The Top 7 Nail Salon Hazards to Avoid: a Risk Assessment Guide

Behind the elegant finishes and relaxing aura of a nail salon lies a surprising number of workplace hazards—many of which can affect both your clients and technicians if left unchecked. From chemical fumes to chemical cross-contamination, even the tip-top salons face real risks.

Whether you're a seasoned salon owner or a new technician, this guide will walk you through seven of the most common hazards and how to prevent them.

Let’s talk all things keeping your space safe, healthy, and stress-free—starting with our first nail salon hazard:

1. Chemical Exposure

Between acrylic monomers to polish removers, nail salons are filled with products that can pack a toxic punch. Common substances like acetone, formaldehyde, toluene, and ethyl methacrylate (EMA) are staples in many services, but repeated or prolonged exposure—especially in poorly ventilated spaces—can lead to serious health concerns.

Short-term exposure to such chemicals might cause symptoms like dizziness, headaches, skin rashes, or eye and throat irritation. Over time, the risks become more severe, with some chemicals linked to respiratory issues, reproductive harm, or even cancer. So, technicians who spend hours each day inhaling fumes or getting product on their skin without proper protection are especially vulnerable.

To reduce the risk of chemical exposure in your nail salon, you should:

• Use ventilated tables and air purifiers

• Require gloves and masks when handling potent chemicals

• Store products in sealed containers

• Offer regular training on safe handling practices

It’s also smart to switch to “3-free” or “5-free” polishes, which exclude the most harmful ingredients. A safer salon is better for your staff, but also something clients will notice (and appreciate) too!

2. Fungal Infections

Nail salons can easily become breeding grounds for fungal infections if tools and surfaces aren’t properly cleaned. Conditions like onychomycosis (nail fungus) or athlete’s foot can spread through shared foot baths, nail files, or clippers, especially when used on broken skin or untreated infections. Even a minor lapse in sanitization can lead to serious issues for clients, including discoloration, thickened nails, and discomfort.

To avoid this, be sure to disinfect tools between clients, use single-use files and buffers whenever possible, and keep foot baths thoroughly scrubbed and sanitized. Clean tools protect your reputation just as much as they protect your clients.

3. Allergic Reactions

As you probably know, not every product agrees with every person. Clients (and even technicians) may have sensitivities to ingredients found in polishes, gels, adhesives, or acrylics—sometimes without even knowing it. What starts as a bit of redness or itching can quickly escalate into swelling, blisters, or a full-blown allergic reaction. That’s why it's essential to ask about known allergies ahead of time, patch test when possible, and stock hypoallergenic or low-sensitivity alternatives. Comfort and safety should always come before color or finish.

4. Physical Strain

While it can look like a relaxed job from the outside, nail techs know the toll their job can take on their bodies. Hours spent hunched over clients, making precise, repetitive motions can lead to neck pain, wrist issues, or even carpal tunnel syndrome. Over time, these repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) can impact quality of life and even career longevity. Taking regular breaks, investing in ergonomic tools and chairs, and stretching throughout the day is absolutely essential when it comes to self-care for nail salon professionals such as yourself.

5. Electrical Hazards

This is a big one. Nail salons rely heavily on electricity, using devices like UV lamps, electric files, and other powered tools from open to close. However, electrical hazards can arise if:

• Cords become frayed or damaged

• Outlets are overloaded

• Machines aren’t properly maintained or inspected regularly

These issues can lead to electrical shocks, short circuits, or even fires—especially in a fast-paced environment where safety checks might be overlooked or not as frequent as they should be.

However, preventing these dangers isn’t just about following manufacturer instructions; it requires creating a safety culture where equipment is respected, routinely inspected, and treated as essential to everyone’s well-being—not something collecting dust in the corner of the room.

6. Slippery Floors

It’s easy to underestimate how quickly a small spill can turn into a major accident. A few drops of water near the pedicure station or an unnoticed puddle of acetone near the polish rack is all it takes for someone to slip. In a salon where clients walk around in open-toed shoes—or no shoes at all—the risk is even higher. Add in a fast-moving team and a busy schedule, and suddenly, a shiny floor becomes a safety hazard.

Thankfully, a slick floor is often an easily-cleanable one. Regular cleanups, clear signage when things get slick, and good floor mats can go a long way in keeping everyone on their feet.

7. Poor Ventilation

This ties in with our first and primary hazard: chemical exposure. Now, it doesn’t take long for the scent of nail products to fill a room, but what’s less obvious is the hidden health risk that comes with it. When ventilation is poor, fumes from polish removers, acrylics, and adhesives linger in the air, creating a buildup of harmful chemicals that can irritate the lungs, eyes, and throat.

Over time, technicians exposed to these fumes regularly may experience chronic respiratory issues, fatigue, or headaches. Even clients might notice discomfort after just one visit.

Whether it’s cracking a window, upgrading ventilation systems, or choosing low-odor alternatives, fresh air should be part of the service.

Nail Salon Safety Resources: Take the Next Step

Staying informed and up-to-date on nail salon safety standards is essential for protecting both clients and staff. Fortunately, there are tons valuable resources available, from government health departments and industry associations to specialized training programs and certification courses.

Key resources include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which provides guidelines on workplace safety; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), offering information on safe chemical use and disposal; and the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), which offers education and best practices tailored for salons.

Additionally, local health departments often provide inspection checklists and compliance tips, while organizations like the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) and Salon & Spa Professional Alliance (SSPA) offer training programs to keep salon professionals informed and certified.

When you tap into resources like these, you can ensure you’re not only meeting legal and safety requirements but also fostering a trustworthy environment where clients (and technicians!) feel confident and cared for every time they visit.