Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/139413
Honing Your Skills FINE-FREE for Life Just one citation from your state board could have you floundering for cash (and turning red in the face from the humiliation of signing the violation form). NAILS contacted the U.S. states with the largest numbers of nail salons to find out what the most common violations are — and how you can make sure your career stays in the clear. BY SREE ROY COMMON VIOLATION: Employing an unlicensed individual THE FIX: You may be thinking that the only salons that get cited for this violation are willfully and purposely breaking the law. However, an expired license can easily get your salon fined too. We've heard from salon owners who inadvertently broke this law simply by not asking a prospective new tech to bring her license to her job interview, then later (after employment started), the hire revealed she didn't have one. There are self-taught nail artists out there who create salon-quality nails but never went through a recognized nail program and don't have a license. If you want to hire someone in this category, you may want to invest in this person's schooling or ofer this person an apprenticeship at your salon (if legal in your state) to help her get her license before she works for you. 64 | 2013 NAILS CAREER HANDBOOK PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMON VIOLATION: Dirt or debris build up throughout the salon and other indications the salon isn't clean and in good repair THE FIX: Some of the cleanliness violations inspectors see are so egregious that it's a wonder these salons have any clients left. But many violations are more "minor," like a stray hair in the disinfectant solution or a trash can that is too full and starting to overflow. Consider hiring a cleaning crew to handle some of the general cleaning duties — such as taking the trash to the dumpster or washing towels — a few hours a week. Added bonus: Clients will appreciate your attention to sanitation. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMON VIOLATION: Failure to fully clean foot baths THE FIX: Though this falls under the salon being in disrepair, foot baths merit their own mention on this list. Many state boards include unclean foot baths as a separate violation and fine, above and beyond the fine for not keeping the salon clean. One common area nail techs miss is behind the removable parts, such as behind screens and impellers. As you can see in this photo, this area can get very, very dirty. Also, many states require logging every pedicure spa cleaning, and a separate violation and fine may be levied for not writing down your cleanings. You can easily create your own log or print out a ready-made one from http:/ les.nailsmag.com/handouts/ /fi nailspedicleaninglog.pdf.