LifestyleFrom beauty to health risks: Navigating safety at your manicure salon

From beauty to health risks: Navigating safety at your manicure salon

What to pay attention to at the manicurist's?

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10 May 2024 17:18

What should we be concerned about at the manicurist's?

The checklist of factors to be vigilant about at the nail salon is extensive and significantly affects our nails' future health and aesthetics.

A poorly executed manicure can be more detrimental than beneficial. It's not just the skills of the manicurist that matter, but also the equipment they utilize and how well they maintain their workspace. Finding an exemplary salon is, surprisingly, not a straightforward task.

Preparing for a Manicure

You might assume that the manicurist’s technique is paramount - that's the reason for your visit. However, overlooking specific hygiene and safety protocols can expose you to nail damage or bacterial infections. Therefore, upon entering the salon, observing the chosen specialist's surroundings and practices is essential.

First and foremost, cleanliness at the manicurist's workstation is crucial. The absence of nail fragments from previous clients and used cotton swabs or sticks is a good sign. The manicurist should disinfect both the workstation and the hands of the client and themselves.

It’s unacceptable for them to touch our hands without gloves. Ideally, the nail care professional should also wear a mask.

A competent manicurist will evaluate the condition of your nails before starting. If they identify an infection or excessive nail damage, they should decline to perform the manicure, indicating their professionalism.

Ensuring your safety

The tools used by the manicurist are of utmost importance. The absence of an autoclave - a device for sterilizing equipment - should raise immediate concerns.

Autoclaves can be identified by a STEAM label on the tool packaging, which should turn brown, grey, or black after proper sterilization. The specialist must open the sterilized tools in your presence.

The condition of the files and other accessories is also crucial; they should always be new. Do not hesitate to voice any concerns to the manicurist, as your health and safety are at stake.