Nail Salon Workers in NYC: Wages, Bonds & Safety
Following a groundbreaking New York Times investigation, NYC adopted some of the strongest nail-salon protections in the country. The workforce is primarily immigrant and almost entirely women — and the law still protects you.
Confidential intake — start hereWhat NYC requires
Salon owners must follow wage and hour laws, obtain wage bonds to help secure workers’ pay, and meet health-and-safety expectations including ventilation and appropriate personal protective equipment.
Wage bond requirement
Covered nail salons must secure a bond so workers have a backstop if wages go unpaid.
Minimum wage enforcement
You must be paid at least the legal minimum for all hours worked — including slow days and “training” time that is really work.
Health & safety
Ventilation, masks, gloves, and other protections reduce chemical exposure. Employers must not ignore basic safety obligations.
Rights regardless of license status
Even if you are not licensed, you still have wage, safety, and anti-retaliation rights under labor law.
Common violations
- Paying less than minimum wage, stealing tips, or paying only for “busy” hours.
- Requiring workers to buy supplies or charging bogus fees that cut into pay.
- Poor ventilation, lack of PPE, and unsafe handling of acrylics and solvents.
- Threatening immigration consequences or firing workers who speak up.
Your rights — anti-retaliation
- You can pursue unpaid wages and unsafe conditions without losing your job as punishment.
- Language barriers and immigration status do not cancel your labor rights.
- Keep photos of schedules, pay stubs, texts, and bond notices — they help prove your case.
You deserve lawful pay and a safe workplace
If your salon skipped wages, ignored ventilation, or punished you for speaking up, we want to hear from you.
File a confidential intake