Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program

We work to keep California consumers and nail salon workers safe from toxic chemicals that may be found in some nail products. Salon workers, who often spend more than eight hours a day in salons, are particularly vulnerable to exposures to toxic chemicals. Nail products are known to contain toxic chemicals such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, and formaldehyde. DBP is a reproductive and developmental toxicant, toluene is a developmental and neurological toxicant, and formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.

In addition to evaluating nail products under the SCP regulatory framework, we developed statewide guidelines for nail salons who want their salons to exceed the minimum requirements for protecting the health and safety of their workers and customers. Health and Safety Code section 25257.2 required DTSC to issue these guidelines to help ensure that the recognition requirements for nail salons who participate in locally-administered Healthy Nail Salon Recognition (HNSR) programs are consistent throughout the state. The HNSR guidelines help local agencies establish recognition programs in their jurisdictions. They specify the minimum requirements for two recognition tiers–silver and gold–which indicate the extent of the safety measures a salon has adopted. Additionally, DTSC has released outreach material for program implementation, training of nail salon staff, and customer education program.

The Healthy Nail Salon Recognition (HNSR) Program allows local jurisdictions in California to recognize salons that follow voluntary and standardized healthy nail salon guidelines to reduce worker and consumer exposure. You can access the guidelines by following this link: DTSC Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Guidelines.