US study finds 52% of regular salon-goers have caught dermal or fungal diseases

Clients who regularly visit beauty and nail salons are more likely to catch a skin or fungal disease than those who visit less often, according to a new study.

Rutgers School of Public Health in the US found that 52% of regular salon-goers they asked reported symptoms of dermal or fungal diseases such as skin rashes and nail disfigurements.

The study, published in the November/December 2017 edition of the Journal of Chemical Health & Safety, spoke to 90 clients in three counties in New Jersey about their experiences with respiratory, fungal and dermal symptoms after visiting salons.

Its findings highlighted the importance of high hygiene standards to avoid exposing clients to bacteria, fungi, viruses and blood-borne pathogens via poorly cleaned or re-used tools.

“Clients should ask their stylist or nail technician about the chemical ingredients in the products being used, how they disinfect their tools and the type of ventilation system in the salon,” said lead author Lindsey Milich.

Researchers also wanted to find out if clients were aware of potential “biological and chemical hazards” that could be present in salons.

“We found that although clients might be aware of some hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde, they often do not recognise the dangers posed by pathogens and environmental irritants,” said Milich.