Sep

10

07

Manicures & Pedicures: Polish up on the Facts

Posted by Leeann at 5:48 pm

Manicures & Pedicures known to be ultimate relaxationThe sensation of warm water running over your feet combined with the relaxing vibrations of a massaging chair…sounds intoxicating, right? Even better, you get your toenails painted to your desire. Want a cute little flower? How about some sparkling rhinestones? Done! And your fingernails? Don’t get me started! You can choose from length, color, design, and so much more.

Manicures and pedicures can provide the utmost relaxation, not to mention beautifully detailed fingers and sandal-ready feet. However, with the rise of nail care popularity, how do you know which beauty salon will provide you with the best service or the safest conditions?

Nail salons are popping up all over. If you live in the city, or even a moderately populated town, you probably know the location of several nail shops. While business is booming for these nail salons, clean service is sometimes exchanged for the number of clients they can serve. How many times have you entered a packed salon, where you should have been turned away, but instead they squeezed you in?

While you might like to think that your nail salon of choice is up to par on sanitation, you could be dangerously wrong. It’s as easy as cutting one’s nail (and oops! a little bit of their skin at the same time) and then using that same set of clippers, that haven’t been cleaned properly – or at all – on you. That action can spread several scary infections. 

Get a manicure in a clean nail salon

Just think of the feet alone. Do you know how easily athlete’s foot can be caught? Not to mention warts, fungus, bacteria, and much more. According to ABC News, Kristina Preston of Colorado was awarded $3.1 million in 2002 after allegedly contracting herpes from non-sterile nail salon equipment that was used on her during a manicure. Although this is obviously an extreme example, and a rare one at that, it shows that it is possible for an infection to spread.

If you insist on getting a manicure or a pedicure, make sure that the beauty salon is clean! Nail care sure looks, and usually feels, great. Sometimes it’s just not worth sacrificing pain for beauty. Take notice of where the utensils are kept; check to see if the person helping you has his or her license displayed. 

 Pedicures help renew the appearance of your nails

If the manicurist or pedicurist is too rough with the tools used on your hands or nails, tell them!

There is nothing wrong with making regular trips to the salon, just remember: make certain you are in a sanitary setting, and if you ever feel uncomfortable in a nail salon, you are not obligated to employ their services.

~ Leeann

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Posted in: Lifestyle | Nail Care | Shoes | Skincare

Comments (11)

11 Comments »

  1. Stephanie

    September 10, 2007 at 9:10 pm

    I have heard some horror stories about this, however it really has not stopped me, who can pass up the relaxation? I just went to a newly-opened salon and they offered me a personal nail kit for only $3. I keep it in my glove box so I always have it with me!!! (What a safe and great investment)

  2. Cheri

    September 11, 2007 at 10:54 am

    I remember something about Paula Abdul testifying before Congress to enforce laws on salon sanitation, because her legs got infected from an unsantiary pedicure… Maybe it wasn’t Congress, does anybody know?

  3. Leeann

    September 11, 2007 at 11:00 am

    The personal nail kit is actually a great idea Stephanie! Do you take it in to the salon with you? I too have a hard time staying away from professional pedicures, especially now that it’s summer. I just recommend that if you are going to get a mani/pedi, and you don’t feel comfortable (with the tools they are using or the employees themselves)– get outta there and find some place more suitable. =)

  4. Leeann

    September 11, 2007 at 11:30 am

    You’re right Cheri, Paula did ask for stricter santitary nail care enforcement. I found an article on the CBS News Web site saying she testified at a California state legislative hearing back in 2005.

    If it can happen to a celebrity (who probably dished out a lot of money for her nail care) then it can certainly happen to us. So be careful everyone!

    Thanks for the input all!

  5. Denice

    September 11, 2007 at 6:09 pm

    People always tell me I am a nail salon SNOB because I only go to 1 place…This is WHY!!! I don’t trust any other nail salon to touch my feet. We all know how particular I am about my feet so I only trust them to the BEST!!!

    I am terrified of getting any type of foot related problem because a salon is dirty so I will keep my SNOB status and keep on my trusted track! Thanks for the heads up Leeann!

  6. Leeann

    September 12, 2007 at 7:36 am

    Actually Denice, when i was doing research on this blog I came across an article that insisted you act like a snob when getting your nails done. When it comes to your health you should be, you deserve the best! If you have a salon in particular that you go to and you trust, you’re lucky…stick with them!

  7. Analee

    September 12, 2007 at 8:01 am

    In all honesty, being a snob when it comes to beauty and health is important. Hello! Our bodies are our temples. I am snobby about my shoes and jeans; it’s time I start getting snobby about my feet as well.

  8. Ani

    September 13, 2007 at 11:35 am

    I thought i was the only one who thought the nail salons are unsanitary. My aunt is a doctor and when she described all the diseases that were possible to catch even through a prestigious salon I knew that i was not ready to sacrifice my health for pretty flowers and fancy manicures. I also find all the rhinestones and flowers to be tacky, so why not have a trip to Target and get few fancy nail polishes that you can apply yourself and still look pretty (and be healthy)?

  9. Elana

    September 24, 2007 at 2:46 pm

    I got my nails done over the weekend, and I am happy to say that my nail lady opened a new package of utensils before getting started. ALTHOUGH she didn’t give them to me afterwards, so I wonder what she did when with them. Now that I think about it, I didn’t see her throw them away! Aaaah! I will definitely have to research some new places…but they do such a a fabulous job: “ProfessioNAIL & Spa”
    in Rancho Cucamonga on Foothill.

  10. Leeann

    September 24, 2007 at 3:03 pm

    Well, since they did open them in front of you…at least you know you are safe. Hopefully they open new utinsels for each client! I don’t ever recall seeing any nail salon use brand new tools on me. Yikes!

  11. erica

    December 6, 2010 at 8:42 am

    i loved it lol get AT me

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