How To Find A Clean Nail Salon

October 5, 2015

Manicures and pedicures look great, but you need to ensure you're only taking the polish and nails when you go. Here's how.

5 tips for finding a clean and safe nail salon

1. Make sure your nail pro is careful

In most clean nail salons staffed by conscientious workers, you won't have to worry about contracting a serious disease from a manicure or a pedicure.
A study did find a small statistical connection between hepatitis C and manicures.
The hepatitis virus can, in some rare instances, be transmitted if contaminated instruments nick your cuticles or the skin under your nails.

2. Leave your cuticles alone

Your cuticles protect your nails from infection, so leave them be.
One of the most common medical issues picked up in nail salons is paronychia, an infection around the base of the nail.
The primary cause of paronychia is having your cuticles pushed too far back. That's why you should never let a manicurist do this.

3. Know the risks with glue-on nails

Make sure the nail technician is highly experienced in applying artificial nails. A shoddy job can let bacteria grow between the real and artificial nails.
Acrylic nails are so tough, so the nail will frequently be lifted off the underlying skin. This can lead to infection.
If you still want glue-on nails, don't wear them for longer than a month.

4. Get salon-ready

Before heading to the salon, do the following for extra safety and cleanliness:

Wash your own hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap before the manicure.
Don't trim or push back your cuticles, and don't allow the manicurist to do so.
Bring your own manicure tools, such as nail clippers and emery boards. Or, ask the salon about their sanitation process (more on this below).
Don't shave your legs before having a footbath. This will help prevent an infection that causes boils and may require antibiotics to treat.

5. Ensure your salon is safe and clean

To stay safe, whether you're having a manicure or pedicure, use these tips:

Make sure both the salon and the workers are licensed.
Ask how their tools are sterilized. The salon should use an autoclave or soak tools in a disinfectant solution for at least 10 minutes.
Don't patronize a salon that smells of fumes. It's a sign of dirtiness and poor ventilation.
Notice whether the nail technician washes her hands before working on a client. If she doesn't, the hygiene standards are too low. Go elsewhere.
Don't let the technician clean under nails with an instrument. It's not necessary. The nail then lifts and invites yeast, bacteria or fungi to breed underneath it.
Get a polish change instead of a full manicure. It can yield similar results if your nails are in good shape.

Many women — and even some men — simply feel more attractive and better groomed with manicured hands. Just be smart when you visit a nail salon, or you may take home more than beautiful nails.

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