With it being the beginning of summer (almost,) many of us are on our way to get pedicures to get our feet and toes looking nice for those summer sandals and flip flops. However, there is a lot you need to know about some of these nail salons before you go to keep you safe and healthy.
I knew some of these warnings, and have actually not been getting a pedicure as regularly as I had in the past because I have not been able to find a spa near me that doesn’t use the massage spa chairs. I have heard of salons (Like the Painted Nail) that do not use the chairs, and use new tools for each customer. I need a salon like that here in Phoenix! PLEASE! Check out the article below. You do not want to miss this.
1. You may have a little more trouble relaxing into that massage chair with a magazine after this one — an unsanitary pedicure could lead a viral infection (such as warts), bacterial infections from ingrown toenails and agressive filing, or a fungal infection of the skin and nails, among other serious health problems, says Jackie Sutera, a New York City podiatrist.
2. Since some salons have better sanitizing practices than others, she recommends that you always bring your own tools (her favorites are Tweezerman), including cuticle nippers, toe clippers, a nail file, nail clippers and, most importantly, a foot file. “That’s one of the dirtiest things in that whole salon,” she says. “There’s a misconception that because they put it in a blue solution or because they put it in a thing that looks like a toaster oven, it’s clean — but it might not be.”
3. Sutera recommends hitting the spa earlier in the day, when things tend to be a bit cleaner and sanitary — before dozens of feet have soaked in the same bath on the same day and before technicians have a possibility of getting tired. And she would skip the “Wednesday Special” (that too-good-to-be true package deal for a mani/pedi combo), as it drives a lot of business and, correspondingly, could up your germ exposure.
4. Also, don’t give into the temptation to soak your feet too long. “It’s a cesspool in there,” Sutera says of the foot bath. “Don’t sit there and soak in that water forever.”
5. As far as those foot razors that promise to shave your callouses down for sandal-ready feet — skip it. “It’s really dangerous,” Sutera explains. Going at the heels too hard can reveal deep layers of skin that should never be exposed, leading to permanent damage or even scarring. Instead, just keep a pumice stone in your shower to keep up with the daily maintenance yourself.
6. Don’t shave your legs for at least 24 hours before the appointment, suggests Jessica Krant, Founder of Art of Dermatology in New York City — freshly shaved skin can be more prone to infection, especially when a technician is massaging up your thighs.
Post-pedi, slip your toes into your own flip flops — and for extra safety, clean your own feet when you get back home, Sutera says.
I learned the hard way about the foot shavers… I am dealing with pain and issue from that as we speak. It actually causes more hard skin to form on the heels. Just horrible. I don’t get them done anymore… I foot massage would be nice from time to time, but I don’t want anyone cutting, clipping, scrapping my anything anymore.
I also went to get a manicure a couple of months ago, and I have been paranoid sense. Although as much as I use clorox to clean (without gloves, I know… horrible) I think my nails are just fine.
I’ve always taken my own supplies. I think its nasty to use other ppls nail kits.
A review from Zetaclear pointed out that visiting nail shops for manicure and pedicure can be very dangerous because its the fastest way to transmit the fungi from one person to another. They also mentioned if you can’t avoid going to nail shops better bring your own kit.
As a nail technician I agree with a lot of what is said here. You can always ask the salon how they clean, also ask if they use some sort of anti-fungal oil in your tub. At our shop we use anti-fungal oil and sea salts in the tub. We also clean tools between each client. We spray our tools and tub with a cleaner and then scrub them and put the tools in a steamer. It just depends on the shop. My advice is to always ask how they clean and report anything you experience that is wrong to the state health board. Please don’t think all shops are bad…just be picky about where you go.
I rarely get a pedicure and this is why. I really need to learn how to do my own pedicures because of all these salons scare me!
Bringing a personal equipment in salon is a good advice (if a technician doesn’t find this insulting). However, I always recommend getting a professional pedicure at salons because DIY pedicures can do more damage if you don’t have enough experience.