How can you tell whether your nail shop is reputable?

Before the period of social distancing began, whenever we needed an emergency manicure, most of us probably chose the nearest or cheapest nail salon.

And, although we have managed to do this countless times, Going to an unsanitary salon without consequences can result in more than a botched manicure, namely with an infection or even worse.

To avoid any unwanted complications, you need to be as informed as possible about what a salon should look like, clean, sanitized, and safe to use. Therefore, read on for easier identification of possible alarm signals regarding the safety of a nail salon.

how to properly disinfect nail tools?

The tools used for manicure should be sanitized with a disinfectant similar to those used in hospitals, such as barricades. Ideally, instruments should be sterilized with an autoclave, which is a safer way to disinfect.

what is the difference between a regular sterilizer and an autoclave?

UV light sterilizers are usually present in most nail salons, but they do not have a natural effect. It’s as if the instruments are left in the sun.

It is therefore considered the highest level of sterilization. The autoclaves do not have interior lighting, unlike UV light sterilizers, and come sealed in the case until they are open in front of you to be sure of proper sanitation of the instruments.

Check the label on your autoclave package – if the tape in the box looks new and the color is unchanged (tapes should change color when disinfection is complete), this is a good indicator that the salon wants to give the impression that it is using an autoclave for sanitizing nail tools.

what tools are disposable items?

Disposable items are anything that cannot be sanitized: nail files, buffers, etc. These items are reused in nail salons, an action that is not exactly hygienic.

what are the worst warning signs about the level of sanitation of a nail salon?

Pedicure bowls are the most acceptable way to evaluate a salon. Always opt for a salon that has individual foot bowls. Spa chairs with built-in bowls are complicated to clean correctly, and bacteria like to live in pipes.

When you first enter a salon, you should pay attention to the level of cleanliness. But there will be signs. If nail files look used, you should be careful.

You should also never see used heel scrapers, so when you walk into a salon and see them using such tools, it is advisable to leave immediately.

Another good trick is to ask if you can keep the disposable items you used for your manicure because you should throw them away anyway. If you feel hesitation from the manicurist, this is a significant alarm signal.

You must always trust what your instinct tells you and ask as many questions as you want to ensure the quality of your services. If you do not feel comfortable asking these questions, you may not be in the right salon.

Be careful where the tools that will be used for you come from. They should come in a sealed bag or be removed from a disinfectant solution, which is usually a blue liquid.

Second, ask to see the file to be used to see if it shows signs is an alarm signal; these items are for single use only. Finally, if it is a pedicure, ask to check when was the last time the pedicure station was used.

what is the difference between a regular manicure and gel or acrylic nails?

Standard manicures are made with ordinary nail polishes, with which we are all so familiar. Gel manicures have slightly longer-lasting color formulas applied to natural nails with a UV / LED lamp.

how long should each manicured type last?

A regular manicure usually lasts about two to four days before nail polish starts to jump out.

Acrylics should be kept for two to three weeks, noting that once every two weeks, maintenance sessions are required. Please note that the time interval can vary quite a bit depending on the previous condition of the nails and their daily use.

what should you do if your nails break too quickly? is it advisable to announce the show?

Absolute! In general, customers are (and if they are not, should be) encouraged to notify when the manicure breaks down too quickly because that way, they can find out which brands of varnishes and gels are better than others. In addition, I can repair it at no extra charge.