Most Valley businesses have implemented greater safety measures after re-opening during the COVID-19 closures, and among them are nail salons, where nail artists work in very close proximity to customers.
Many were hesitant to head back into nail salons at first, but now business is brisk again at most nail salons across the Valley. Step inside, and you will see things look very different. Staff and public safety measures are apparent from the moment you walk in.
Beau Citron, the Vice President of Operations at 'PROSE' nail salons, tells ABC15 they took their time to re-open after the closures because they wanted to make sure their employees and customers felt confident in safety measures the company had implemented.
"Safety is our top, top priority right now," said Citron, as he gave ABC15 a behind-the-scenes look at some of the changes they had implemented.
Customers are asked to wash their hands as soon as they walk in their doors, before getting service. You will also see sneeze guards or plastic barriers separating nail artists from customers.
"We do medical grade cleaning and sterilization on all of our tools," said Citron.
He showed ABC15 their 'clean room' where used tools were first submerged in a special solution that killed protein build-up, then they were placed in an oven-like environment where they were essentially 'baked'.
"We put them in an autoclave machine where we bake them at 273 degrees for 30-45 minutes. It has a 100 percent sterilization rate," explained Citron.
He also described a seamless, touchless experience for customers where they could check out, and leave a tip for their nail artist all through an app, to minimize contact between customers and staff.
"We want to continue to be the place where our customer feels comfortable getting their manicures and pedicures," said Citron.
Business is now back to pre-pandemic levels, and all 'PROSE' nail salons are hiring right now.
