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.”