Gilbert salon owner fighting for fish

LaVie Nails and Spa had to discontinue the use of fish in salon pedicure treatments. Photo by Caitlin Cole

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Written by Caitlin Cole- Copy Editor

Last September, the Arizona Board of Cosmetology ordered Cindy Vong, owner of local LaVie Nails and Spa, to discontinue the use of fish in her unique salon pedicure treatments.

The fish of choice is the two-inch toothless Garra rufa fish; a member of the carp family used to remove dead skin from clients’ feet. The fishy pedicure treatment was wrongly deemed unhealthy, unsanitary, and said to violate state statues and board regiments by the Board of Cosmetology.

The Goldwater Institute has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Vong, which challenges whether the state of Arizona can terminate and ban the practice of using fish for pedicures or other treatments.

Vong states, “Right now, it’s very popular in Southeast Asia and Europe, but in the United States it is very, very new. We don’t have the regulation. We don’t have the law, we don’t have the guidelines, you know, taking care of the spa fishes.”

Vong’s lawyer, Clint Bolick, believes that the state has no right or authority to outlaw the practice, as the Board of Cosmetology does not have jurisdiction over fish, and I would have to agree.

“If you go to a lake, and a fish nibbles on you, the Board of Cosmetology is not gonna rush in with an injunction like it did with Cindy Vong’s shop,” Bolick pronounced.

If the salon is attempting to be one-of-a-kind through exclusive pedicures, why not let them? It seems to be the salon owner’s choice in this instance, and not the Board of Cosmetology. It is made valid by Vong that the Garra rufa fish is not being mistreated through the treatments, which appears to be the Board of Cosmetology’s prime issue in the matter.

The customers of the salon are fully aware of the treatment that they will receive, and seem to thoroughly enjoy the treatment; as Vong notes that the pedicures boosted business by 50 percent. If Vong wishes to continue her distinctive pedicures, than it is her right to do so.

1. k Says:
   March 29th, 2010 at 8:44 am

   Wow! thats ridiculous that people would freak out over a couple of fish. they’re just jealous xD

2. Ramirez Says:
   March 29th, 2010 at 4:03 pm

   they are against the regulations because there is no physical way to disinfect the fish.

3. student Says:
   April 19th, 2010 at 9:10 am

   LOL i heard that, that treatment tickles like crazy! gene simmons (from kiss) did it and was a complete baby hahah!