The last thing you want to worry about at the nail salon is your safety. You’ve got your husband watching the kids and you’re ready to unplug and get pampered. A good manicure-pedicure can change the course of your week! This is serious business. But, how clean is your local nail salon?
There’s a new nail salon popping up by the day making your weekly indulgence more accessible…but at what cost? The sanitation of these ‘pop-up’ salons can vary despite strict health regulations. There’s money to be made, and the temptation to skate around the rules could end with your pain and discomfort! That gets a big *NOPE* from me.
Here are 5 tips to help you avoid a nail catastrophe:
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Don’t be afraid to ask questions
A few simple questions and a watchful eye can tell you if your salon goes the extra mile for cleanliness, or is lazy in their sanitation efforts. Expect quality service and sanitation. Take a look at the bathroom and the corners, If they’re clean there’s a good chance the rest of the salon is too.
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Don’t get a pedicure right after shaving your legs
When you shave your legs micro-tears are left on the surface of your skin, which bacteria can easily get into. This is definitely a problem you don’t want to have! After shaving wait at least 24 hours before receiving your pedicure.
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Don’t let the jets run while your feet are soaking
Unless your salon uses individual liners or has pipe-less foot baths, the jets are a no-go. Bacteria and fungus love to make their home in these jets. Let’s not take athletes foot home with our pedicure, be aware!
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If something doesn’t look right it probably isn’t
If your first impression tells you something is off, it probably is. No one wants to feel paranoid while getting pampered. Get the most out of your “me time” in a salon you’re comfortable with.
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Look for clean tools
Know that disposable tools should never be used for more than one client. If your salon uses metal tools, they should be soaking in a blue liquid disinfectant nearby.
The tools your technician uses in your service hold major potential to spreading bacteria. By law these instruments must be disinfected or sterilized. There are four methods for achieving this:
- Disinfectant liquid
- Disposable tools
- Metal Tools
- Autoclave system
Let’s talk about this Autoclave for a second. As in, what exactly is it? Here’s the low down. Autoclaves sterilize through the use of dry steam to kill 99.9999% microorganisms and their spores. It also ensures disinfection, sanitation and sterilization happen every time.
It is the only process recommended by healthcare professionals including the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control.
This is what a salon Autoclave will look like:
Beyond Beaute’ exceeds state requirements, utilizing all of these methods. Don’t be scared to ask questions. Your wellness is of utmost importance to us, our technicians are happy to respond to your concerns. We look forward to your next visit with us.