Is your salon a Safe Salon?

Non standard salons and the problems with MMA in the UK are a constant concern, I have been chatting to Victoria Smith about how the industry can work together to combat these issues.

As a salon owner, Master artist educator and distributor for Ez Flow Nail systems Victoria Smith is well aware of the difficulties associated with running her own business and employing technicians to work with her at her salon, Room One near Norfolk, here she found that low standards of education and poor quality products were saturating the UK market. “It became clear how easy it is for an unqualified technician to find employment or open a salon and how little regulation there was in the industry to ensure minimum standards are achieved and maintained.

Although this problem does not affect the industry on a whole, it does affect the consumer, and how they distinguish the good salons from the bad.” Victoria explains the main problems clients face when choosing a salon and how she has developed a concept to help salons within her area. In this present climate Distributors are struggling to gain new accounts, Educators are finding it difficult to fill classes and Technicians are expressing the need to be busier. And it seems that fundamental solution to all this is to increase the amount of clients utilizing the services of professionally qualified technicians. “For too long the industry has focused on educating the technician, but should we educate the consumer instead”?

Victoria tells me that “With the sensationalized portrayal of the Non Standard Salon within the media, from television programs such as Watch Dog, who first brought these salons and their use of MMA to the attention of the consumer in 2002, and high lighting the need for caution. Along with Published articles in the trade and national press and web based information readily available, it is now difficult to profit in the nail industry. The consumer is left confused and unaware of what constitutes a safe salon. With prices impossible to compete with at the Non Standard salons, teamed with uneducated clients utilizing their services and unaware of the potential dangers of wearing an MMA enhancement, it has proved too much for the professional technician to contend with”

MMA is an abbreviation for a chemical also known as MethaMethacrylate. This substance in its liquid form when mixed with acrylic powder goes through a chemical process called polymerization resulting in an extremely rigid nail enhancement. This rigidity can cause major trauma to the natural nail if the enhancement is put under any strain. The alternative to this product is EMA, EthylMethacrylate, a product designed to create a flexible acrylic nail. MMA has incredibly poor adhesive qualities meaning in order to attach the product to the natural nail the technician must heavily etch the surface of the nail plate. This ultimately thins the nail plate compromising the health of the natural nail. In comparison high quality EMA liquid based products when applied by a qualified professional technician will provide a safe nail enhancement whilst maintaining the integrity of the natural nail.

“Educate the consumer about this and help her find a safe salon is the key” Victoria explains “Industry professionals have coined the term Non Standard Salon in a desperate attempt to reinstate consumer confidence in our profession. It is the Non Standard Salon that puts poor hygiene and insufficient training into question with some using low grade products. The term Non Standard Salon is also widely used when highlighting those salons that use MMA, this deleterious substance that can cause many problems when used as a nail enhancement product”.
This substance has been since banned in the USA, and most recently local government in Milton Keynes has received concern from constituents regarding the harmful nature of this product and has called for the UK to follow in the footsteps of the US and ban the use of MMA Liquid Monomer. MP Dr Phyllis Starkey raised this issue of banning MMA monomer in the House of Commons last November, and is now canvassing for nails bars to be regulated nationwide, she is intending to introduce a short piece of legislation in the House of Commons on 12th March, which will permit local authorities to regulate nail bars, and hopefully encourage a safe salon environment for the consumer.

On Friday 29th February Victoria and Dr Phyllis Starkey MP for Milton Keynes who has recently been campaigning against the use of MMA throughout the UK, had a meeting, which high lighted that Industry professionals have been under the impression that if a customer has a complaint to make against a non standard salon that this should be directed to the Environmental Health Department of your local authority. The Environmental Health Department however ONLY holds the authority to deal with complaints affecting EMPLOYEES in the workplace. They have no jurisdiction over any actions that may potentially harm the PUBLIC in relation to nail services. Also that regulation of our industry in the form of licensing must be SELF FINANCING – under no circumstances can the taxpayers money be used to fund this allocation despite it being in the interest of public health.

Dr Phyllis Starkey has been raising awareness of this issue amongst her constituents, fellow MP’s and local authorities and is attending parliament on Monday 17th March. Where she will have a ten minute slot in which to pitch her proposal requesting the right to discuss the matter further within government. Her fundamental aim is to propose an amendment of the Local Government Act 1992 allowing local authorities to license the industry similar to the scheme operating from Westminster and London Boroughs.

