Massachusetts nail industry workers are increasingly struggling with low wages, discrimination and health issues in the workplace, according to a new report released Monday.
The report, “Not to be left behind,” details troubling conditions among a largely immigrant workforce of nearly 20,000 licensed nail technicians working in some 1,700 salons across the state.
Researchers found nearly 80% of workers said they made $40,000 or less annually. The vast majority detailed health issues including headaches and dizziness while working and many described facing “disrespectful, and racist remarks” to maintain clients, the report said.
The report, based on a survey of 95 nail salon workers and 47 owners, expands on initial research published in 2021 that focused on Vietnamese nail salon workers in Massachusetts.
Thao Ho, a staff attorney from Greater Boston Legal Services that co-authored the first report, said many of the issues during that time — including economic struggles, business closures and a rise in xenophobia and harassment — continue today.
“These issues remained, and instead they became part of more systematic issues within the industry as a whole,” Ho said.
The new research was done with the help of a group of Asian advocates and Boston College Law School Legal Services, and captures the experience of all demographics that make up that state’s nail industry, led by Asian or South Asian workers.
Kevin Lam, co-executive director of the Asian American Resource Workshop, said workers remain proud of their creative career, even if it means having to gloss over discrimination.
“A lot of folks are just in a place of saying ‘we really love this art and we love doing this craft and bringing beauty to other folks,” he said.
Recommendations in the report include encouraging government agencies to do more outreach to workers who have limited English skills, invest in healthier working conditions and include workers input in any changes.
Jaya Savita of the Asian Pacific Islanders Civic Action Network, said workers are willing to continue in the field of work but want better conditions.
“They just want to stay in it in a way that’s more sustainable than maybe what it has been for the past 50 years,” Savita said.
Lam said improving working conditions and creating tighter regulations would benefit customers too.
“Bettering the conditions within the nail salon industry doesn’t just benefit owners and workers, it actually benefits consumers who are also going into those businesses,” Lam said.
Organizers are planning an event Monday night to release the report and hear from workers.
