March 2012
Enforcement Initiative to Combat Labor Law Violations at Seattle-Area Nail Salons
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division is conducting an enforcement initiative focused on the misclassification of employees as independent contractors at nail salons in the Seattle metropolitan area. The initiative aims to protect vulnerable workers in the industry from systemic violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act's minimum wage and overtime pay provisions by ensuring that they are properly classified... read more>
Lawsuits Settled on Brazilian Blowout
California Attorney General Suit Forces Hazard Warning —
Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced a settlement with the manufacturer of Brazilian Blowout products that will require the company to warn consumers and hair stylists that two of its most popular hair smoothing products emit formaldehyde gas. read more>
Ethics and Stylist Safety is Non-Negotiable By Cindy Van Steelandt
In My Opinion... Unless you've been on a trip to the moon, you would have noticed that Brazilian Blowout has been making headline news once again.
On January 30, 2012, the California attorney general ruled that GIB, the company that makes the pricey keratin smoothing treatments, must warn consumers that two of its most popular products contain formaldehyde. read more>
Why is This Client Sitting in my Chair? by Don Bewley
There's a well-known rule of social etiquette…don't discuss politics or religion at social gatherings.
This rule also applies (or at least it should) to the salon. Well I'd like to add one more item to the list of conversation no-no's in the salon: the economy. read more>
Hairstylists Have to be Salespeople Too by Amy Colvin
If you think you are not a salesperson, think again. This does not mean you have to be a hard-core, shark of a retailer. The secret to being a stylist who sells is to treat your clients with respect and thoughtfulness.
Concentrate on who is in your chair. Be thoughtful of what their needs are or could be. Nurture them and watch your retail earnings soar. read more>
Advocacy is Your Right; Use It! by Jaime Schrabeck
Observing yet another meeting of my state's cosmetology board, I can't help but have some strong opinions. The issues being addressed in this particular meeting, like health and safety regulations, enforcement procedures and unlicensed activity, directly affect how I do business. read more>
Speaking Out: Regs Really Are For Everyone by Judith Culp
In every industry there are a percentage of folks that think they know better than the regulators, or that it's "cool" to be a "bad boy (or girl)."
This practitioner likes to be the person that ignores or flaunts rules. What they don't get is they put their clients (also known as their income) at risk… and also the rest of us in the industry. read more>
Getting Your Foot Beyond the Door by Steve Sleeper
How to Get Started and Excel in Your Cosmetology Career. Everyone wants to know the secret formula to successfully launching their career once they receive their cosmetology license. After all my years experience in the industry, believe me, there is no secret and no exact formula. There is, however, some great advice from some successful beauty professionals. read more>
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