New Program Aims to Make Santa Monica Nail Salons Safer

Nail salons in Santa Monica now have an extra incentive to make safer choices for employees, customers and the environment.

The city of Santa Monica kicked off a Healthy Nail Salon Program Tuesday, with Mayor Pam O'Connor on hand.

Councilman Terry O'Day said he supports the program. 

“Santa Monica is excited to launch a Healthy Nail Salon Program—recognizing nail salons in our city that use healthier products and maintain healthy indoor air quality," O'Day said. "Conscious consumers will be able to find the services they want, salon workers will breathe easier and fewer toxics will enter our environment.”'

There are approximately 30 licensed nail salons and 120 nail technicians in Santa Monica. California has an estimated 48,000 nail salons and an estimated 121,000 licensed nail care technicians.

According to the city:

Nail technicians have prolonged exposure to multiple toxicchemicals while working long hours on a daily basis. Among the most harmful chemicals found are toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde. Commonly known as the “Toxic Trio,” these chemicals can cause cancer, birth defects, and miscarriages. Studies of nail technicians suggest an elevated prevalence of work-related health effects, including respiratory symptoms, skin problem, headaches, as compared to the general population.

To be recognized as a Healthy Nail Salon, salons must follow a list of specific requirements that reduce exposure to these chemicals and improve other health and safety measures. The list includes better ventilation and the avoidance of polishes that use "ToxicTrio."

The Healthy Nail Salon Program will provide free support and trainings for salons that are interested to learn more about the requirements, including choosing safer products, improving ventilation and choosing effective gloves.

Nail salons that join the program will receive official recognition and free promotion by the City of Santa Monica.

“This program is a win-win for all of us," said Karl Bruskotter, from the Santa Monica Office of Sustainability and the Environment. "The Santa Monica Healthy Nail Salon recognition program will create healthier and safer workplace environments for both workers and consumers who visit Santa Monica’s nail salons, and for salons, will help bring more customers to patronize their businesses."

Some Santa Monica nail salon owners are expressing interest in the Healthy Nail Salon recognition program.  

“I knew chemicals in nail products were affecting my health," said Loan An Nguyen, who has owned Cute Nails in Santa Monica for more than 11 years. "I would get headaches and have difficulty breathing a lot.  I am excited to learn about less toxic products I can use for my shop and healthier salon practices.”