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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

The Asian ladies that work in nail salons

212 replies

Charlieandthechocolatecake · 25/05/2017 01:42

Please forgive my ignorance. Please!

I had a pedicure today (for the first time in 5 years!)

I was thinking whilst i was there that the majority of that staff in salons I have been to are Asian women. Some of them young.

I've also noticed that in my experience, their English is limited.

I'd like to know if anybody knows if these women are here specifically to do that job?

Or are they here for education? A better future?

I ask because I have never had my nails done by an Asian woman that can speak fluent English.

I had my nails done by a lovely young woman today...i know this is a career choice for many that have a passion for it. But is it for these women in particular or do they hope to gain an education here and an alternative career? If like to think so.

OP posts:
babybarrister · 25/05/2017 17:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Beebeeeight · 25/05/2017 19:01

I boycot them.

I won't be part of the demand for trafficking.

ihatethecold · 25/05/2017 19:05

I organise interpreters for the police in quite a few counties in England.
We regularly send interpreters to raids for the whole day depending on what the police come across.

Not all of the bookings are nail bars or Vietnamese but we do a few.

MrsRaymondReddington · 25/05/2017 19:13

Haven't read the whole thread so might be repeating, but I found out the place I used to go to was also a brothel after hours. Sad

Tapandgo · 25/05/2017 19:39

Never had my nails done by an Asian woman and have been to many salons around the country.

ihatethecold · 25/05/2017 20:41

They're not really salons more nail bars.

PossomInAPearTree · 25/05/2017 20:53

There's an eyebrow threading place on Oxford St which I've always wondered about. It's only about six pounds for threading and the shop is always empty when I've been in. So I've wondered before how they afford the rent. Now after reading a link down thread. It makes me think maybe money laundering?

ShastaBeast · 26/05/2017 17:45

I have a little professional insight into this from a while ago. I got the impression it wasn't a front for criminal activity, perhaps a way to clean the money with a legitimate business.

lolalola19 · 26/05/2017 17:51

PC gone mad - can't say anything these days. This is not racist at all - people cant even think about people of a different race these days without others getting on the racism bandwagon!

MrsGoofy · 26/05/2017 17:54

Although I have never step foot into a nail salon because I have no interest in nails, I am however Vietnamese. Nail salons are a mixed bag. There are some who work there and go to school, some mothers work there because they provide good childcare (incl. in their work package) and some who are trafficked. Vietnamese poeple are the most trafficked in the U.K. And will be hard to weed out as they are so scared of their tormentors that they would never give them up or even try to escape. It is such a lucrative business and it is amazing how much they earn. That's why there is one on every corner.

MrsGoofy · 26/05/2017 17:55

BTW I'm Asian and I don't find this at all racist just more curiosity.

ShastaBeast · 26/05/2017 17:56

It's funny how different nationalities/cultural backgrounds will have particular preferred crimes. Not at all racist but the fear of racism is probably why this isn't tackled effectively.

TuppenceForYou · 26/05/2017 18:07

sorry only read page 1. if you ask any fucking questions on MN, you're a racist. It fucking gets on my tits.

if in doubt, insult the OP, so nicey-nicey these liberal wankers

Elphame · 26/05/2017 18:21

I've also seen the reports of trafficking and I don't use these salons - the electric nail files and the type of acrylic used are hazardous for both workers and customers - note how the staff use masks. You are breathing in this dust....

I do have my nails gel polished every couple of weeks but it's a self employed tech so I'm sure I'm not supporting organised crime

Tweez · 26/05/2017 18:49

The nail salons that employ the Asian women to work aren't operating to the same standards as registered Salons and shouldn't be used. I am a nail technician and these salons pay their staff cheaply and the substances they use are not legal in the USA and they've been trying to ban them for years here in the U.K. They use substances that fuse bones in the surgical industry, which is too hard to use on nails, that's why they use electric drills to buff the nails.If you notice they all wear masks, but with normal acrylic or gel nails there is no odour and no danger if breathed in. Try and avoid these salons if you can...they don't operate hygiene properly too to the proper UK standards. Just avoid! I don't think these ladies are treated or paid very well by their 'employers'. Search 'MMA salons' on google to read more about it.

butterry · 26/05/2017 19:23

Actually the salaries are high for Vietnamese nail technicians as there is a shortage of skilled nail technicians. With experience you could earn 650-700 a week and of course tips bring this figure even higher. This is why so many Vietnamese are in the industry.

cheval · 26/05/2017 21:10

Colombia, Aruba, Portugal were the countries of origin from place I went to today. First time I'd had the mani pedi thing for eight years. All lovely women. Manager has just done her masters. Maybe nail bars are a different thing, this was a local beauty salon.

Roversandrhodes · 26/05/2017 22:10

I have no idea about your question but my nail lady is tai and she runs her nail business here so she can provide for her young daughter back home.

fullofhope03 · 26/05/2017 23:29

I have heard (read) that there can be dodgy goings on in these establishments. (Trafficking). Also, the women who work there are paid extremely poorly and the conditions (ie the fumes from the solvents etc) are grim to say the least. So, because of this, I NEVER go to these places. Ever. Please don't frequent this type of place OP

fullofhope03 · 26/05/2017 23:31

PS - Thank you Tweez

fullofhope03 · 26/05/2017 23:37

Bloody well said BillSykesDog

Stevieo · 26/05/2017 23:59

I actually work in a salon which is owned and staffed by an Asian family and I can honestly hand on heart say non of them are being trafficked or abused, the owner just wanted to go into the industry and employs some of her family members (plus myself and another white british girl) to work there. The owner moved to England when she was a young teen and has chosen to stay and run her business here as her home country is expensive to live in and the industry is more competitive with next to no financial reward.
We get accused of using MMA products from other local salons purely because the staff are Asian (and actually have a good technique so nails generally last) which is really annoying. Never even heard of the trafficking theory before; I just assumed Asian people in general are family orientated and hard working people that's why so many people work in one shop and that's the impression my boss is under too.

avamiah · 27/05/2017 00:16

I have been going to a very nice nail salon in East London for about 7 years.It is owned by a Vietnamese lady who I know very well.
She is very respected and has family members working with her, and other girls who are Chinese.
The reason her staff are "Asian " is because she advertises on a Vietnamese website and for some reason they are very well trained at being nail technicians.

avamiah · 27/05/2017 00:25

Also I get my eyebrows threaded and have had this done in London and on holiday in the US and it's always been done by a Indian or Chinese lady and done very well.
I wish I could thread as I would save a fortune. Haha