When it’s time to give yourself tender-loving care, going for a mani/pedi is always a solid choice. But with so many nail salons out there, how can you be sure you’re choosing an ethical one?

This article will give you some key things to look out for the next time you search for organic nail salons.

When You Can’t Believe The Prices

A nail salon that invests in good working conditions and equipment while offering its workers a reasonable wage will have prices that reflect that. If a nail salon’s prices seem way too good to be true, there’s a good chance that they’re cutting corners somewhere – and it might be in the quality of their products or how they treat their employees. If you’re looking for an ethical nail salon, it’s worth spending a little more to ensure everyone involved is treated well.

There Are No Licenses On Display

When you walk into most nail salons, one of the things you’ll see prominently displayed is their operation license. It may be hanging on the wall or placed near the cashier. The license is not only a state requirement but also an excellent way to know that the nail salon is keeping up with the latest safety and sanitation regulations.

In addition, it’s a pointer showing that the salon’s technicians are licensed and up to date on the latest health standards. So, if you don’t see any licenses, that’s a huge red flag.

It could mean anything from the nail salon not being up to date on the latest safety and sanitation regulations to being beneficiaries of the human trafficking industry. In either case, it’s best to steer clear.

There Is A Chemical Smell In The Salon

When you walk into an ethical nail salon, you will first notice the smell. Or rather, the lack of it. An established nail salon that adheres to all safety standards will ensure it has adequate ventilation.

This is important because it helps to protect both the workers and customers from harmful chemicals. In addition, proper ventilation is also protective against nail dust, which can cause respiratory problems. So, a strong chemical smell is a sign that the nail salon may not care about the welfare of its employees or customers.

The Staff Won’t Speak With You

One attribute that human traffickers capitalize on is the language barrier. So, if you’re at a nail salon and the staff doesn’t speak or understand English, that’s a cause for concern. This is especially true if they cannot answer your questions about the nail salon’s policies or services.

On the other hand, if the staff display nervousness when you make an inquiry, that’s another sign that something may be amiss. The bottom line is if the staff at a nail salon can’t or won’t communicate with you, it’s an indicator of an exploitative environment.

Signs Of People Living In The Nail Salon

If you notice signs of the nail salon being used as a living space, for instance, a folding bed or beddings, that’s a clear sign of poor living conditions. It also indicates that the workers may not be receiving fair wages. So, it’s safe to give such a nail salon a wide berth.

There Is A Grungy Look On The Nail Polish Bottles

It’s always advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially in a new environment. So, when in a nail salon, make observations and ask yourself a couple of questions. Is the nail salon well-maintained? And does it have clean and organized workstations?

For instance, are the nail polish bottles arranged neatly on the shelves, or are they all over the place? If it’s the latter, that’s a clear sign of negligence. Grungy-looking nail polish bottles signify that the salon is refilling them with cheaper products.

So, you don’t want to risk having your nails done there. It also speaks volumes about the nail salon’s ethics.

An Absence Of Consistent Employees

If you keep seeing new faces at the salon or the employees seem to be in a revolving door, that should raise some eyebrows. It could mean that the workers are not being treated well, or they’re not getting paid enough. So, they keep quitting to look for better opportunities.

Another reason for the absence of consistent employees is that the nail salon could be using illegal immigrant workers. In such a case, the employer may exploit the workers since they fear being deported if they speak out. In any case, these workers are never allowed to stay for long to avoid suspicion.

You Have A Bad Feeling About The Place

Have you ever gone to a place or interacted with someone and felt that something was off? You may not be able to put the finger on it, but your intuition tells you something is wrong. When facing such a situation, especially when visiting a new nail salon, it’s always wise to trust your intuition. Since If something feels wrong, it probably is. So, it’s best to walk away and find another nail salon.

Maybe You Should Tip The Nail Technician More

This may seem odd, but it’s a valid concern. Tipping more may be helpful to the nail technician. However, in a nail salon that does not uphold ethical values, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if the generous tip you give is later taken away from your manicurist.

There Aren’t Any Nail Brands You Recognize

Established brand names that comply with health and environmental safety have transparent distribution networks that may serve only recognized nail salons. So if your nail salon uses brands that you are unfamiliar with, it may be difficult for you to determine if the manufacturer upheld ethics in the production of the products.

Bottom line

If you’re considering getting your nails done at a new salon, it’s essential to be aware of the red flags that could indicate an unethical or exploitative environment. From the staff who can’t or won’t communicate with you to grungy nail polish bottles and signs of people living in the salon, these are all indicators that you should steer clear of. And if you have a bad feeling about the place, it’s always best to trust your intuition and find another nail salon.