ethical mani pedis?

[jadelennox]

So in light of the deeply distressing NYT piece "The Price of Nice Nails" about manicurists and wage theft, does anyone know of some places around here where we know for a fact the manicurists are treated at least with the legal minimum of tipped employee wages, OSHA regulations, etc?

Sigh.

Comments

[bikergeek.livejournal.com]

No idea, but +1 for Der Struwwelpeter.

[jadelennox]

Thank you. I was looking through my userpics and when I got to Peter I was all YES THAT ONE.

Pyara Aveda

[desiringsubject.livejournal.com]

I am very friendly with the person I see at Pyara Aveda and she talks about how good a work environment it is. She told a story about how she didn't get hired the first time she applied because they felt she wasn't qualified enough or had enough experience, and when she learned more and had a job for a while at a crappier place, they hired her later, basically keeping their word. I feel good going there, though I will admit I haven't *verified* any of these anecdotes.

RE: Pyara Aveda

[jadelennox]

Thank you! That's a really good story.

[fangirl715.livejournal.com]

Forgive me for not having all the details, but I did read somewhere else today (the WBZ web site, maybe?) that the MiniLuxe small chain gives their employees health insurance, 401Ks, etc., so that might be a place to start.

[jadelennox]

Woot, found it! Thank you. http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/05/08/underneath-the-polish-whats-going-on-behind-the-scenes-at-nail-salons/ There's not one down here, but I see one downtown.

[ukelele.livejournal.com]

Also there's one in Lexington Center (on a bus from Alewife).

[ayelle.livejournal.com]

Posting to be sad about the demise of Square Nail in Davis, which as far as I could tell existed for the purpose of being the opposite of all these dangerously chemical slave labor places... but their prices were high and they went out of business. I *think* the salon that's across the street from me, which was my replacement, is okay (I've known the owner, Lisa, and her employee, also her sister, for years, and there are no obvious signs in their salon of any of the abuses the article describes). But... a feeling isn't knowing.

I'm even more troubled by the NYT's follow-up article about Perfect Nails Poisoned Workers. God, it's horrible, it's like the radium girls. I always pick OPI polishes, which are 3-free, but there's still nail polish remover... I could take my polish off myself before going so they don't have to do that part... but I mean at some point I have to start questioning whether or not it's possible to get my nails done "ethically" at ALL.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/11/nyregion/nail-salon-workers-in-nyc-face-hazardous-chemicals.html

[jadelennox]

Yeah, I'd heard great things about Square Nail.

And yeah, the whole thing is awful. I don't even know.

[alphacygni]

I miss Square Nail so much. I still haven't found a good replacement. I had been thinking about just making do and going ~anywhere, and then those articles happened, and my resolve to find something at least as decent is strengthened again. I will follow this thread with great interest.

[prunesnprisms.livejournal.com]

Right. At home all I use is 5-free polishes, but that's me, and they are in all that solvent and chemicals all day. There's no part of an acrylic nail that I can consider ethical right now.

[ayelle.livejournal.com]

Yup.

[preraphaelite.livejournal.com]

Go to Princess Nails, across the street from Lyndell's! They are just a husband and wife, and really nice. The wife did a great job on my mani pedi. They have two kids and I know they are struggling after the rough winter.

[ayelle.livejournal.com]

Good to know!

[prunesnprisms.livejournal.com]

Oh wow, I will have to give it a try.

[greenlily.livejournal.com]

Oh, cool, thanks for the rec. I was just starting to think about getting around to considering whether I wanted to get a professional pedi before a concert I'm singing in June at which I'll be wearing open-toed sandals onstage. Being able to give some business to someone who needs it is a major factor in favor of yes. :)