The state is taking disciplinary action against nail salons in Davenport, Council Bluffs, Carroll and Bettendorf following a review of their state inspection records. Iowa Department of Public Health Department spokesperson, Nicole Peckumn, says they’ve been reviewing all the salons in the state, and they ask the public to be on the lookout too.
Peckumn says you should look to be sure the salon and technician’s licenses are posted in plain sight, the business is clean and the equipment is sanitized between customers. Peckumn says if you see a problem with any of these things, you should walk out of the shop. Peckumn says 10 other shops were disciplined in December, so only 15 of the 550 shops have seen problems.
Peckumn says they know that a majority of the salons are following the rules, but she says there are also some that’re breaking the rules. Peckumn says you should check to see that the salons have their licenses posted on the wall and the technician has a copy of their license. Peckumn says the salons will have to pay fine if they’re found violating the law.
Peckumn says most of the salons do pay a civil penalty ranging from 100 to one-thousand dollars. Peckumn says the five salons being disciplined this time were cited for unsanitary conditions. She says you can get infections due to fungi, staff or viruses. Peckumn says you could lose a nail to infection and in the worst cases, you could lose a finger or a toe.
The Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences Examiners took disciplinary action against these businesses: My Le Duong, previously doing business as L.A. Nails of Davenport, Iowa; The Gallery Salon on Broadway and owner Betty Ann Saar of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Creations by Design, Ltd. and owner Tacey A. Stoelk of Carroll, Iowa; Hair Trendz of Carroll, Iowa; and Kristi’s Hair Designs of Bettendorf, Iowa. Peckumn says you can learn about disciplinary action against salons at the Department of Public Health’s website, or to file a complaint, use the form on the web page or call the board office at 515-281-0254.