposed to infected blood from a co-worker or client.
Participants reported increased use of the following important health and safety practices:
- One or more methods to let fresh air into the salon
- One or more methods to avoid touching blood or bodily fluids
- Nail polishes that are free of the toxic trio: Formaldhyde (a known carcinogen), Dibutyl Phthalate (linked to reproductive issues), and Toluene (associated with liver and kidney damage, as well as birth defects)
- Nitrile gloves while working and handling chemicals
The collaborative is continuing to conduct trainings throughout the Los Angeles area. In addition, they are planning to host a Policy Roundtable to solicit support for the establishment of a Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program in the Los Angeles region from policymakers and public officials.