Going to a spa to get our nails done is a luxury we girls can’t get enough of. But when you go home and find you’ve got an infection on your newly pedicured toes, frustration is only the beginning of your troubles.

Here are some tips on what to look for in an aesthetician and nail salon.

Observe procedures: Make sure to watch what the technician does as he/she cleans the manicure and pedicure stations and tools, before and after. 

Ask questions:  Salons should be using metal or plastic implements that are disinfected after each use.

“Other porous items like nail files and birchwood sticks should be thrown out after each use or given to the client,” says Brenda Belo, OPI Educator.    

Leave healthy: You should not leave the spa or salon bleeding. If you do not feel comfortable or you feel pain, you need to tell your technician. Do not be afraid to hurt their feelings. You are paying for the service.

Follow up: If you do get an infection from a manicure or pedicure, see your physician. You should also call the spa or salon and report it to the manager or owner.

“Reputable salons and spas use Hospital Grade disinfectants to disinfect implements, surfaces and pedicure chairs,” she says. “Good spas will always book enough time for services to allow time for sanitizing and disinfecting. Salons and Spas that rush clients in and out often do not leave appropriate time to clean before the next client.”

by Sandy Caetano

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