Ensuring a Safe Manicure and Pedicure

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed)
Nov 5th 2009 at 2:01PM

Millions of women (and a few men) visit nail salons regularly to have their nails done. Unfortunately, occasionally the result of having manicures or pedicures is developing nail fungus or bacterial infections that can not only look bad, but also may also feel even worse. A few simple steps before your next salon service can significantly lower your risk of developing a painful nail infection or fungus, or worse, a more serious disease.

Check out the salon for cleanliness and safety precautions. Don't be afraid to ask for a quick tour if you are considering a new salon, or asking the owner or manager of your current salon what steps they take to ensure safety. And take a look around. Does the salon look clean and sanitary? Is the trash container properly bagged and covered? Is the floor clean? Are the manicure tables kept neat and tidy? Is there good light? Look at the disinfectant containers and make sure that they are clear, clean, and free of debris.

Next, check the station where your service will take place. Ask if all instruments are cleaned and disinfected (even better: autoclaved) after each use, and if you need proof, have the technician show you the cleaning area or solution. Does he or she use fresh, clean instruments on each client? Make sure all files, buffers, and anything else that touches you is freshly clean before you allow the technician to begin. Also, the technician should wash his or her hands before and after each client, or wear fresh gloves. Clean towels should be used for every client.

Avoid having your cuticles cut. Cuticles serve a purpose -- they protect the nail bed from allowing infection to enter. If you like how your nails look with them pushed back, ask for cuticle softener, rather than cuticle scissors. After the cuticles are softened, the technician can wipe away, or gently scrape away, the excess with a fresh orangewood stick.

Pedicures can be a bit riskier because of the hot water and tub. Make sure the tub is thoroughly drained, cleaned, and disinfected between clients. The steps where clients typically step with bare feet also should be cleaned and disinfected between clients.

One way to avoid many of these concerns is to buy your own manicure or pedicure kit and bring it with you. Make sure you clean and disinfect your kit after each use, even if you are the only one using it. You also can bring your own nail polish, base coat, and top coat. Remove your old nail polish at home, or bring nail polish remover with you.

The salon and technician should both be licensed by their state governing board, usually the board of cosmetology. The licenses should be clearly displayed.

If sanitary precautions are not being taken at your salon, politely but firmly tell the owner what needs to change and what you expect. Contact your state cosmetology board if you develop a nail infection, fungus, or other condition as a result of visiting a salon, or if you see unsanitary practices.

Tags: beauty-pedia, cadillac-pedia, main-pedia, manicure, pedicure, salon, salons

Filed under: Services, Cosmetics and Fragrance

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Bella Nov 6th 2009 5:33PM

Thank you for the great article. I contracted a serious infection after a pedicure recently and spent a lot of time and money at the doctor treating it. Now I never go to the salon with out my own tools and SaniManiPedi -- a wonderful product that I put in the pedicure footbath before my feet ever touch the water.

bestnailtech Nov 8th 2009 11:54AM

That's all good, but I hope you don't return to the same salon. I am a nail tech in a high-end spa, and have to admit that I've worked for discounted nail salons and unfortunately you get what you pay for. Some places only wipe the pedi tubs and don't even turn the jets on with disinfecting solution for the 10 or 15 minutes the state requires after each client. In the state of FL each station must have a disinfecting log. As a customer you should demand to see that log. The best advise I could offer is to pay a bit more and upgrade to a higher end salon. Chances are they are following state requirements...

annied899 Nov 9th 2009 4:07PM

You are soooo right. I live in Brooklyn, and ALL the salons are filthy.
Whe ever I get a manipedi ( rarely) I take clorax and clean the tub and finger bowl myself. I also cut down on the amounts of visits I make. I do in between work myself.

Meme439 Nov 14th 2009 4:16PM

Wow!! Even though this article is informative, what would be the
point of bringing your own supplies if thats what your paying for
there??? And regardless of how high end it is doesn't mean that its
more sanitary! Anyone can tidy something and the place appears to be
clean, but as far as germs and bacteria, thats invisible to the human
eye. I feel as though people have gotten lazy with their craft and
still want you to pay for their services. And its our faults because
alot of people dont speak up!! I love to go to the spa and pamper
myself and when I go I check for the ratings ect!! So I guess to
alleviate this problem learn how to do your own mani's and pedi's
because we never really know what goes on in any of these shops and
that the TRUTH!!!

anwday Nov 15th 2009 5:53PM

I have been a licensed, practicing technician for more than 20 years. The industry has faced many challenges due to unsanitary practices by many cut rate salons. Individual states have their own laws to protect consumers. These practices can be found on the states websites to keep the public better informed. I do want to point out that in California, you may bring in your own tools, but as a technician, I have to assume they are dirty and sterilize them again to protect my license. Ca. does not recognize autoclave as sterilizing and there is a difference between sterilizing and sanitizing. Pay for the best service you can afford and ask questions, it is your health at risk.

Linda Nov 20th 2009 10:21AM

This is excellent info -- I have had my share of nail infections as a result of getting my cuticle cut. LindaSellsNY@aol.com

Annie Scott Nov 20th 2009 8:07PM

This is an eye-opener. I've heard horror stories but don't really know how to protect myself, especially since the news-making stories usually come from celebs. This is a lot of really good info. My place up here on the UWS has some answerin' to do.

Jonell Elder Nov 23rd 2009 1:28PM

My mom gets pedicures several times a year and next time she does I will be going with her to assure that all is well in the cleanliness department. I will be sure to ask about how everything is cleaned and we will be bringing our own essential oil spray that I know is sure to clean the area she will be sitting and standing by.
I am glad that I cam across this site as my mind did not think about all of what I just read. Thank you!!
Jonell Elder, WA State
http://jonellelder.younglivingcircle.com

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