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.

"I'm sorry if you'll be sore tomorrow," the massage therapist informed me unprompted, "but you needed it."

Set foot in the Spa at Esperanza in Los Cabos, Mexico, and you will encounter professionals who know their jobs cold. Surrender yourself to their capable hands, and you will not be disappointed. From the front desk, where your order for a post-treatment beverage is taken, to the gender-specific and general relaxation areas to the treatment rooms, you will be treated to the sights and sounds of trickling water, stone-based décor (commonplace in this part of Mexico) and a staff that is singularly focused on relieving you of the emotional baggage that you carried onto the plane en route to Baja California Sur.

The Spa at Esperanza, part of the Esperanza Resort, offers a wide selection of treatments, including facials, massages, manicure and pedicure packages, private yoga sessions and couples options. In addition to the basic presentations of these themes – such as the Esperanza Massage, the deep-tissue treatment I enjoyed through which I persevered – twists are available to suit your mood or help you connect more closely with the part of the world you're visiting. The Corona Beer Face Lift, Papaya Plus Enzyme Peel and Avocado Butter Mani/Pedi, for example, feature local color that you're unlikely to encounter back home. Spice up your revitalization a bit with the Esperanza's local expertise.

Pedicures are one of the simple pleasures in life that I think most people would agree we don't get enough of. We're all so rushed all the time that making an appointment and keeping it is sometimes the biggest challenge. But what if you had everything you needed to get a pedicure at home whenever you wanted one?

The Kohler Pedicure Spa not only provides everything the salon does, but it gives you the freedom to design your own atmosphere around it and do without the hustle and bustle of the salon. It has a whirlpool footbath with 3 Flexjet whirlpool jets, adjustable chaise lounge, matching technician chair, and faucet components. And it can be easily customized to different layouts and surround materials. $14,000


Via Trendir

Another Rocco Forte hotel, Brown's Hotel in London, recently opened a new spa. The Spa at Brown's offers treatments that use products from Dr Sebagh, Carita, Chantecaille and Aromatherapy Associates. Treatments include the ultra-decadent hot milk and honey foot facial, a pedicure which involves a sugar and honey scrub, a soak in hot milk, foot massage and a foot wrap. It costs £75 for 90 minutes. Other treatments include hot stone massages, Reiki, Thai massage, waxing, collagen lip treatment and treatments for men and for couples. They also have hair and makeup services available.

[via Spa Travel News]

Okeanos is a Russian spa located in midtown Manhattan. The 4,500-square-foot spa opened in Ocotober and features Russian-themed treatments such as the traditional Banya and Platza, a sauna followed by a brisk brushing with birch leaves followed by a cold water plunge. Other services include a variety of massages, reflexology, manicures, pedicures and a body scrub with Black Sea salts.Their Jet Lag treatment includes a plataza treatment, Jet Lag facial, Let Lag Massage, Executvie Manciure, Over the Top pedicure and a complimentary lunch for  $385.