As a Stern student attending school in Midtown Manhattan, I am privileged to partake in the luxury of using salon services quite frequently. I have noticed, however, that although it feels great to get manicures, pedicures, blow-dries and other hair services, there may be significant health risks to the beauticians administering these services. The current equipment and methods used to dry nails and treat hair may indeed have harmful genetic consequences to the workers in this popular industry. This led me to wonder if I may also be affected by using these services, and whether it would be prudent for me to ditch the salon treatment all together. After all, is beauty worth the risk?
Formaldehyde, used in hair straightening and nail techniques, is one of the most dangerous chemicals of which the highest level of human exposure occurs in occupational settings. To test for the cytogenetic effect of formaldehyde, lymphocytic cultures of thirty healthy volunteers’ blood were exposed to varying concentrations of formaldehyde. At higher concentrations of formaldehyde, chromosomal aberrations and DNA–protein cross-links were induced, both of which could potentially cause the mutations associated with leukemia.
Aside from the typical chemicals associated with standard manicures, a new practice has recently developed—gel manicures. The gel polish application involves a base coat that is cured under a UV lamp, two layers of a proprietary nail polish, and a top coat. During the curing process with a UV lamp, tiny ‘‘tunnels’’ are said to form in the layer of polish, advertised to yield easy removal. However, a study focused on the adverse effects of the gel polish manicure system revealed that gel manicures often lead to increases in nail thinning. Also, the UV lamps commonly used in salons emit UVA rays, similar to those emitted in tanning beds. Multiple studies have been conducted to evaluate the toxic, dangerous effects of UV radiation, often causing skin cell carcinoma and other types of cancer. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology published an article saying that low doses of UVA or UVB irradiation induced micronuclei, small nuclei that form whenever a chromosome or a fragment of a chromosome is not incorporated into the daughter nuclei during cell division. The amount reported is equivalent to the inducing power of gamma ray ionizing radiation. Exposure to UVA can thus lead to carcinogenesis, the formation of cancerous cells.
Practically, what does this information mean for clients like myself, who don’t seek to enter the profession but wish to enjoy its benefits? Well, for one, the average client is not exposed to hours and hours of chemicals and toxins (as the technicians unfortunately are). Even a once-a-week regular has little to fear at the salon, although it may be a good idea to let the nails air dry rather than submit them to UV radiation. Perhaps it would be prudent to skip the Brazilian Blowout too, a process which dumps toxic chemicals onto the scalp which will undoubtedly enter the bloodstream. But aside from that, are there precautions one should take before enjoying the one-hour pamper fest?
Salon goers need not fear, for by following some basic guidelines toxic consequences can be prevented. First, one must ensure that the salon properly sterilizes and disinfects their tools. Simple cleaning with soap and water may not kill all organisms, including E. coli bacteria, which have been found on nail salon tools. These traces can cause serious hand and foot infections. Either ask ahead or come prepared with your own tools. When it comes to manicures, ask your manicurist if the salon uses a “single use” nail file. This is crucial, as a nail file is the most likely to cause an unseen injury called Salon Micro Trauma or SMT. Pedicures too are no exception to the potential hazards associated with salon care. According to Jackie Sutera, a NYC podiatrist, pedicure tubs were found to contain the mycobacteria fungus and yeast, which can lead to skin and nail infection. To best protect yourself, use a tub liner (costing as little as $1) to keep your toes away from the tub walls and free of infection. As an additional precaution, try not to shave your legs the day you are planning to get a pedicure. The nicks in the skin more readily allow these dangerous bacteria in. Lastly, find out if the salon you frequent uses a razor to remove calluses, which is banned in many states. Of all the tools in the salon, razor tools are one of the most likely to draw blood, and can lead to serious blood infections such as hepatitis.
All in all, one should be weary of the ills of the salon. As a consumer, be cautious about hygienic practices and about the genotoxic dangers present in salons, albeit seemingly minimal.
After thorough investigation, I conclude that women often do suffer for beauty. But in my case, I’ll leave that to the stilettos.