Points to consider if you’re a pregnant nail tech
By Helena Biggs | 02 December 2020 | Expert Advice, Feature
No two pregnancies are the same, and you may suffer with aches, pains or sickness worse than a colleague, so listen to your body and its needs around your working life.
As part of health & safety procedures, business owners should conduct regular risk assessments; particularly reviewing them when a pregnancy is announced. This analysis is a great way to identify any risks that need to be addressed – and if you’re an employee, don’t be afraid to discuss this with your employer.
Pregnant women should use breaks to rest, rather than running errands or working through, due to the potential of increased tiredness carrying the extra weight from pregnancy. In terms of practicality, aid comfort by adjusting your tekking chair or adding some cushions, and if pedicures become a challenge, consider reducing the number you do each day, passing to a colleague or adjusting your sitting position.
As the bump grows, stay comfortable with the investment in maternity beauty tunics. With added stretch and room for expansion across the bust and stomach, these tunics maintain a professional feel while promoting all-important comfort; vital as the body changes during pregnancy.
Maternity Beauty Tunic B521 available via www.buttercupsuniforms.com
Some nail techs may have concerns about the effect that some nail products may have on them and their unborn baby. However, scientist and nail expert, Doug Schoon, reveals that as long as you’re working safely already, you have nothing to fear.
Doug Schoon
“Scientific studies indicate that the ingredients used in artificial nail coatings are not likely to be harmful to expectant mothers,” he reveals. “To put things into perspective; smoking is many thousands of times more dangerous during pregnancy than anything a nail technician may be exposed to in the salon.”
If in doubt, show a doctor the SDS for the products you are using and they can advise how best to carry on working. If fumes and scents within the nail environment are aggravating morning sickness, assess the ventilation within the vicinity and take small breaks outside. Keep products tightly closed and use a bin with a closing lid, emptying it as often as possible to keep solvent smells at bay.
Vodex SalonAir 1001 Extraction Unit, available via www.vodex.co.uk
To reduce stress on returning to work following the birth, the employee and employer must agree how they will keep in contact. “For example, the employer may want to keep the employee informed of changes at work and invite her to training or social events,” comments the NHBF. “The employee is not obliged to attend any events during her maternity leave, but if both parties agree, she can do up to 10 ‘Keeping in Touch’ (KIT) days.”