I’m not here trying to scare you, but………
Millions of women and men take their hard earned money to enjoy lives little luxuries and a mani/pedi is definitely one of those luxuries. So, before you go to your favorite salon take a look at my best tips for a safe mani/pedi!
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Arrive early to your appointment to make sure the salon is maintained properly. Watch how the footbaths are cleaned and disinfected between each client. Also, great indicator is the restroom, if it is kept clean chances are the rest of the salon will be too. Make sure trash containers are not overflowing and that the shelves are dusted. A clean salon is a great way to tell the owner and technicians value cleanliness. If the salon is not clean, chances are the footbaths and implements aren’t either.
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Salon License should be posted in plain site on the wall, along with the technicians licenses.
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Single Use Items Emery Board, Buffing Block, Orange Sticks, Pumices and Toe Separators. These items should never be used on more that one client. They all can harbor bacteria and fungus with the potential to be passed from client to client if used on more that one person. Cuticle oil should be used with a dropper rather than a brush. Brushes are not sanitary to use on more than one client.
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How does the technician sterilize their tools? You want to make sure they are using a bottle of disinfectant. The disinfectant should not appear cloudy or dirty looking. The most effective way to make sure the implements are clean it to bring your own and clean them yourself. Just purchase what your technician uses on you at your local drug store. No salon should have a problem with you bring your own tools.
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Make sure the technician washes her hands before she gets started on your nails or feet. Request that they wash their hands or wear gloves. Be very careful of a technician with fake nails, it is very hard to clean the area between the real nail and the fake nail.
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Don’t shave your legs 24 hours prior to getting a pedicure. Small cuts from shaving can leave small skin openings where bacteria can enter. If you have a cut, wait until it is completely healed before getting a pedicure.
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Whirlpool footbaths You should NEVER place your feet into a footbath with jets. It is impossible for a salon to clean the jet area completely. The jets are suppose to be cleaned by a 10 minute bleach bath in-between each and every customer (most salons do not have time for this, they try to get you in and out as quickly as possible). This type of footbath puts your health at risk each time you put your foot in one. In an extreme case in Texas, a woman died after contracting a staph infection from a whirlpool footbath. The safest footpath is the basin type where the technician places a bag over the tub. When they are done with each client they just throw out the bag with all the water.
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Don’t let the technician cut your cuticles! Cuticles are a barrier of protection for your nails. When your cuticles are cut you are opening the door to infection. Cutting your cuticles can also cause ridges on your nails, white spots, or white lines. Push back your cuticles when you are in the shower and the cuticles are soft.
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Don’t let the technician scrape callused skin off of your feet! Doing this can put you at a higher risk for infection. This procedure needs to be done by a podiatrist only.
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Some salons dilute their nail polishes when they become dry or clumpy with nail polish remover. This practice compromises the quality of the nail polish, causing the polish to chip easily. The best way to make sure you are getting a color that will last, and to avoid any spreading of germs, bring your own polish (this way you have the correct color for touch ups)
Always practice best tips for a safe mani/pedi!
Until Next Time…
img class=”aligncenter size-full wp-image-3971″ src=”https://whatsmarydoing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Tips-for-a-safe-manipedi-P..jpg” alt=”Make sure you read these Tips for a safe Mani/Pedi before you get your nails done!” width=”4089″ height=”3127″ />
Thanks for this. I’m a bit of a germ freak, and I haven’t had a mani/pedi in years! Now I just need to find the right place. 🙂
Thanks for these important tips. I must remember to bring my own tools…that’s a really good thing to practice!
Very few women adhere to these common sense safety guidelines … and I now do my own nails. I just don’t take those chances.
These are such great tips. I suggest people educate themselves on the salons before they get a mani/pedi. I learned the hard way. I no longer get manis/pedis. I had a horrible experience and I still suffer from it. They really messed my feet up. Thank you for sharing your tipsI hope people take the time to read your post.
Thank you, Kim!
These are great tips. You hear about all the dangers of going. i think these are really helpful to know. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Emily!
Shudders…
I know all of this yet I have never checked at the salon where I go. Horrified because now I think they don’t do these awful things.
Terrific tips!
I had no idea the jetted foot baths were so unsavory. Sigh. I so enjoy it.
I’ve worked in salons and #4 and #7 are no joke. The clients safety should be number one, period. Pay attention to your surroundings, ask questions and never feel obligated to continue if you are not comfortable.
So true, Sara! We as customers have the right to feel comfortable!
Great tips. I’ve never gotten a manicure so it’s good to know what to look for
I got a fungus and a staph infection after having fake nails put on. It took 2 years to get rid of and was pretty scary. I do my own nails now or I go to a local beauty school. They are really good about cleanliness there. This is such good advice!
Wow, this makes me glad I am not into the habit of getting my nails done. Sadly, I bite my fingernails so manicures are out of the question, and I’ve only had one pedicure ever. Seems like a big risk to take for a little pleasure!
So many people don’t pay attention to how their nail tech sterilizes his or her tools. I’ve heard of people getting all sorts of infections from man/pedis because the tools weren’t properly sterilized. I never thought to check the salons license but that’s good practice. Thanks for sharing this!
In a former life I was a nail tech, and just reading all this turns my tummy as I recall the work. Blech. But I do love GETTING a pedicure myself, and your tips are spot-on helpful, especially for another germophobe in the group.
Thank you, Lisa!
It’s been quite awhile since I had a mani-pedi so I’m about due. So glad to read your tips. I’ve heard a lot of horror stories so I’ll keep your post in mind before I choose a place.
Excellent points. Women with compromised immune systems, going through chemotherapy should never get a mani-pedi. It just can’t be germ proofed enough!
That is a great point! Thank you for adding that!
All great tips for sure! I’ve started doing my own because I really don’t like the way they clean salons these days. If you do go, yes, bring your own tools for sure!
These are all great tips. I’m nauseous thinking about the whole thing.
Wow, I never knew this! This is a great list, thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you so much for this much-needed reminder! I am careful about where I get pedicures and ensure that the salons are clean, but I really appreciate having detailed tips for exactly what to look out for. This was very helpful! 🙂
i think i will jus stick to painting my toes at home!