N.L. doesn't regulate cosmetology. This business owner says that needs to change
Richelle Abbott dedicates hours of her week connecting nail technicians to potential customers, sorting through dozens of online posts and a phone book-like directory.
She manages the Find a Nail Tech N.L. Facebook group because she says there's nobody to turn to when things go wrong in the nail and esthetics business.
"It's just a group of passionate nail techs and estheticians volunteering a few hours a week, trying their best to do some free education and uphold safety standards that don't exist for us on paper as a province," Abbott told CBC News.
The online community has nearly 6,000 members.
Abbott said she's happy that she's able to help people find safe cosmetic services, but it shouldn't fall on individuals like her.
The St. John's-based woman is a medical esthetics student and got her first nail technician certificate in 2017. The work may be a part of the beauty industry, but that doesn't mean it's delicate.
Nail technicians work with chemicals and sharp tools that could cause infection when not handled properly, according to Abbott.
"Beyond complaining about the business, there's nobody that's going to help you make sure that it doesn't happen again," she said.
That's because the cosmetics industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is unregulated: it doesn't have set standards for quality control or minimum education requirements.
Other provinces, such as Nova Scotia, have associations and legislation protecting service providers and customers.
Nova Scotia's Cosmetology Act says it prescribes "the hours of school training required to apply for a licence" to provide services. It also regulates the application of false eyelashes, hair, skin and nail care and the removal of hair.
The Cosmetology Association Of Nova Scotia is required to conduct examinations in cosmetology at least three times a year throughout the province.
Richelle Abbott wishes Newfoundland and Labrador had something similar.
"We've had regular complaints from people who have gotten infections, have been cut, have had to do … multiple rounds of antibiotics because they have [a] bacterial infection, viral infection, fungal infection," Abbott said.
"Nail fungus is a big one, and it most always comes from improperly sanitized tools and bacteria remaining in workplaces."
CBC News asked several provincial departments for an interview, but received a statement on behalf of the provincial government.
Spokesperson Gina MacArthur wrote: "If a consumer has concerns about potentially unsanitary practices occurring in a business where cosmetic esthetics services are provided, a complaint can be directed to their local government service centre of the Department of Digital Government and Service N.L. for investigation by an environmental health officer."
The statement also said professionals have the ability to form an industry association if they so choose. There was no mention of potentially introducing related legislation or by-laws.
Similar concerns are shared in the hairstyling side of the industry.
Olivia Chafe is the co-owner of Entity Salon Inc. in St. John's, which offers haircuts, colour and a variety of other hair and spa services.
Chafe said she taught hairstyling for over 10 years, where she realized how important it is to have standard practices.
"We're working with chemicals every day," she said in her office at the back of the salon. "If I put bleach on someone's head and I'm not fully trained or educated, I could give you a really bad chemical burn.
"That's really scary."
All businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador are subject to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, but Chafe says that's not enough.
The salon owner said regulations for education and training wouldn't only help to avoid shoddy work, but it would make customers feel more empowered and comfortable.
"They just come into these places and assume that the person that's servicing them is fully trained and skilled, but the chances are they probably aren't," said Chafe.
"I just feel so bad for the client and that's why I'm so vocal on all of this," she said.
Chafe has been working on developing a full apprenticeship program at Entity.
The salon will hire a student who must be approved by a trainer before they touch a client's hair. Chafe told CBC News that there was an apprentice practicing in the main area as she spoke.
"I feel like an association would actually [give us] more standards of operation," Chafe said. "It's kind of sad that we don't have that here in Newfoundland."
Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
42 minutes ago
- Business Wire
Prime Roots Launches First Plant-Based Whole Cut Deli Meats That Meat Eaters Chose Over Traditional Meat in Blind Taste Tests
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After seven years of research and development, Prime Roots, the Berkeley-based pioneer in clean-label plant-based meats, has announced a major leap forward in the deli category. Using proprietary mycelium-based whole food protein, Prime Roots is now offering a new line of upgraded plant-based deli meats that are sliced fresh at the deli counter and—according to third-party blind taste tests—are preferred by a majority of meat eaters who would switch to Prime Roots over conventional deli meats. The technological breakthrough positions Prime Roots as a leader in the growing category of better-for-you deli options. Prime Roots' updated recipes are among the only deli meats on the market that are nitrate-free, cholesterol-free, and packed with complete protein—making them a heart-healthy, clean-label alternative. Recent studies also show that fungi-based proteins used by Prime Roots can build muscle more effectively than animal-based proteins such as milk, offering both functional and nutritional advantages. 'As a new-school deli brand, we've always been committed to giving people the flavor and health benefits they expect from their favorite deli classics,' said Kimberlie Le, Co-Founder of Prime Roots. 'We're thrilled to unveil our upgraded recipes and new packaging that has been refined over years of feedback and that will drive real results. With some of our retail partners reporting that Prime Roots is driving 20% growth in deli sales – we're not just taking share—we're growing the category.' With consumers increasingly concerned about preservatives and additives—especially nitrates, which remain classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization—Prime Roots offers a differentiated, clean-label option in a category long overdue for innovation. Over 77% of consumers are looking to eat healthier and Prime Roots is a part of that movement at the deli meat counter. Prime Roots' products are unique in the deli delivering the flavor of meat but having absolutely no nitrates, not even deceptively hidden nitrates from sources such as celery salt. Prime Roots' upgraded product lineup includes: Smoked Turkey Cracked Pepper Turkey Smoked Ham Black Forest Ham Salami Cupping Pizza Pepperoni Bacon Each product is made from a complete whole food protein and designed to be sliced fresh using commercial deli slicers, making them suitable for use in both delis and restaurants. They can be served hot or cold and are gluten-free, soy-free, GMO-free, nitrate-free, and free from artificial ingredients. Beyond taste and health, Prime Roots delivers a meaningful environmental impact with 91% fewer carbon emissions, 92% less water usage, and 89% lower water eutrophication compared to traditional meat production. Prime Roots is now available at hundreds of locations including delis, grocery stores, and restaurants across 30+ states. To find Prime Roots near you, visit About Prime Roots Founded in 2017 in Berkeley, California, Prime Roots was created by meat eaters—for all eaters—on a mission to deliver killer taste that won't kill you. Prime Roots doesn't aim to imitate meat—it's here to make it better by removing the bad stuff like nitrates, preservatives, and cholesterol, while keeping the full flavor, texture, and protein people crave. Prime Roots offers the first-of-its-kind line of plant-based deli meats and charcuterie designed to be freshly sliced at deli counters and foodservice operations.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
New CGM pump expands market reach and clinical utility
The integration of Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus continuous glucose monitor (CGM) with the Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump system marks a significant evolution in diabetes technology. Now offering minute-by-minute glucose data over a 15-day wear period, the Libre 3 Plus can transmit readings directly to the insulin pump. This real-time integration supports tighter glucose management. The development aligns with the accelerating adoption of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems across the US, where approximately 2 million individuals live with type 1 diabetes and a rising number of type 2 patients require basal-bolus insulin therapy. The market is increasingly favouring closed-loop technologies that combine extended sensor life, real-time glucose visibility and intelligent insulin dosing - an area where interoperability between devices is becoming a core differentiator. From a clinical standpoint, the integration supports predictive insulin adjustments every five minutes and includes an autobolus feature to deliver correction doses when meal boluses are missed. These features address key pain points in diabetes care by reducing manual input, minimising missed doses and improving time-in-range outcomes. The mobile app interface further enhances useability and visibility for both patients and clinicians, contributing to long-term adherence and engagement. This shift also reflects broader clinical and regulatory momentum. The American Diabetes Association now recommends AID systems as the preferred method of insulin delivery for people with type 1 and insulin-deficient type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the FDA's recent clearance of these technologies for use in type 2 diabetes suggests a growing recognition of their value across a wider patient population. The convergence of CGM and insulin pump technologies represents a scaleable, high-impact segment within the broader digital health and medtech space. As the focus moves toward software-driven updates, cloud integration and personalisation, these platforms are positioned not only to improve clinical outcomes but also to capture increased market share across both the type 1 and type 2 diabetes segments. Overall, the convergence of CGM and pump technologies is reshaping diabetes care. As new integrations roll out, they not only enhance patient choice but also set the stage for more personalised, data-driven approaches to managing a complex and costly chronic condition. "New CGM pump expands market reach and clinical utility" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sleep apnea underdiagnosed and on the rise, sleep specialists say
