Choosing a quality salon and service provider is important to the health of your nails, hands, and feet.
Know what your nail specialist is doing to your nails!!! Don’t be afraid to ask questions before, during and after your service. Stay informed…..Get educated about your nails.
Below are just a few tips that may be helpful in making the right choice for your nail care.
- Cleanliness – Are the salon and its stations clean?
Your nail specialist should be utilizing proper sanitation and disinfection practices. Both the client and the specialist’s hands should b sanitized/washed before beginning any service. The table mat and towel should be clean. All instruments used in the service should have been disinfected properly. Ask your nail specialist how the instruments are disinfected and how often? - Single-Use Disposables – are you paying attention to what is being done with the files, toe separators, sanding bands, and pedi slippers?
All of these items are DISPOSABLE!! State board regulations do not allow any of these items to be reused. They are porous and therefore should be disposed of after each use. A new one should be used on each client. If the tech “knocks” the dust off a file and puts it in a drawer (spraying it or not) then they are using a used file on you….this is one way Hep B and MRSA both can be spread in the salon, among other types of infections. - Salon Pricing – Do you know what your service includes?
Some salons charge “A-La-Carte”. Be sure you know what you are getting before the service begins. - Service Explanation – Do you understand what service you are receiving?
Did the nail specialist explain and describe the service you are scheduled for? Is it what you were expecting? Did your nail specialist do a “Pre-Service Analysis” to determine what service is best for your hands, feet, and situation? Did you receive an explanation of how to care for your nails at home? - Licensing – Is the salon and your nail specialist licensed?
There should be a salon license displayed on the wall. In addition, your nail specialist should have a license displayed in the area of the nail station. If you do not see one, ask to see documentation. This is also true for waxing. Many nail salons are offering waxing services (eyebrows, lip, chin, neck, and sometimes other areas of the body). Nail Technician/Manicurist licenses do NOT include waxing services. Only licensed Cosmetologists (hairstylists) and Estheticians (skincare) are allowed to provide waxing services. - Odors – Is there a strong odor present in the salon?
Although there is an odor associated with certain enhancement services, this odor should NOT be overpowering. Overpowering odor can be indicative of an inadequate ventilation system in the salon or improper/banned products being used. - Electric Files – Is an Electric Nail File (e-file) being used?
While e-files are not harmful when properly used, they can cause serious damage if the nail specialist is not properly trained. You should never feel any pain or burning when an e-file is being used. If you should feel any discomfort, let your nail specialist know immediately. In addition, the e-file should be made with the intended use for salons…..no power tools or dremmels from the hardware store. - Products – Is the salon using professional products?
Don’t be afraid to ask your nail specialist what products are being used and why. Are all the containers labeled properly and in original containers? - Customer Service
Your nail specialist should be concerned about your happiness and safety. If you are unhappy with something let your nail specialist know about it. You should never feel rushed or “herded” through (being on time for your appointments will help avoid this feeling).
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