MP Phyllis Starkey however can only raise this issue in her constituency and is aiming to gain as much press coverage as possible to raise awareness of this issue throughout the UK gaining national support. This is providing us as industry professionals a real chance to stand up and be heard in the fight against the Non Standard Salon and the use of MMA. MP Phyllis Starkey welcomes all comments, experiences and information regarding this matter to support her arguments.

Victoria’s aim is to see all salons become safe salons throughout the country “A safe salon is one which takes its responsibilities seriously to provide a clean and hygienic environment for both its employees and customers. In order to do this Salon’s must regularly disinfect work stations, floors and surfaces as well as sterilizing all tools and implements. It is also vital that sanitation occurs between every client to prevent cross contamination of potentially harmful bacteria. Salons should also use professional products and have the education of all members of staff clearly displayed, this education should be up dated regularly, and NVQ levels achieved. ” Victoria goes onto explain that these details should be available to the client, in order for them to find a list of ‘safe salons’, Victoria has developed a unique opportunity, available for every technician nation wide to become part of a team to combat the state of the industry today. Safesalon.co.uk is the first independent assessment scheme for operating Nail Technicians Nationwide and provides the consumer, our clients, with details of all salons that have met the minimum requirements in salon hygiene, product quality and regulations, level of qualification held and customer service. These details are published and will be assessed on an annual basis to ensure minimum requirements are continually upheld, creating the link between the NVQ and brand led education

“Safe Salons.co.uk, is not just another business for me, but something which allows me to develop my industry and work with other technicians to make it one of the safest in the world” Victoria goes onto to say “ I am fed up with the lack of information available to the clients, and it is obvious they are hungry for it, these details are vital if we are going to grow this industry and see it flourish once more” Not only listed in a safe salon guide on the internet the Technicians can take advantage of a variety of other services which provides them with continual learning and an incentive to grow their own business and realize profit.
This scheme represents those technicians dedicated to continually updating their skills, compliant with all codes of practice as outlined by Habia, the government approved body for setting standards within the Hair, Beauty and Nail industries, Victoria’s aim is not only to educate our clients in what’s safe and what’s not, but to help us continue with our own education.

For more information contact; Victoria Smith on 0845 5211069 or 0779 5490923
info@safesalons.co.uk, or visit the website http://www.safesalons.co.uk/

If any of you would like to comment on how the use of MMA is affecting our industry, businesses and reputation please send your comments to: Phyllis.starkey@gmail.com

This article was written for and published in the April 2008 addition of Health and Beauty salon Magazine.

An interview with Georgie….

I asked Georgie Smedley, International educator for Ez Flow how she got started in the competition circuit.
“I had worked every exhibition, every year, for 13 years...I was an active member of United Beauty's exhibition team and I wasn't allowed to leave the stand to take part in a nail competition. So when they went into administration, I finally had my chance to enter. It was all very last minute, and what I hadn't realised was that it was the largest Nail Competition in the UK, not only that but it was International! There were over 200 competitors in total with all the categories added up. Fortunately I didn't know this as I probably wouldn't have entered!
So I went through everything in my head. No practice, No preparation, just my kit and my model! I wish I had known what I know now!

What would you recommend others could do to prepare for their competitions?
“I made a very good investment when I came home and booked on some competition classes with Antony Buckley, who had a wealth of experience and knowledge in the competition world, was amazed with what I learnt and came away with some competition secrets that would have taken years of competing to learn.”
What sort of things did you learn, how did you benefit from this investment?
“ In just two days I came away with so much information for instance I found out how to create a deeper c curve on my tip using a method of boiling water and tweezers. How to use Ez Bond prior to buffing to give the nail a much higher gloss shine, one of my light bulb moments was that I didn't actually have to do pink and whites on the painted hand! Through the many things I have learnt I have not only saved time in the arena, but have continued to win and win and win.”

Tell me about your wins and successes?
“I started competing nearly 3 years ago and with a wealth of competition information learnt from my idols, through re investing in my self I have placed 3rd, 2nd, 1st and 1st!”

Why is it beneficial to compete?
“I am very privileged and proud when I can share with fellow technicians the secrets of competitions, that I am one of those that people can come to and take that next step on their journey. Entering a competition means you not only excel in your own field but lets your peers see your improvements.”