And at 27 years old, Mal Parrott was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It's a medical condition that causes breathing to stop during sleep, and a recurring collapse of the upper airway that causes a drop in oxygen and the brain to wake up. It was a shocking diagnosis, Parrott told CBC News. Their father had sleep apnea, but it wasn't really discussed. And it's often associated with older people. Parrott wasn't seeking a sleep apnea diagnosis at the time. They asked their doctor about getting tested for ADHD. To their surprise, the doctor suggested a sleep test, as well. "I've been told by many, many people that I'm a very loud snorer," Parrott said. "I mentioned it to my fiance and she said, 'Oh yeah, there have been several moments while we are asleep, I will wake up, You are not breathing in your sleep.'" Armin Rahmani, a sleep medicine specialist with the Canadian Sleep Society, said about 25 per cent of the people in Canada have some severity of sleep apnea. Michael Mak, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, said approximately 93 per cent of people who are at a high risk of sleep apnea have not been tested. Parrott went to the Breathe Well clinic in St. John's to get an at-home sleep test. A week later, they had a diagnosis. Sleep apnea is measured through the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which counts the number of times a person stops breathing during an hour. Anything over 30 is considered severe. Parrott's AHI came in at 36. Specialists indicate sleep apnea is on the rise across the country, and among all age groups. Mak and Rahmani both told CBC News that rising rates of obesity are contributing to the increasing diagnosis of sleep apnea. Mak said eastern Canada has higher rates of obesity, specifically Newfoundland and Labrador. "If that's the case, then you're going to see a greater proportion of people having sleep apnea in your area," he said. But that's not the case for everyone who is obese, according to Wanda Dollard, a respiratory therapist at the Breathe Well Clinic in St. John's for the last three decades. "A lot of times it has to do with the shape of your jaw. If you have a small airway, it could mean that you're a higher risk of apnea," she said. "It could be hereditary. So … if your parents have sleep apnea, not that there's a genetic link, but people inherit the same structure of airway." Parrott's symptoms fall in line with what Rahmani describes as typical: snoring, interrupted breathing, chronic daytime sleepiness, never feeling refreshed, difficulty concentrating, dry mouth, headaches and brain fog. Sometimes, he said, people can wake up gasping for breath and choking. But, the effects of undiagnosed sleep apnea aren't limited to lethargy and day-to-day cognitive difficulty. "In the long-term, what we see is that people with untreated sleep apnea have a greater risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, sleepiness, fatigue during the daytime, problems with memory and concentration and depression," Mak said. "So it affects a lot of, you know, what we have to use on a daily basis and our general health." Parrott's day-to-day life — what they considered normal — was along those lines. "There would be times where I would just, like, fall asleep wherever I could," they said. "Like, if there was a couch, I was sleeping. If there was somewhere that I could sit, I was sleeping. I have come close to falling asleep at my desk at work sometimes." Parrott said the brain fog was thick and their attention span was decreased. "They said that CPAP therapy would be probably the best option for me," Parrott said. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It's a machine with a tube attached to a mask that a person wears while they sleep. The machine pushes pressurized air through the mask and keeps airways open. For people with mild sleep apnea, a specialized mouth guard can open the airway. There's also a surgery that can help in some cases. But in adults, CPAP therapy is considered the gold standard. "That keeps the air going into your lungs and, you know, reduces those risks of those cardiovascular issues," Mak said. CPAP machines aren't the clunky, loud machines of the early 2000s. They're small, portable, and relatively quiet. Mak said a lot of people have preconceived notions about wearing the mask and using the machine. "You're doing so in the privacy of your own home. You're doing it in your own bed," he said. "You're not broadcasting this to everybody and it comes with a tremendous improvement to your quality of life." But CPAP therapy does come with a hefty price tag. While some insurance companies cover a partial cost of a CPAP machine, without insurance, one could cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000. Parrott said wearing a mask to sleep was a challenge at first. "I didn't know how to process it right away until literally I had the CPAP, like, plugged in next to my bed and I was like, well, guess this is my life now," they said. But they describe the treatment as life-changing. "A lot of people in my life often say, like, I'm a new person, essentially, after getting CPAP therapy," Parrott said. "It felt like I actually woke up for the first time. Like, I actually had some sleep and then I woke up." For years, Parrott said they were surviving on extremes. It was either three hours of sleep or 10 hours of sleep. But they never felt refreshed. And a month later, Parrott was also diagnosed with ADHD, their original inquiry at the doctor. "It was a fun little two-for-one special," they said with a laugh. As for using a CPAP machine, they said "it's not something to lose sleep over." Download our to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our . Click .
