First in the State: Santa Clara County expands Healthy Nail Salon Program to include hair salons offering nail services
Program promotes healthier beauty industry practices for employees and customers.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. - The County of Santa Clara is expanding the Healthy Nail Salon Program to include a first cohort of 16 hair salons that provide nail services. This initiative protects the well-being of salon employees and clients, reducing the risk of health problems caused by chronic exposure to chemicals. Facilitated by the Department of Environmental Health within the Public Health Department, participation by businesses is voluntary. Santa Clara County is the first in the state to expand this program to hair salons, which was previously limited to nail salons. Certain nail products contain carcinogens, toxicants, and skin irritants that contribute to asthma, respiratory problems, neurological problems and reproductive harm, especially when used with insufficient ventilation.
“Blossom Nail Spa has been a proud member of the Healthy Nail Salon Program since 2016, demonstrating our long-standing commitment to providing a safer and healthier environment for both clients and staff,” said Linda Do, Healthy Nail Salon program participant and owner of Blossom Nail Spa in San Jose, Calif. “By reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, we prioritize well-being and set a standard we hope other salons will follow.”
“Being a certified Healthy Nail Salon is about putting our staff and clients first. That means creating a safer, cleaner, and more comfortable experience for our clients and staff is our priority. We use safer products, proper ventilation, and prioritize health without compromising beauty. Our customers appreciate the difference, and our team enjoys a healthier work environment. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Trang Eveleno, Healthy Nail Salon program participant and owner of Natural Nails Boutique in Campbell, Calif.
The Healthy Nail Salons program was first introduced in Santa Clara County in 2015 and has 109 salons in the county enrolled, the highest enrollment of any county in the state, in addition to the 16 announced today. Establishments enrolled in the program receive training for their staff on ventilation practices, safer products to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, and avoiding unnecessary contact with those products. Participating salons may also qualify for a rebate that covers the full costs of certain ventilation units for acrylic nail stations.
“We are excited to see the expansion of our successful Healthy Nail Salon Program to hair salons that offer nail services in our community,” said County Board President Supervisor Otto Lee. “This success is a result of the strong participation from local businesses, which have created the largest program in California. We are setting higher goals in our commitment to ensuring healthy working environments for everyone in Santa Clara County. A special shout-out to our dedicated County staff who are leading the charge to enroll more businesses and expand this program.”
“Under former Supervisor Cindy Chavez, the Healthy Nail Salon Program has blossomed to include more than 100 nail salons,” said County of Santa Clara Board Supervisor Betty Duong. “The expansion of this program is an incredible demonstration of County innovation in partnership with local businesses to advance health equity, economic justice, and workers’ rights. As someone who grew up in the personal care industry, I understand that nail salon owners are eager to learn and grow. With more support, education, and resources, we can make that possible.”
“Nail salons and hair salons that provide nail services are drivers of economic vitality and job opportunities in our local economy. This is a clear example of how we can simultaneously promote health, safety, and economic development,” said Supervisor Sylvia Arenas. This effort not only protects workers and patrons from harmful chemical exposure, but it also uplifts small businesses, many of which are immigrant- and women-owned. County partnerships with small businesses, like the Healthy Nail Salon Program, is an example on how we can stimulate our economy, support local businesses, and foster collaboration.”
"This is about promoting healthier settings for salon employees and patrons," said Jonathan Rubingh program manager of the County of Santa Clara Healthy Nail Salon Program. "Many salon workers may not know how to reduce exposure to harmful ingredients found in some nail products, and that’s why this program is needed.”
"We encourage all salons to participate in this free and voluntary program,” said Dr. Marilyn Underwood, Director of the County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health. “Expanding the program to hair salons enables us to promote safer practices across more establishments and that benefits even more workers and more people receiving services.”
Participating salons are mapped on the County website. People looking to get services in a safer environment can look for the Healthy Nail Salon seal, which participating salons display at their locations. Salons also receive training on proper disposal of products to protect health and the environment. Program staff visit individual businesses and organize community events to increase awareness and program participation.
To learn which businesses participate in the County of Santa Clara Healthy Nail Salon Program and how you can encourage your favorite salon to join, visit us online at scc.info/nailsalon.