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We’ve all heard the nail salon horror stories – from fungal infections to cuticle scars and everything in between. If you want to minimise the risk of becoming the main character in someone else’s gross-out story, there are a few signs you should look out for before booking in your next appointment. Jennifer Taylor, Head of Beauty at the Australasian College Broadway gives us 5 signs your local nail spa is doing it dirty.
Sign 1 –Jars and bumbags
“Many nail bars have their nail files, scissors, exfoliators and other tools placed throughout the salon in jars or vases and although this may look pretty, it is actually a breeding ground for germs. Nail files should be disposed of after every client, not just wiped and left in a container,” says Jennifer.
“Some nail technicians wear a bumbag or tool belt with all their implements zipped up, which is also extremely unhygienic. The tools that are stored in here are generally gathering dust, grime and bacteria in the bag.
“Metal tools must be autoclave sterilised, which means they should come in sealed and dated pouches. It is also considered best-practice in the industry to open the pouch in front of the client, so you can feel assured the equipment is safe.”
Sign 2 – The other clients
“This may seem like common sense, but if you walk into an appointment and the client before you has a toe fungus, it’s best to just walk out. Nail technicians should not do manicures or pedicures on any clients with signs of an infection, because it becomes far too easy for this to spread!”
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Sign 3 – Something smells
“Reputable salons should operate by the code that no food cooking or preparation is permitted in the salon at any time. So, if you can smell or see an operator’s lunch, it’s a good sign to leave,” Jennifer says.
