Still on cosmetics for the beauty conscious. Artificial nail enhancement service is catching on rapidly with nail salons or nail bars proliferating in many locations.
Correspondingly, complaints related to nail service brought to the notice of the Consumer council have risen in the first 7 months of 2007 to 10 cases.
The number is just one short of the 11 cases the Council received for the whole of 2006. There were 8 and 6 cases in 2004 and 2005 respectively.
The nature of complaints were largely about price dispute, and quality or non-delivery of service.
But consumers should really be more wary of the possible adverse effects: infections and allergic reactions can occur with nail services and the products used.
In particular, people can sometimes get fungal or bacterial infections of the natural nails. Symptoms of infection include pain, redness, inflammation, irritation or discoloration.
Furthermore, a dirty workplace with poor hygiene can contribute to infection as bacteria thrive in unhygienic environment. Bacterial or fungal infections can occur from using insanitary nail implements especially when the skin around the nail (cuticle) is wounded.
Nail products may also contain organic solvent, adhesives and other chemicals, and may cause irritation and allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis. Prolonged excessive exposure to these chemicals may also pose health risk.
More tips for the beauty conscious in selecting a nail service provider:
- The ventilation of the facility should be adequate e.g. not smelly. The place should be clean and tidy with change of a fresh set of towels for each client.
- All chemicals should be in clearly marked containers and tools returned to their original position after use. Metal tools are best sterilized in an autoclave or with specific disinfectants.
- Look for one who displays clear price list, and gives clear aftercare advice.
- Service provider should be able to explain the procedures involved, the nature and purposes of products to be applied.
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