Over the weekend, I was at my local dermatology center for my routine visit. The nurse pointed out how much she loved my nail polish color (it was OPI’s “OPI Scores a Goal” if you must know) and assumed that I must’ve had my nails professionally painted. When I informed her that I do my own nails, she was impressed by how great they looked, which led us to start talking about how expensive manicures and pedicures can be. I mentioned how leery I am about nail salons and their sanitary protocol. That conversation sparked an article idea so without further ado, here are five things to take into consideration before booking your next appointment.
1. Make sure all tools are disinfected. It’s one thing for a salon to look clean and pretty on the outside, but don’t be fooled. You never know what’s lurking behind closed doors. Always make sure that all tools, including your manicurist’s hands are completely cleaned, disinfected and sanitized before the service begins. If not, speak up!
“These tools should be made from durable surgical-grade metal, which can be cleaned using a hospital-grade disinfectant and sterilized,” explains Dr. Charis Trench-Simmons, MD and owner of Opulence Nail Bar & Boutique in Alpharetta, Georgia. “Nail salons that believe in the importance of sanitation and maintaining a clean environment will work to ensure that its clients stay bacteria-free. [Therefore], you can expect them to use each tool on only one client at a time.”
Also, ask how the tools are sanitized and request that all equipment be sanitized right there in front of you to give you some peace of mind. Dr. Trench-Simmons says that once the nail technician is finished with his or her client’s service, all bacteria should be removed from the tools by following these three steps:
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- They should use an anti-bacterial washing liquid to clean the tools.
- They should soak the tools in Barbicide.
- They should sterilize the tools in an autoclave. An autoclave is a chamber used to sterilize equipment and supplies by subjecting them to high pressure saturated steam.
2. Ask that your nail technician wear gloves. If your manicurist wears gloves, then you’re probably in good hands (no pun intended) considering the fact that only 17 percent of nail technicians use gloves, according to a survey conducted by NAILS Magazine.
“Hands carry more germs and bacteria than we can count,” Dr. Trench-Simmons confirms. “It’s mandatory that a nail technician wear gloves when he or she is giving you a manicure or pedicure. The gloves will protect both of you from sharing unwanted germs and bacteria.”
3. Bring your own nail polish. We’ve all heard of the acronym B.Y.O.B. (bring your own beer), but in the salon, a good rule to live by might be B.Y.O.N.P. – bring your own nail polish. Some salons won’t allow their clients to bring in their own personal products, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
“You can bring your own nail polish, but this should not be necessary. Here’s why. Technicians should polish a client’s nails after they have wiped their nail beds with at least 70 percent isopropyl rubbing alcohol,” Dr. Trench-Simmons explains. “It’s a topical antiseptic and sanitizer [and] it’s strong enough to kill germs on the nail bed and surrounding skin. Confirming that your salon follows this practice should eliminate worries about contamination via polish from the salon.”4. Never cut your cuticles. Push them back instead. “Keep in mind that cutting cuticles is only necessary when there is excessive dry skin on and around the nail bed,” Dr. Trench-Simmons says. “You’re safe to get your cuticles cut if your nail technician has sanitized the nippers properly before using them on you. If they have been sanitized using the methods recommended, the nippers will be clean and will not spread bacteria as the technician clips your cuticles and takes care not to pierce the skin.”
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Here’s another tip: Never shave your legs before a pedicure – it only makes you more susceptible to infection.
5. Open your eyes. A little observation and common sense go a long way. “How the staff maintains the surroundings and interior are a reflection of how well they clean, disinfect and sanitize the areas of the business with which you come in direct contact,” Dr. Trench-Simmons says. So, in other words, if the floor, restroom or anything else is absolutely filthy, find another salon.
