That relaxing day we all know as our special “girls’ day” or that fun day where we get to go use our salon gift certificate or even our bi-monthly trip to the nail salon to get our acrylic fills or regular manicure and pedicure, may not always be a day of joy…but can oftentimes be a day of disaster. Nail salons are a huge industry that made 6 billion dollars last year alone. However, many salons may not have spent a whole heck of a lot of that revenue on keeping their salons safe. It turns out that many nail salons can be dangerous in terms of contracting fungal, bacterial and even life threatening infections. At least two deaths have been linked to infections due to microbial pathogens contracted from unsanitary nail salons, including the horrific flesh-eating bacteria. Obviously, for the most part nail salons are very safe, but we can make them even safer by taking charge of our health and becoming our own health and well-being advocates.

Typically, the only worry when going to the nail salon is whether or not you’re happy with your results and the cost of the service. However, there are many more things you may need to be worrying about. There are indeed dangers that lurk at the very place you think is going to be your day of sanctuary. Common dangers that commonly exist are bacterial and fungal infections and other hazards that seem to be in epidemic proportions. But luckily there are things you can do to be and feel safe and confident when you’re in the salon chair.

Be sure to be very attentive while you’re at the salon. Particularly, while you’re waiting to be seated.
 
•    Take note of the common practices of each technician. Particularly her station cleaning habits. Is she thoroughly cleansing the pedicure tub? Not just rinsing it with water, but is she spraying or using a disinfectant and then wiping it dry before she fills it up for the next patron? Bacteria and fungus and yeast have all been found in pedicure tubs. And even more important than washing the tub itself is thoroughly washing and sanitizing the drain area…because that’s where bacteria and debris live and thrive the most. The drain needs even more attention and detail when it comes to disinfecting.
•    Next watch to see if the manicurist grabs a clean set of implements (directly from an autoclave or UV sanitizer or packaged and ready to go for the next client). If the same implements are sitting there from the last client, be sure and ask for a new clean set. Or even better, you may want to consider bringing your own.
•    A common way to get infections is through nicks and cuts from freshly shaved skin. Do not get a pedicure if you have any recent wounds because they are a direct thoroughfare for bacteria to enter. Additionally, do not allow your cuticles to be cut…this is another opportunity for bacteria to make their way into the body. Cuticle cutting is actually illegal in many states. Cuticles are there for a reason…to protect!
•    Also be sure that if the same files, buffers and orangewood sticks, etc. are still sitting on the tray from the last customer, you should mention it to the technician and state that you would like a fresh new set for your treatment.
 
There are many other precautions we should take as well, but for now these are some very common ones that are fairly easy to manage simply by educating ourselves on these as well as other possible hazards. But this last one should be the easiest for all to follow…Be sure that every technician and (every client should as well) washes their hands before and after each and every appointment!