When Naperville resident Alyssa Truong was thinking about the nail salon she wanted to open in Naperville, her medical background – and a recent pregnancy – convinced her she didn’t want her customers or staff exposed to toxic fumes.
Her goal of providing a place where people could get a manicure or pedicure in a safe environment, without having to pay more for the service, was accomplished in August, when Truong opened the 5 Fresh Natural Nail Salon at 1301 Route 59, near the intersection with Montgomery Road.
Muted colors, low-hanging chandeliers and inviting armchairs with white fluffy throw pillows conger up more of a homey living room feel than a business, helping patrons leave the hectic pace outside.
“We focus on the basics, but we do it well,” said Truong of her business philosophy.
A state-of-the-art ventilation system helps remove any odors or toxins generated by the products used, she said.
“Every station has its own ventilation,” Truong said. “The fumes don’t even reach the plane of breath.”
All products are scrutinized so the least toxic are chosen.
“No formaldehyde, formaldehyde resins, toluene, DBT or camphor,” she said, listing the five top toxic culprits in nail polish. The salon uses Zoya, RGB, and LVX products, which are marketed as cruelty free and vegan. No acrylics are ever used, and the lotions are paraben-free, she said.
More Top Picks Pet
“I (was) a physician’s assistant for seven years, and that background showed me the potential dangers for customers and even more so for staff,” said Truong, the mother of a 2-year-old and an 8-month-old. “Allergies, sensitivities and long-term issues (come) from carcinogens and phytotoxicity.”
The business is jet-free and pipe-free, meaning water at each of the six pedicure stations is physically carried in to the basins. “This is much more hygienic. Jets and pipes cannot be cleaned deeply enough after every treatment to prevent cross contamination. … We focus on the hands-on massage more instead.”
Finally, all instruments are cleaned in an autoclave, a high-pressure, medical-grade chamber that creates high-pressure steam of more than 240 degrees for several minutes.
“It doesn’t only kill viruses and bacteria but all spores,” Truong said.
For more information on 5 Fresh, go to 5freshsalon.com or call 630-692-3182
Daina Saleh is a freelance writer for the Naperville Sun.