Apply to be a Healthy Nail Salon
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In the County of Santa Clara, there are over 550 nail salons, with more than 5000 nail technicians. A majority of the nail technicians are Vietnamese women in their reproductive years. Every single day, nail salon owners and workers endure prolonged exposure to low levels of toxic products such as solvents, glues, polishes, and unsafe practices that may lead to an increase risk of cancer, allergies, respiratory, neurological and reproductive health issues. Currently, there is a lack of enforceable laws regulating the level of toxin exposure for nail salon workers. In a joint effort with the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative, the County of Santa Clara is implementing the Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program to protect the health of nail salon workers and customers, and to improve indoor air quality.
What is Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program
Benefits of joining the program
How to be certified as a Healthy Nail Salon
How can I help
What is Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program?
This is a free and voluntary program offered to all nail salons in the county. A recognized Healthy Nail Salon offers safer products, safer practices, and proper ventilation to reduce exposure to more toxic products.
Safer products include
- Nail polishes and lacquers without: Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate, and Formaldehyde (known as the "toxic trio")
- Nail polish thinners without: Toluene and Methyl Ethyl Ketone
- Nail polish removers without: Ethyl Acetate and Butyl Acetate
- Artificial nails without: Methyl Methacrylate (Banned by the FDA)
Safer practices include
- Use of nitrile gloves and appropriate respiratory protection when working with thinners and removers, and dust when applying artificial nails.
- Designate a well-ventilated area (by a window or door) to apply artificial nails.
- Use a portable fume and dust source capture system when working with artificial nail liquid monomer and powder polymer to reduce exposure to fumes produced by nail product chemicals.
Benefits of joining the program
- Attract more customers once your salon is certified
- Protect the health and well-being of staff and customers
- Reduce indoor fumes and odors
- Free advertising on the county website
- Being recognized in the community
- Your salon may also qualify for a full rebate of select ventilation units for acrylic nail stations
How to be certified as a Healthy Nail Salon
- Fill out the application form
- Attend free training classes provided by our staff
- Schedule a site visit with our staff to verify that all criteria are met
Upon verification, your salon will be recognized as a Healthy Nail Salon!!!
Are you ready to be recognized for your commitment to health and to join the community of certified healthy nail salons in Santa Clara County? Simply email completed application, available in the links below, to [email protected]. Applications may also be brought in person or mailed to:
Department of Environmental Health
Healthy Nail Salon Program
1555 Berger Drive San Jose, CA 95112
You will then be contacted to schedule a site visit and training Do you have questions or want to know more? Contact us by email at [email protected] or call (408) 918-1958.
How can I help
- Tell your local nail salon about this free program
- Encourage your nail technician to protect his/her health by using gloves, masks, and safety glasses.
- Look for the Healthy Nail Salon logo before using a nail salon's service:
- Apply to have your salon certified as healthy nail salon
- Healthy nail salon recognition program information sheet