How to pick a nail salon?

You can get an infection during a manicure

Infections are a risk in any type of spa treatments. Nail infections are easier to spread since part of the skin is cut during manicures and pedicures (the cuticle) and the same instruments are used on many customers. The infections can be herpes and others; some of them can attack the immune system for months and years. Paula Abdul once got an infection at a nail salon and it took months to treat it by a dermatologist.  For this reason, it is important to be careful. These are some things to keep in mind:

If you have an immune system deficiency, be particularly careful. You should avoid cutting your cuticles. The salon has to have a way to sterilize the instruments used during the manicure. Ask in the salon how they sterilize the tools.  Usually the best equipment is the same as that used in dental offices; it is a small container with tiny metal balls. The instruments need to be put inside for a few minutes only after every use.  Another equipment is a box with a front opening and ultra violet light inside. This is a cheaper instrument and it can be effective if combined with a germicide. The instruments need to be there for a few minutes after every use. Watch out if you see that your manicurist only wipes out her tools and put them back on her table. Some technicians put alcohol or something similar; this is not enough.   Your manicurist should get a fresh set of clean, sterile tools to do your manicure. In many bargain salons, as well as in many well-respected and pricey spas, these rules are not observed because time is money and the technicians do not have the time or education to clean the tools. If you go to a salon at peak time, you are more likely to be exposed to improperly cleaned tools. Bringing your own tools used to be advisable, but if you do not clean your tools the right way, you are still at risk. So unless you know what you are doing, it is best to pick the right salon that takes hygiene seriously. If the salon offers a Paraffin wax treatment, make sure that you get new paraffin for you rather than dipping your hands in a tub that is used by others.  Alternatively, you can do a massage with soy wax at home.

What can you do to protect yourself? Avoid cutting the cuticles. If the salon does not look clean or the prices are too good to be true, the tools probably will not be clean.   That is why my recommendation is that you should avoid going for bargains and look for a good nail salon (ask a friend for recommendations). And once you have found the right place, stick to it, tip the manicurist well, and make sure that you choose her the next time by making an appointment.

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