As the end of J.A.S.O.N. is finally in sight, we start to imagine the hordes of customers who will soon be coming to our salons to prepare for the holiday event season. With all of the effort we put into marketing our services, how much time do we devote to meeting our obligation as owners, operators, technicians and employees to safeguard not only our businesses, but our salon guests, as well?
Do not wait for “guidelines” to become regulations and laws – do what’s right and practice safety first.
Are you aware that in early 2007, the FDA posted a list of guidelines for businesses that provide DHA spray-tans? The list can be viewed at fda.gov, and when you have a spare moment, I encourage you to read through the entire list. As responsible members of this industry, it is our duty to be smart and safe operators. Looking after the well-being of our customers should always be top priority. At Sunless, Inc., we take everything that the FDA says very seriously.
In short, the FDA has advised that all users of DHA spray-tan services avoid inhaling or ingesting DHA solution mist. When using all-over spray-tan solutions containing DHA, it may be difficult to avoid inhalation or exposure to sensitive areas of the body such as the eyes, lips, nose or mucous membranes.
Along with the FDA, Sunless, Inc. recommends that the following protective measures be taken during spray-booth and custom airbrush sessions:
- Wear protective undergarments.
- Wear protective eyewear /eye shields
- Use a nose filter.
- Use earplugs.
- Seal lips with lip balm.
You should also be sure to post this information in your lobby and spray-tan rooms or booths.
As an industry, we need to subscribe to the “safety first” mantra, and it is our job to make sure that our salon guests understand this. So, as a professional operator, make sure you have plenty of the listed items on hand for use by your spray-tanners. You should encourage them to read the list of recommendations and strongly suggest that they follow them.
Well, that covers the tanner; now, let’s talk about protection and safety for the spray-tan technician. Many of you currently use gloves when spraying to make it neat and keep your hands free from disgrace. We can all agree that a new tanner does not want to see the spray-tech’s hands looking Crayon orange. What other protection do you have for yourself or your staff who provide airbrush tans? Technicians should be wearing filtering masks and clear, goggle-style eye protection when spraying. This is where most of you start having heart palpitations … I can hear you asking, “But won’t my guests be scared if I’m wearing a mask and eye protection?”
I like to use the nail-tech analogy. When you get your manicure – especially with acrylic nails – the tech typically wears a mask and in some cases, I’ve seen them wear eye protection. So, the last time you went for a mani-pedi, did the technician offer you a mask? While it’s imperative that we protect our salon guests with the necessary items as listed in the FDA guidelines, we should feel no different about our own personal safety! And our spray-tanners should understand that they are there for a single session, whereas a busy spray-tech is exposed to DHA mist for many hours at a time.
If we make these safety practices a part of every spray-tan session, for every guest, not only will we be respected by our customers but we will also be doing the right thing for them. Do not hesitate and wait for “guidelines” to become regulations and laws – do what’s right and practice safety first.
