Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program

Many of us go to nail salons to relax and to be pampered. We don’t think of these places as potentially hazardous work environments. In reality, manicurists are frequently exposure to toxic chemicals, and they experience headaches, dizziness, rashes and other acute symptoms. Some chemicals are known to cause serious illnesses including cancer and reproductive, developmental, and respiratory harm. 

In 2010, the Collaborative launched the “Healthy Nail Salon Campaign” to help establish Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Programs throughout the state. These programs are now established in the City of Santa Monica, and Alameda, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and San Mateo Counties.

Healthy Nail Salons not only help to reduce worker and customer exposure to harmful chemicals, but also help to increase business. Adopting healthy nail salon practices is viewed positively by clients and many are willing to pay more to receive services at a designated “Healthy Nail Salon.” The Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program (HNSRP) recognizes nail salons that have prioritized worker health and adopted best workplace practices.

A nail salon worker wearing an N95 mask and gloves carefully giving a customer a manicure.

What is a Certified Healthy Nail Salon?

✓ Uses nail polishes without the toxic-trio: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, and formaldehyde.

✓ Uses safer nail polish removers without ethyl or butyl acetate.

✓ Avoids using nail polish thinners, but if necessary, uses those without toluene and methyl ethyl ketone.

✓ Ensures that all nail salon staff wear nitrile gloves when using nail products.

✓ Ventilates the salon. Designates a specific area for artificial nail services.

✓ Installs a mechanical ventilation unit within one year of entering the program.

✓ Trains all nail salon staff (payroll & on contract) on best health and safety practices.

✓ Commits to adopting safer nail products.

✓ Does not allow customers to bring in products unless the products meet program criteria.

Find a Healthy Nail Salon Near You

A nail salon worker wearing a protective mask and nitrile gloves files a customer’s nails.
A Vietnamese nail salon worker in a black cloth mask, standing in front of a display of “toxic trio-free” nail polish bottles.

Make an Impact

At CHNSC, we organize year-round to ensure that working-class immigrant and refugee manicurists are working in healthy workplaces and living in safe communities.