In 2000, when news broke about the potential dangers of whirlpool spas, many salon owners were horrified to hear of the sanitation shortcuts happening within the industry. Today, conscientious techs find creative ways to let every client know of their pledge to provide safe services — every time.
(Original article can be found HERE.)
Lacquer Lounge, Philadelphia
Opened in direct response to the lack of sanitary salons available to the Queen Village neighborhood of Philadelphia, Lacquer Lounge broke into the market with a confession for being obsessed with cleanliness and a promise to set new health and safety standards for nail and skin care. Understanding many clients research online before choosing the salon, owner Lisa McElhone educates clients through the salon website and Facebook. The salon website details the sanitations steps that are taken for each service, plus provides links to articles about what clients should look for in a safe salon.
Lacquer Lounge guarantees:
Dashing Diva, New York City
When Dashing Diva first launched, it took extra measures to protect the health and well-being of its clients. “Dashing Diva was one of the first to use autoclaving for their tools. This is the same method used by doctors’ offices and other medical facilities to sterilize instruments. And though more common now, instead of using whirlpools for pedicures, services were performed in ceramic sinks, then cleaned using hospital-grade disinfectant after each pedicure,” explains marketing director Anna Lee.
Lee says special services were developed with hygiene in mind. For example, Dashing Diva introduced a paraffin method that consisted of single-use individual mitts and booties containing paraffin wax. Customers simply inserted their hands and feet into heated, individually sealed mitts and booties. No more dipping hands and feet into a common pool of wax that others had used.
Dashing Diva guarantees:
L. Spa, Sarasota, Fla.
L. Spa nail specialists pride themselves on their standards of cleanliness. They work as a team to let every client know what they do and why they do it. Signs by the pedi booth answer the unspoken question of why the spa is equipped with sinks instead of whirlpool baths.
L. Spa guarantees:
Blossom Beauty Lounge, Redondo Beach, Calif.
“At Blossom, we take pride in knowing we do everything possible to offer our clients 100% cleanliness,” says manager Kay Murphy. The salon promise: to practice “the most intensive sanitizing and disinfected procedures” is stated on its website, Facebook page, and business cards. In addition, clients are walked through the salon while a staff member explains all the steps that are taken to protect the client.
Blossom guarantees:
Panache Nail Salon, Stanwood, Wash.
Candice Everest schedules 15-30 minutes on a client’s first appointment to understand the medical history of each new client and to explain her salon’s sanitation policy. During this time, Everest explains what she does (uses Footsie Baths instead of a whirlpool tub) and doesn’t do (cut cuticles off to remove them) to ensure the client’s visit is as sanitary and safe as possible. Clients are able to hear her commitment to them, plus the one-on-one consult allows clients to talk with Everest about any concerns they have.
Everest educates clients not only in person, but also through her website.
Panache guarantees:
Fill 413 Nail Studio, Cedarburg, Wis.
Owner Annette Calvillo posts a sign in her work area to let clients know they’re protected. She also educates them through her Facebook page; plus, she will use her website (under construction) as an education platform. She is careful not only about surfaces and implements but also about products that touch the clients’ skin. “I use 100% shea butter, 100% pure essential oils, unscented massage oil that is paraben-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and vegan,” says Calvillo. “Being healthy and safe is important to me and my business.”
Fill 413 guarantees: