Salons are in the industry of beauty and health, but that doesn’t make them safe. Hundreds of people sustain injuries from negligent salon practices every year, some leading to permanent scarring and life-threatening injuries.
Millions of people visit nail salons and beauty bars in the summer to freshen up for the beach. Before you make your appointments this season, know the common salon injuries and the risks of visiting establishments who may not be up to code with safety.
What Causes Salon Industries
Hair, nail, and beauty salons are all obligated to keep their clients safe from harm. Yet, despite the federal health and safety regulations salons must follow to stay in operation, many establishments still rank profit over their clients.
Salons pose a significant risk to their clients when:
- Staff is not competent or adequately trained;
- Equipment is not sanitized correctly;
- Chemicals are used incorrectly;
- Products are not tested before they are used on clients; and
- Facilities are inaccessible or unkept.
There is no such thing as a minor injury when it comes to salons. Even a small cut can lead to infections if bacteria from unsanitary facilities enters a wound.
Manicures and pedicures, laser hair removal, body waxing, and indoor tanning are four of the most sought after summer beauty services that could cause injuries. Each one poses unique risks Connecticut residents should be aware of before taking a seat.
Nail Salons
Manicures and pedicures are summer staples for beachgoers that could be putting them at risk. According to an article by U.S. News, 75 percent of nail salons across the country do not follow proper safety protocols for disinfecting. Nail technicians who use unsanitary tools pose the risk of spreading fungal and bacterial infections that could be life-threatening if entering the bloodstream. Nail salons are also infamous for hiring technicians who are poorly trained, putting clients at risk of cuts, chemical burns, and health issues from unnecessary exposure to toxins.
Laser Hair Removal
Both women and men seek out laser hair removal in the summer. Laser hair services promise permanent hair reduction with the use of a powerful tool that must be operated by a certified esthetician. When untrained or incompetent employees perform laser hair removal, clients can experience many unfortunate side effects such as burns, painful blisters, scars, skin infections, or even eye injuries. What makes matters worse, laser hair removal is expensive, causing clients to shell out tons of money for the service and additional medical care if injured.
Body Waxing
A cheaper alternative to laser hair removal is body waxing, which can easily be offered at any salon- sanitary or not. According to an article by Life, salons who do not use safe waxing practices have been known for ‘double dipping’ in communal pots, improperly pulling wax strips, overheating wax, and neglecting to wipe down surfaces between clients. Infections, scarring, burns, and other skin trauma can all result from waxing gone wrong, leaving you less likely to want to put a bathing suit on any time soon.
Indoor Tanning
Before the summer sun arrives, many beachgoers ‘prep’ their tan by using dangerous indoor tanning beds. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, there is no such thing as a safe tanning bed. Every year, people are treated in emergency rooms across the country for burns, loss of consciousness, and eye injuries from tanning beds. Tanning beds can also put clients at an increased risk of skin cancer before the summer season even begins.
Do Your Research
You don’t have to forgo all your beauty treatments this summer if you know how to spot an unsafe salon. Before you make any more appointments, here’s what you should be looking for :
- Research: It’s not hard to find information on establishments with the internet and social media. Look to see if the salon has ever been shut down and why. Research the technicians who will be completing your services to see if they are qualified in their industry before taking a chance.
- Cleanliness: If the salon itself and staff are not presentable, chances are, other dangers lurking. Check the floors, bathrooms, countertops, and even the clothing of the technicians to get a first impression of how the salon operates.
- Quality Tools: Technicians should be using tools that look clean, not scratched, dented, and rusted. Communal tools are not okay. Request new ones or seek services at another salon.
- Sanitizing: Your salon should be using autoclaves to sanitize tools. If you see tools that are being wiped or soaked in liquid, these sanitation practices are ineffective and could spread infections.
- Jacuzzi Pipes: About 97 percent of salon foot-baths have bacteria from clogged jacuzzi pipes. Request a dry pedicure or simple basin for soaking.
- No Blades: Salons are not allowed to use razors and knives on clients. Blood-borne pathogens can easily be spread this way.
- Overpowering Fumes: If you cannot stand to be in a nail salon or beauty bar because of the fumes, they may not be using safe products or proper ventilation. Leave the salon if you have trouble breathing or begin to feel nauseous.
Connecticut Safety Advocates and Personal Injury Attorneys
At the law firm of Jacobs & Wallace, we have been advocating for the health and safety of Connecticut residents for over 40 years. If you or a loved has sustained an unnecessary injury due to negligence, contact us for a free consultation to review your case and your rights today.
