4 Tips on How to Get an Ethical Manicure

When The New York Times investigated nail salons earlier this year, they discovered widespread health violations and questionable labor practices. "A lot of women asked me if they should swear off weekly manicures, but that's not going to help manicurists who rely on their paycheck," says Luna Ranjit, a cofounder of the New York Healthy Nail Salons Coalition, an advocacy group for nail-salon workers. "Instead, choose those nail salons that treat employees respectfully and value their—and your—safety." Here, she gives four tips on how to make sure you're getting an ethical manicure.

Pay up. "If a salon is charging only $10 for a manicure, it's virtually impossible for them to pay their workers minimum wage and still clear a profit. Higher prices don't guarantee fair treatment, but it's a good place to start. Tip generously and in cash, directly to the manicurist. The women we've talked to have said they don't know whether they've gotten the full amount when they're tipped on credit cards."

Look for familiar faces. "Frequent turnover of staff at a salon could be a sign of poor working conditions. If employees aren't being treated well, they'll move around. It could also signal that a salon is slashing employees' hours on slow days, which they often do without warning. When manicurists are sent home early, they don't get the day's full wages."

Take cover. "Ethical employers protect manicurists from the chemicals in nail products with proper ventilation and covered trash cans (which contain chemical fumes) and make gloves and masks available to employees who want them. You should be able to see ventilation systems besides open windows, like air ducts or vented manicure tables. It's not a good sign if you walk in and the smell of nail polish or chemicals is overwhelming."

Don't grill your manicurist. "I've heard people suggest that customers should ask manicurists about their wages and working conditions, but we don't recommend that. Usually the salon owner or manager is within earshot, so you may not get an honest answer. You may even be putting the manicurist at risk. If you suspect that someone is not being treated fairly, call the department of labor or an organization that advocates for workers' rights."