Salon activities raise concern

Readers call for action against salons that breach rules. Other topics: Hollywood stereotypes, children's anxiety, UAE-UK ties

Readers call for tough action against salons that breach rules and regulations. Sammy Dallal / The National

In reference to the editorial Information key to avoiding risks (August 23), a few issues that deeply concern me are the use of inferior quality or expired products at salons, double-dipping during waxing, unsterilised tools and lack of cleanliness of the premises.

The situation in some salons is so bad that they double-dip despite having banners pasted up on the walls. Also, some salons barely change sheets or wash their laundry and continue to use them on different clients.

In fact, once, a stylist from a leading salon spoilt my hair. It took me some years to get my hair the way I desired. The authorities should impose heavy penalties on those found violating health and safety laws.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

I’ve had terrible experiences in local beauty salons. I have not only been misinformed, but my hair has been over treated. Once they coloured it pink when I asked for a subtle burgundy. It cost me a lot of money.

The hairdressing and beauty industry must be regulated strictly. Rules on hygiene must be enforced.

Jayadevi Machaya Palekanda, Dubai

As a doctor in Abu Dhabi, I see about five patients a month with infected nails, caused by treatments at salons.Many of these salons don’t know how to cut nails and don’t sterilise their instruments.

Gérald Bau, Abu Dhabi

It’s better to do research and go to a recommended stylist. I was overwhelmed when I first started looking, but I found an amazing stylist who works great for me.

Kate Montgomery Soltero, Abu Dhabi

Can we change the world for the better?

In reference to the comment article I'm sick of seeing Arab stereotypes on television (August 21), everyone is stereotyped in Hollywood (Asians, Scots, English, Jews, Muslims, Christians, African Americans, American Indians, Irish, Polish and so on.

I think this stems from a combination of our fear of the unknown, ignorance and a lack of empathy and tolerance for those who are different from us. This is sad, because humans are all the same. We have the same dreams, desires and needs in life.

Can we change this? The answer, unfortunately, is “no”. Because as humans, we fear what we don’t know or understand.

Every time I go home, I am bombarded with questions about my life in the UAE. Concern for my safety is the predominate topic. I try to help my family and friends understand why I feel so comfortable in the UAE.

I usually start by explaining how I love being around the calmness of my new Muslim friends. And this calmness is what keeps me coming back to the UAE. Until people learn to think for themselves and accept or at least tolerate those they do not understand, then our world will forever remain filled with racism, hatred, bigotry, violence and stereotypes.

Jennifer Wilkinson, Dubai

Don’t trouble children

I can't imagine that children these days face so many problems when they return to school (Returning to school can cause anxiety, experts warn, August 22). Do these children really need to be treated for "anxiety"? I think creating such non-existent problems for children is dangerous for them.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Rescue will boost relations

I was heartened to know that Emirati forces in Aden have rescued a British hostage from the clutches of Al Qaeda (UAE forces rescue British hostage in Yemen, August 24). This is a major achievement in itself and is likely to strengthen the ties between the UAE and the UK.

Name withheld by request