Consumer Information from the Cosmetology Commission - 7/1/2005

A Consumer Guide to Nail and Pedicure Services - click here for more information on nail services

1. Consumers should check that their cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician is licensed in South Dakota.  Cosmetology law requires all licensees to post their license at their work station. The license must be easily seen by the public.
    
2. Consumers should be aware that if a clean cape is not used on each client, then a clean towel, neck strip or other similar item must be used between the client and the cape.
    
3. If you love artificially long nails be careful.  Beware of the illegal use of MMA to create nail extensions.  Liquid Methyl Methacrylate Monomers (MMA) is considered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "to be a poisonous and deleterious substance" and is considered too dangerous for use in the nail industry.  Consumer complaints range from skin allergy, respiratory problems, permanent loss of the nail plate and permanent loss of sensation in the finger tips.  How can you tell is it is being used?  Three simple things to watch for  1) unusually powerful, sweet odor which doesn't smell like other acrylic liquids;   2) acrylic nails that are extremely hard and very difficult to file even with electric drills;  and 3) acrylic nails that will not soak off in solvents designed to remove acrylics.  Ask to see the manufacturer's label on all products before they are used on you.
    
4. Before you get your nails done, make sure the nail technician has completely sanitized the nail table and equipment.  Nail infections can easily be spread if proper sanitation is not used.  Ask the nail technician to sanitize the table and equipment before manicuring your nails.  In addition, ask that the nail technician sanitize your hands (or you wash your hands) and her hands with an antibacterial gel.  It only takes a few minutes of your time and may prevent a long visit to the doctor's office.
    
5. Did your cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician sanitize the equipment before it was used on you?!  Disinfecting products must be on stations at all times to clean scissors, combs, razors, clippers, etc.  It only takes a few minutes of the professional's time and may prevent you from having problems.
    
6. Do not have your hair done by a "kitchen" cosmetologist.  A "kitchen" cosmetologist is one who is not licensed and inspected by the Cosmetology Commission.  This cosmetologist is most likely not following any sanitation or safety procedures.  You are risking your health and well-being by having any services done by an unlicensed person.   Ask to see the person's license and their salon license.  Persons can have salons in their homes, but they must be licensed and inspected.
    
7. If you are having your nails done, do not drink coffee or liquids by the nail table.  Dust and vapors collect in food and liquid and can have adverse affects on your body when taken internally.
    
8. Perms can lead to permanent skin scarring if proper safety measures are not used.  Make sure the cosmetologist has properly applied the cream and cotton around your face and neck so that the permanent solution does not burn your skin.
    
9. If a blood spill occurs during any cosmetology, esthetics, or nail services it must be treated immediately by the licensee.  All service must stop immediately.  The injured area must be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and covered with a sterile bandage.  The licensee should wear disposable latex gloves when treating any blood spill.  All contaminated tissue, cotton or other materials must be double bagged and disposed of immediately.  Before any service can continue, the licensee must disinfect all equipment or tools that came into contact with the blood.
    
10. Some nail technicians use electric drills/files when doing artificial nails or manicures.  Before you allow anyone to use an electric drill/file on your nails, ask some questions.  Find out if they have attended any training in the use of electric drills/files.  In addition, ask how much experience they have or how often they have used the electric drill/file.  Make sure they are experienced.  An electric drill/file can quickly damage or destroy a nail if not used correctly by an experienced professional.  Make sure all attachments are clean and sanitary before being used on your nails.

Return to Cosmetology Home Page
[SD Home | Department of Labor Home Page | Feedback | Help]