Thursday, April 7, 2011

Why you should be REALLY picky about your Nail Salon!

I happened upon an article today about things that nail salons do that you don't know about. I was very shocked by mediocrity of the issues that were touched upon. I will share the issues that they touched upon as they are still an issue but then I would like to go a little further into this.

Ok so they talked about why it's bad to dilute "clumpy" nail polish with Acetone and noted if there is white residue on a nail file then it's been used before you and thus is not sanitary. The article quickly touched on why whirlpool foot spas are bad news but only more about the city water that pumps through them and the microbes that can cause infections. There was talk of spreading infections through being "cut" or "nicked" during a service and that sometimes you don't even realize you've been cut. Bad news. And finally about how 75% of nail salons DO NOT properly sanitize there implements and materials.

Now I'm going to try to break this down in as few words as possible but definitely try to get the point/facts out there.

Any materials used on you should either be in "new" condition and all metal implements should come sterilized from an Autoclave. Only implements that have been sterilized are considered to be 100% free of bacteria, fungus, disease, etc. Any reputable nail salon will allow you to purchase and bring in your own implements for your appointment. That is the only way to guarantee the implements have only been used on you.

Insist that the Technician wear gloves. I understand that it may not be as comfortable or convenient but this is your health we're talking about. If they accidentally cut you or themselves there is less chance of spreading infections or disease if gloves are worn. Also on that note, do not allow a nail technician to cut, shave, etc. your callus' or cuticles. Your skin is open to infections, they can injure you and overall it is not a sanitary process.

Don't use whirlpool Foot Spas. I know you hate me for this one... they feel so good on your feet but they are the most unsanitary thing out there. Like I mentioned above they usually are hooked to city water which is full of microbes. Your feet are being peeled and scraped and left open to any bacteria in that spa. Did you know that there is a solution (usually red in color) that is supposed to be filtered through the spa system for at least 5 minutes between every client that uses it? Do you know I've never seen them do it anywhere I've gone in the past. Think about it, they drain and wipe it out after the client before you is done. That water that was being filtered through the jets and such is still sitting in the system and as soon as it is started for your service... that previous clients water was just pumped into yours. Gross.

Beware of salons that try to appear sanitary but aren't. Barbicide is a blue colored disinfectant that salons use. I have heard stories of salons substituting windex in them because it's cheaper. Ask to smell it... most of us know what windex smells like and believe me, Barbicide smells nothing like Windex. If a place ever tells you no when you ask or challenge something like sanitation... turn around and walk out the door!

I have also heard stories of high end spas charging high prices claiming to use specialty materials but in turn are filling expensive lotion bottles with cheap lotion to cut costs and make more money.

To wrap this up because I can go on and on all day about this... in most areas of our country hair and nail salons are a dime a dozen, they're all over the place. So why not do your research, shop around, stop by and ask questions. And if you have a bad experience at a salon tell your friends... pass the word along because it's the places like that making it so hard on the few salons out there that run a clean, legitimate business.