What are your dreams?
“I would love to put together an elite Competition Team, I want to be able to provide all the information to any one regardless. How they can get a set of nails done in the allocated time, how to varnish the nails to perfection and clear up any mistakes, show them what they actually get out of competing?”

How do you propose to achieve this?
Well, all of these questions and more will be answered in one of the first 2 day competition workshops I am running in north London with Victoria Smith. Here we hope to reveal some secrets only available to those winners of winners.
Day 1 is aimed at the pink and white category, and will cover everything from sculpting, tip and overlay to polishing. Day 2 welcomes you Sam where you will show the competitors a different out look, and help them understand product control and utilize the materials they have at hand, not only beneficial in a pink and white competition this day is perfect for those who want to be inspired and get you’re their creative juices flowing to enter Fantasy and design sculpt competitions!”

For more information on Georgie workshop and competition help email georgiesmed@blueyonder.co.uk or Call 01992768777 or 07956121616

Join the Competition Workshop and be automatically entered into the Competition Team where Georgie and her team will support you though competitions giving you technical & practical help and even free products! For a very reasonable £225+vat, you will get all the information you have been longing for, £100 worth of FREE product...and a third day FREE OF CHARGE to have a practice run nearer to your competition event!

It shouldn't be a difficult decision to break into the competition market and with Georgie and her team holding your hand; you will have no more excuses. Go on invest in your self and take that next leap of faith, you never know it just might pay.

DVD - out now!!!

I am thrilled to announce that my New DVD is now ready and available to buy. This double disc DVD not only has 8 amazing fantasy designs for you to recreate but 10 hints and tips. It is based on my 'inspire & create' workshops.

To every one who has pre-ordered their copy of this DVD....thank you, as promised you will receive your copy with a signed step by step insert.

I hope you enjoy this DVD, and inspires you to create some beautiful piece of work.




please allow 10 working days for shipping, P&P will be applied.

Dates for March & April

Glasgow - 25th March - Inspire

Cheshire - 31st March - Create

Doncaster - 14th April - Fantasy Gel

London - 20th & 21st April - Competition

Tamworth - 28th April - Inspire

Cardiff - 29th April - Inspire

GET INSPIRED with....... this unique workshop establishes the benefits of building your design skills within your business and enhances personnel growth. Learn how to find inspiration and relax enough to develop your creative side, it is the first class of its kind to help you develop as a tech in all aspects….not just design.

Scotland - Glasgow on the 25th March at Urban Angel...contact Christine or Derek Murdock for more information on 0141 886 6168

Tamworth on the 28th April at Grafton International...contact Jane Cook on 01827253326

Cardiff on the 29th April at Triniti Beauty contact Vanessa Martin on 029 2022 7049




A class to CREATE ........ is a master class in fantasy, and the next step on from the 'inspire' workshop this class shows you more techniques and helps you to develop your style. This class is perfect if you want to develop ideas for competitions or photo shoots. Recommended after your inspire workshop.





Cheshire on 31st March hosted by with Caroline Hickey for more information contact her on 07974943681




Fantasy Gel workshop...This exciting workshop not only includes design ideas for the salon but techniques for fantasy. Gel design is relatively new to the UK, and this class is completely different. Including three amazing fantasy nails and two salon design nails, you will get to see and work with colour gels, mix and develop your own pallet and find out how far you can stretch this material.





Doncaster at Red 10 on the 14th April, call 01302325848 for more details.





COMPETITION WORKSHOP...in London, Enfield, this is a two day competition workshop on 20th & 21st April.... contact Georgie Smedley on 01992 768777.






this fantastic event is designed to inspire and motivate you, and more importantly achieve your goals...

DAY 1: PINK AND WHITES

• Preparation for a competition event
• Choosing the right model
• Using the best products that suit you
• Competition shapes and lengths
• Understanding structure
• How do I create a perfect smile line?
• Easy filing techniques
• Getting that brilliant glass-like shine
• Perfect varnishing techniques
  
  DAY 2: FANTASY
• find inspiration
• learn how to think outside the box
• develop a design
• new techniques
• control your product
• how different temperatures and chemicals effect your control
• manipulate your materials to suit your needs

Life on the Road

Wow, the last couple of weeks have been a whirl wind, and as I am now home for a few days, I thought I would share with you, some of the fantastic work I have been witness to.

