Unsanitary spas and unlicensed workers: Here’s the dirt on Fort Worth area nail salons
‘Tis the holiday season.
And in between the hustle and bustle of parties and family gatherings, many are heading to the nail salon to get a manicure, pedicure or both.
For some, though, it might be hard to relax if there are worries about whether the salon has properly cleaned the equipment used to give customers a spa-like experience.
So here’s a look at what has happened at salons across Tarrant County this year.
So far, 42 violations levying nearly $42,000 in fines have been issued for everything from not sterilizing manicure tools to performing manicures and pedicures without a license, according to a Star-Telegram review of cosmetology data available through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
That’s down slightly from the 49 violations issued last year in Tarrant County.
“Don’t be shy — ask questions about how the salon sterilizes and cleans the items they’ll use when doing your nails,” said Tela Mange, a spokeswoman with the licensing and regulation department. “If you don’t feel comfortable with the answers, you should go to another salon.”
Mange stressed that there are rules and guidelines in place to protect people from infections when they head to nail salons.
In Texas, inspectors visit salons at least once every two years to check records, licenses and the sanitation of workers and salons.
Beyond that, anyone who sees a potential problem can file a complaint against a salon that triggers an investigation.
For instance, “if you develop redness or swelling in or near the nail bed after a manicure or pedicure, you should seek immediate medical attention,” Mange said. “Don’t put off seeing a doctor; some infections can be serious.
“If you think the infection happened because of conditions at the salon where you had your manicure or pedicure, you can file a complaint with the TDLR, and we will investigate.”
Tarrant salon violations
The Star-Telegram review of violations by cosmetologists showed dozens of violations at salons across Tarrant County.
The American Manicure School of Art in Arlington received the largest fine in Tarrant County so far this year — $3,500 — for multiple violations cited on March 4. Citations included not having an instructor on duty or a licensed instructor to supervise a student performing cosmetology services as well as not having a refund policy or properly calculating a refund.
Capretha Jones, director of operations with the school, noted in an e-mail that none of the violations at the school were related to “issues of the Health & Safety of the Community and Students we serve.”
“We look forward to continuing to educate aspiring Nail Technicians and providing Safe, Affordable services to our community in a learning environment,” she stated.
The Beauty Shop in Fort Worth received the second largest fine, $2,000, for operating a cosmetology salon without a proper license and for having at least one person working without a proper license, state records show. No address was listed for the salon, other than to note that it is in the 76164 ZIP code.
Yolanda’s Hair Design in Fort Worth is the only Tarrant salon to receive repeat citations. On July 18 and March 22, the salon was cited for letting someone without a cosmetology license perform services. The first citation came with a $750 fine. The second one was $1,000.
Nineteen salons were cited for failing to properly clean and sanitize whirlpool spas at the end of each day.
Beyond that, seven salons leased space to unlicensed workers; seven people were cited for working without a license; three didn’t clean equipment with state-approved sterilizers; three kept inaccurate cleaning records; and one didn’t clean and disinfect its wax pots.
And two people had their cosmetology license revoked because they were sent to prison.
Eighteen of the violations were at Fort Worth salons and 11 were in Arlington. Three were in Crowley, two in Mansfield and Grand Prairie and one each in Euless, Southlake, Grapevine, Saginaw, Forest Hill and Haltom City.
To check whether your favorite salon received a violation, search the state’s database at tdlr.texas.gov. Complaints can be filed on the site.
Manicure and pedicure safety tips
If you’re about to get a manicure or pedicure, health experts, including the American Academy of Dermatology Association, offer a few suggestions.
▪ Don’t shave your legs 24 hours before getting a pedicure. If you accidentally cut yourself while shaving, you could be at risk for an infection during your pedicure.
▪ Tools for manicures or pedicures should be sterilized or disinfected for each client.
▪ Don’t wear artificial nails to cover up nail problems such as fungus. That, the academy says, “may make them worse.”
▪ Check to make sure the foot spas and stations are clean. Look for dirty tools, nail clippings and whether the nail technician washed hands between clients.
▪ Spas or foot basins must be drained and cleaned after each client. If the salon uses disposable spa liners, they must drain the water, throw away the liner and clean the whirlpool jet.
▪ And look for licenses for the salon and the technician who is working on your nails. If the salon can’t, or won’t, show you the licenses, then just leave.
“If the salon does not appear clean, then move on,” the dermatology academy states.
This story was originally published December 5, 2019 at 6:00 AM.
