Big business today

The popularity of beauty salons and spas has grown incredibly over the past several years. There is quite a variety to choose from, including hair salons, some of which also offer manicures, pedicures, applying artificial nails, and specialist hair-colouring.

There are nail bars which concentrate solely on keeping your nails beautiful, and are adept in adding artificial nails, for which there is a big demand. Dermal services such as Botox and filler injections are also in demand. These salons and clinics are available to men and women, and many have regular appointments.

Risks that can occur when you visit a salon

In a recent survey of spas and beauty salons, about 30% of those interviewed admitted that they had one or more health issues after a visit to a salon. These included skin problems, fungal infections, and respiratory problems. Here is a list of possible salon-related dangers.

• Nail bar treatments include the use of chemicals which can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations. Vapour from chemicals used in the application of artificial nails may cause respiratory hassles in some clients. If tools are re-used, they may not be properly sterilised, and could lead to a fungal infection.
• Some hair products contain chemical ingredients such as formaldehyde, ammonia, peroxide, sodium sulphate, and coal tar. They also contain chemical preservatives known as parabens, which are commonly used in cosmetic products. Research has shown that many of these hair products contain carcinogens, which increases the risk of cancer.
• Parabens, the main preservative used in cosmetic products, may mimic the activity of oestrogen in the body, increasing the risk of breast cancer in particular, which is highly sensitive to oestrogen. Some studies have even established the presence of parabens in breast tumours.

Beauty salons are by no means death-traps, but there are some easy ways you can ensure that you do not pick up more than just the cost for your treatment.

How you can protect yourself

• If it is a new salon you are visiting, go in person to book and make sure it looks clean and fresh.
• Try and establish which chemicals are involved in hair treatment preparations. Ask for organic, or paraben and sulphate-free products. They are available.

These are simple ways to lower your risk of salon-related issues like fungal infections.

Always ensure that salon employees follow rules regarding personal protection, such as gloves, plastic aprons, and masks if required. This is for their own protection, as well as yours.

Salon owners should have a suitable ventilation system, with a fan powerful enough to move contaminated air out through the system, installed and maintained by a professional company. Salon owners also fall under a section of the Department of Health, and are required to follow the rules.

We can help

Fungal infections of the nails, which may have originated in a salon, can spread to other parts of the body, and also to the genital areas. They are very difficult to clear up, and can affect your sexuality. If your libido needs a boost, we can help. Herbal Remedies International has taken some potent natural herbs, and developed excellent formulas to help combat issues of low libido.

Visit us at www.herbalremedies.co.za to view our range of products, and see the number of issues we cover.

We are here to help you.