Spending a couple of days with Caroline Hickey in Staffordshire on Sunday and Monday 10th & 11th February was a blast, and as usual in her own unique blend of energy and wit, she managed to yet again bring some sunshine into my life. Caroline had open her doors to me, and allowed me to come and work some of her students on the 10th February at the beautiful Chimney hotel in Cheshire. This 'inspire' day was jammed packed, and produced some wild and whacky nails. As you can see, everyone was engrossed in their own little world, and I think left feeling very creative and motivated. I am going back to do the next class - 'Create' on the 31st March, with some of them, and really looking forward to seeing just how far they have developed.

Going further North I had the pleasure of working with Jo Shirley again, and holding a two day fantasy workshop at Red 10 in Doncaster. Starting with an 'inspire' day, we then went onto the stronger stuff, and the 'create' workshop which allowed the girls to really shine. I have to say how proud I am to witness the development of all these techs.

When they start their days with me, they are full of doubt and scepticism, even after I assure them it is possible and they will be leaving with a whole new outlook, they still can't fully believe it.

Then they start to play, and I watch as they strip back their uncertainties and inhibitions, completely stepping into the 'zone' and build. Look at these pictures to see just how amazing they all are. I am going back to Doncaster for two more days in April, on the 14th & 15th, to do some Gel design and Fantasy.

I have also had the pleasure of visiting Scotland and spending a day with Ez Flow Scotland, the beautiful Christine Murdock and her fabulous husband Derek....wot a man. Also there was my mate Victoria Smith. This motivational woman not only blew my socks off with her words, as she always does, but she managed to stir up something up in the audience as well. The day was to show how design can work within your business, and how to utilize fantasy to develop your design skills and get inspired and try something different in the salon. Did it work? Well I think it did, we certainly had great feed back, and since I am going back up there on the 25th March to hold an 'inspire workshop I reckon it is the start of something amazing in Scotland. Derek tells me today that spaces are booking up fast,and it will be held in Glasgow it self at Urban Angels new Training rooms.

Well I am now at home enjoying some time with the children, not that they are in much, but I feel like I am catching up on being a mum, next week I have Excel and I am really looking forward to that. There is a couple of forums planned I think and of course demoing on the stand with the lovily Antony Buckley and Mary Seitzinger from the USA.

Come say hello......

Get inspired....

I have just had a call from Jo Shirley in Doncaster telling me that there are only 2 places left on the 2 day fantasy workshop in Doncaster next week.

This 2 day class delves deeper into Fantasy helping you develop your own style and skills, giving you a direction with this aspect to the business. We will also explore design, and salon viable nails.

I thought some one might be interested, call Jo on 01302 340550. The classes are at Red10, 2 Heather Crt, Doncaster, DN2 5YL.

See you on the 12th and 13th Feb, 10am till 4pm.

Competition

Yes...... I entered the competition for design sculpt in LA..... call me crazy..... maybe I am mad....but in a burst of confidence after spending 2 days filming my DVD....which was a month ago now, I seem to remember pressing send after agreeing to enter…and instantly regretting it.

But I have always said entering comps is about enjoying the experience and learning what you can about your own application. So with this in mind I dragged my 'sorry butt outta bed' at 6am and I met up with my modal Monica, a complete stranger, Tiffany had called a friend, who drove for 7 hours to meet up and sit for 2 and half hours with a grumpy cow (me in the morning). She was brill and thankfully had nice nail beds.

I was surprisingly un nervous about it all, and did actually enjoy the comp, I had changed my idea for the design 3 times, and only had a chance to practice the day before once, I can tell you I was well over the two and a half hours allowed, so that was my main concern. With the help of the experts at hand, May Ling and Mary were brilliant, giving me additional tips and advice, Virgina supported me with her encouragement, and Tiffany boosted my confidence. As a team we all made it work.

So with 1 practice under my belt, I had to produce 10 competition nails using colour in a unique way....ha not that tough......ya. I decided on a close up of apples on a branch with little cartoon worms, the nail shape was lip stick, which was a little different to the norm, a risk I know...but some times you have to take them.

All over and they choose the top ten on the way to be judged the rest all go home, tough but a neat way of elimination. So as Monica was judged I had to sit and wait and wait and wait..... the awards weren't till the next day.

The wait was over and as you can see I got first place.

Then there was the problem of getting the trophey back to the UK, you can see how big it is, looks like I have to go shopping for another case.