Beauty Service Exploitation Under the Dark

We love to have our fingers looking pretty but not at the expense of others. Unfortunately, this reality holds for many nail salon workers who are experiencing conditions of forced labour, all for our “set.” In Canada and the US, we have laws within registered businesses, but when it comes to the service industry, there is a greater need for transparency and oversight. 

Beauty Service Exploitation Under the Dark

If you go to get your nails done and the person doing so does not speak English and is charging an extremely cheap price, chances are they are being exploited in what is considered “modern slavery,” where they may be underpaid or sometimes even not paid at all and exploited for labour usage. Workers under these exploitative conditions can be threatened with deportation and be forced to work excessive hours. 

The spa and massage industry is also vulnerable to cases of sex trafficking, with women being coerced and exploited under an operating “massage business.” Although the Canadian government knows this practice, not enough is being done since these are registered businesses in disguise using loopholes, and police don't have authority to do anything without the woman admitting herself she is being trafficked. Trafficked women avoid admitting their situation out of fear and emotional control. 

• For example, in the Waterloo region of Ontario, in 2024 a man and woman were charged with operating a “spa” where they were profiting off of women they hired to perform sexual services. 

• More recently, in September 2025, the Peel Regional Police charged a man for “sex trafficking offences” connected to a spa‑style business called Cozy VR Spa. According to the release, the accused allegedly coerced female workers to provide sexual services in addition to legitimate spa or aesthetic services.

• According to Polaris’s research, there were more than 9,000 illicit massage parlors open for business in 2018 in America, and they were reported in every state.

Self-care or Self-harm? Toxic Chemicals in the Nail Business

Beyond the exploitative practices, there are also consistent highly toxic chemicals nail salon workers are being exposed to. Did you used to gag when you wiped nail polish off with acetone? Nail polish remover solution can cause symptoms ranging from nausea, dizziness, and unconsciousness to harm to the nervous system and dermatitis with long-term exposure. 

One of the most toxic salon products by far is the acrylic nail system, and particularly MMA-based acrylics. 

• MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) is a highly toxic chemical that can cause permanent nail deformity, severe allergic reactions, chemical burns on the nail bed, asthma-like symptoms, headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation.

• It is illegal in Canada for nails but legal to sell for other uses, but because it is significantly cheaper, people still use it for many nail products and services. 

You may also be a victim of planned obsolescence, salons having your nail bed damaged so you come visit their services again. 

A Stylish Alternative Without the Toxins

Luckily there are better alternatives to harsh and toxic acrylic nails that can be affordable and just as attractive if done right. 

Amara

• Free of 4 toxic chemicals: toluene, formaldehyde, DBP, or camphor

• Halal Muslim-friendly breathable formula (IFANCA Crescent symbol)

• Animal cruelty free

• 10 popular colours to choose from

Choosing safer, ethical nail care isn’t just good for you, it’s better for the people behind the chair and the planet. Beauty should never come at someone else’s expense.