Did you know, visiting the wrong nail salon can result in not only damaged nails and skin, but also an infection?
It's true, if the nail salon you choose is not clean, does not sanitize their products, uses old products, or uses unhealthy practices, your relaxing manicure or pedicure can turn into serious and long-term health issues.
You can even suffer neurological damage from the harmful toxins and chemicals in nail products.
Fortunately, just by walking into a nail salon, you will see several signs that it's not the place for you. Whether you have been going to a certain salon for years, or just tried one for the first time, if you notice any of these red flags, it's time to switch nail salons.
1. There Are No Licenses on Display
One of the first things you should look for at any Nail Salon is a license for each technician. These licenses are generally posted at the nail tech's station and should be hard to miss. Having a license is essential, as it ensures your nail tech is trained in the proper procedures, hygiene, and safety issues.
2. The Salon Smells Strongly Like Chemicals
Have you ever walked into a salon and felt overwhelmed by the smell? While this may seem normal for the setting, it's not. Smelly salons are not properly ventilated, which is bad for your health. Breathing in indoor air pollution for a few hours can have both immediate and long-term effects on your health.
3. The Technicians Reuse Disposable Tools
Many states require nail technicians to use new nail files, toe separators, and buffers with every customer. While this is a requirement, many nail techs do not follow it.
Using the same disposable tools over and over can spread infections from customer to customer. If your nail tech does not start with brand new items, switch salons immediately.
4. The Technician Is Rough
Getting a manicure and pedicure should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. However, if you've ever had a technician who is rough, you know it's anything but relaxing.
Your manicure or pedicure should not leave you bleeding or in pain. Not only is this a great way to get an infection, but it's also not at all what you are paying for. If your treatments are more painful than relaxing, it's time for a new salon.
5. The Pedicure Tub Looks Dirty
When getting a pedicure, it's important to ensure the pedicure tub is clean and disinfected. If you see sediment, soap scum, or any other indication it's dirty, don't get the pedicure. Using a dirty pedicure tub is one of the easiest ways to develop a fungus or infection, so let this be non-negotiable when it comes to your beauty treatments.
6. The Polish Bottles Look Old and Dusty
When it comes to picking nail polish colors, do you notice the bottles are dusty and the colors are separated? This is a sign of old polish that will likely peel and bubble almost immediately. A salon that can't keep new polish on the shelves is probably hiding many more problems that are bad for your wallet and your health.
7. The Salon Looks Dirty and Cluttered
As you walk into a salon, you should see a sparkling clean space that is free from clutter. Not only is such a place relaxing, but it also speaks to the quality of the treatments and products. If you walk into a salon that is dirty and cluttered, the best thing to do is turn around and walk back out.
8. The Tools Are Not Sanitized
Many salons "sanitize" their tools by putting them in a clear jar filled with blue liquid. This is not a proper sanitizing process and the tools the tech is about to use are not clean.
Cleaning salon tools involves in-depth washing, drying, disinfecting, drying, and properly storing, which does not involve any part of the tool being exposed before use. Most quality salons will use an autoclave machine to clean and sterilize the tools. Ask to see how the tools are cleaned before your beauty treatments.
9. The Technicians Are Not Wearing Gloves or Masks
You want your nail tech to take their health and safety seriously because that means they will likely do the same for you. For this reason, look for a salon where the nail techs are wearing gloves and masks. Masks can protect them from the harmful fumes, while gloves will protect them from contact with harsh chemicals.
10. The Products Are Not 3-Free
Many nail polishes contain harsh chemicals that cause serious health conditions ranging from cancer to neurological damage. These chemicals (toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate), are referred to as the toxic trio.
With all the research into these harmful chemicals, there are now nail polish companies that do not use these toxic chemicals. Today, you can buy healthier nail polish, ranging from 3-free to water-based. Make sure your salon is, at least, using 3-free polish.
11. The Bathrooms Are Not Well-Maintained
The bathrooms of any establishment can tell you a lot about how well the staff takes care of the facilities. Bathrooms are messy and require unending attention to keep clean. When you see a clean bathroom in an establishment, it's a great indication that everything behind the scenes is also well taken care of.
For this reason, it's important to check out the bathrooms in the salon you are visiting. Are they clean? Are they using the space as a bathroom-storage hybrid? If you are not seeing a sparkling clean, move on to the next salon.
These Are the Signs You Need to Switch Nail Salons
If you see any of these signs, switch nail salons immediately.
Dirty salons, including the tools used by the technicians, is a red flag you shouldn't ignore. If your manicure, pedicure, or other beauty treatment leaves you bleeding and in pain, find a new salon. If the technicians are not licensed, do not wear gloves and masks, and do not use healthy products, it's time to look for a better salon.
Always remember, you are risking your health by going to a sub-par salon. Don't forget to browse our site for all of your beauty product needs.