Hairdressers and cosmetologists may be more likely to give birth to low birth weight babies , especially when their work involves using hairspray and permanent waves. Studies of hairdressers have also found an increased risk of miscarriage and babies born with cleft palates and other birth defects. Studies have found increased risks of several types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, cancer of the larynx, bladder cancer, and multiple myeloma , in hairdressers.
Cosmetologists surveyed were found to be at higher risk of depression compared to workers in other jobs. The risks were highest for salon workers who had worked longer than 20 years in the industry, those who worked with cleaning products in the salon, and those who texturized hair.
Nail salon workers have greater risk of immune disorders such as lupus and primary biliary cirrhosis compared to workers in other jobs. Citations for all of these scientific studies can be found in the full report Beauty and Its Beast. In the long term, salon safety depends on manufacturers creating safer products. Safer salon products should be effective without harming air quality in the salon or causing health effects among workers. Immediate solutions for salon worker and owners include best practices such as using less toxic products, improved ventilation, use of gloves and masks , and opting out of offering the most toxic or problematic salon services.
Health Hazards in Nail Salons. Nail Salon Worker Rights. Instead, courts and agencies will look at a list of factors to determine whether you are an employee or independent contractor. For example, if you: rent a station at a salon; purchase your own supplies and tools; have your own customers and set your own schedule and appointments; set your own rate and are paid by customers directly; and have your own business license, you may be more likely to be considered an independent contractor.
However, if: the owner sets the work schedule; you are paid by the hour; the owner or receptionist makes the appointments for all workers; you do not rent the space; the owner sets the rates paid by customers; and you use the owner's tools and equipment, you may be more likely to be considered an employee. Why does it matter? Employers must provide protection against workplace hazards for their employees; independent contractors are responsible for their own occupational health and safety protection.
Employees also have rights to a minimum wage, workers' compensation, and other benefits. Independent contractors do not. Some are salon employees who earn a percentage of the price of the service, which generally varies from 30 to 60 percent, according to Behindthechair.
They also receive tips and a commission on products they sell in the salon. Some are totally independent and have their own spaces or make house calls. Then, there are the salon owners. For these entrepreneurs, margins are usually tight too. Monthly business expenses can include everything from payroll, products, cleaning services, utilities, marketing, and, of course, there is location rent. As some owners struggle to pay rent, digging deeper into minimal cash reserves available, the effect has been felt by every assistant, receptionist, colorist, stylist, and janitor.
Many salons laid off their workers quickly after the shutdowns, allowing them to apply for unemployment benefits. But for the many manicurists, stylists, braiders, colorists, and barbers who are classified as independent contractors, things are even trickier.
But there will be delays for many states before any of this kicks in, according to CNN , and CNBC reported that some still may find themselves ineligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
Workers who rely primarily on tips, like nail technicians and assistants at salons, are sometimes paid below minimum wage, with tips making up the balance though tipped income is not always reported accurately.
This often results in underreporting of their actual income, which could mean a lower unemployment payment. And for many nail techs in New York City and other big urban areas where these workers are often undocumented, benefits may not be available at all.
A representative for the New York Nail Salon Workers Association says that many nail techs are paid off the books or low day rates. Others in the industry are looking to supplement their income in other lines of work.
Carlos Palomeque is a barber and freelance artist based in Brooklyn.
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