Protect yourself while getting a manicure
While the people who handle your nails are professionals, that doesn't mean you should automatically trust just anyone to touch your fingers...or toes for that matter. Nail salons are required to have the cleanest and most sterile equipment to work with, but that isn't always the case. Many people have gotten bacterial infections through the use of dirty equipment and unsanitary practices. This can result in nail discoloration, inflammation of the area and can even cause the nail to fall off. Celebrities like Paula Abdul have been victims of acute nail infections from bad manicures so be on the lookout--it can happen to anyone.
The next time you head to the salon or if you're planning on getting a manicure done for the first time, follow these tips to make sure that you're safe:
- Observe your surroundings: Look around the entire salon to check for cleanliness. Note any dirt, spills or grime in the manicure area. Make sure an autoclave is present inside the salon. An autoclave is a heat sterilizer that looks like an ice cream machine with a blue light on the inside of it. Autoclaves are used to thoroughly clean tools to avoid infection.
- Sterilization: Always make sure the tools your manicurist uses are sterilized. Don't be afraid to ask or bring it to the manicurist's attention. Check to see that the tools are heated in the autoclave or soaked in anti-bacterial solution that is clear--if the solution is cloudy that is a sign that it needs to be changed. Also bring that to your manicurist's attention as well.
- Bring your own: There's no harm in bringing your own manicure tools to the salon. Even nail polish bottles can contain bacteria from multiple use so bring your own favorite shade to ensure that what touches your nails hasn't touched anyone else's.
- Pay attention to details: Letting the smallest things slip by you can increase the odds of putting your nails at risk. Always look at what the manicurist is doing. See if the tools he/she is using on your nails are clean or have been individually wrapped. Check to see that the manicurist handles the tools in front of you and not in a way where you can't see what he/she is doing with them. If one of the tools drops on the floor, don't hesitate to request that a new tool be used instead.
- Cleanliness is key: In addition to making sure the facility itself is clean, make sure the person doing your nails is clean as well. Manicurists should wash their hands and use fresh, clean towels.