Working with a pregnant client offers nail techs a special opportunity to provide much-needed pampering throughout a very momentous nine months. Moms-to-be frequenting a nail salon will seek respite and self-care during every appointment—and they deserve just that! The following are some tips to give pregnant clients the very best manicures and pedicures. Chances are, if you treat your client well during her pregnancy, you will have a repeat customer when that little bun is out of the oven.
Working with a pregnant client offers nail techs a special opportunity to provide much-needed pampering throughout a very momentous nine months. Moms-to-be frequenting a nail salon will seek respite and self-care during every appointment—and they deserve just that! The following are some tips to give pregnant clients the very best manicures and pedicures. Chances are, if you treat your client well during her pregnancy, you will have a repeat customer when that little bun is out of the oven.
To ease any concerns that a pregnant client may have regarding the nail polish ingredients, opt for brands and products that are water-based, nonflammable, hypoallergenic and nontoxic. While the level of exposure to these ingredients is so small, it is still important to be vigilant of the ingredient list. Keep an eye out for polishes that contain formaldehyde, toluene and phalates, the article “Manicures and Pedicures During Pregnancy” from whattoexpect.com suggests.
As you would with any other client, monitoring the health of the pregnant client’s nails is a must. Keep an eye out for nail discoloration, nail detachments, ingrown nails or signs of infection. If any of these are visible, they should contact their doctor immediately.
It is also a good idea to discuss whether the pregnancy is considered normal or high-risk. If the latter, modifications to any massage performed during the service will have to be modified. The late Karen Hodges, co-founder of Nailcare Academy in Fort Myers, Florida, urged that being conservative during the service is best. “You do not want your service to cause any pregnancy complications,” she stated.
Hodges recommended using only the lightest of touches in applying moisturizing lotions and creams. She also warned against soaking, massage and aggressive scrubs.
Tips for Pregnant Nail Salon Employees
If you or one of your employees is pregnant, it is important to take the necessary precautions when working with clients. According to the fact sheet “Working in a Nail Salon” from mothertobaby.org, some salon products might cause allergic reactions or asthma. Other hazards to be aware of include bacteria, viruses, fungus and dusts; however, these are less likely to affect the developing baby unless the pregnant salon worker becomes very sick.
The article suggests the following precautions:
- Always wash your hands before and after working on clients.
- Take a short break every hour or so to change body positions and move around.
- Wear protective equipment, including nitrile gloves, goggles and an N95 mask, during all services.
- Thoroughly disinfect tools and foot basins after each client, as required by your state’s cosmetology board.
- Ensure your salon is properly ventilated by utilizing ceiling vents, exhaust systems, fans and HVAC systems during work hours.
- Ensure all product bottles are tightly closed with proper lids and caps.
- When disposing of products, use trash cans with tight lids that are always kept on the cans.
