What to Look Out for in a Nail Salon

Watch for any of the following in a salon.

If you see any of the following violations I recommend that you leave the salon and find another place for service or insist they follow these procedures.


• Salon that does not look clean in general, with any nail clippings, dust or debris on the floor, drawers, tables, or other furniture.

 • Salon is using dusty or dirty nail files, buffers and other tools.

 • Salon is using products from unlabeled or unmarked containers.

 • Salon stores nail files and other tools in a dirty drawer or container.

 • Salon is using nail files or other tools are stored in dirty or contaminated- looking solution.                            Note: Some solutions are not transparent but are not necessarily “dirty”. If uncertain, ask.

 • Salon does not cover or place lid on disinfection containers.

 • Restrooms are dirty or unkempt, lack liquid soap and clean towels.

• Nail technicians are using razors on clients feet to remove a callous or thick skin.

 • Salon is providing services to clients with infected fingers, nails, toenails or feet.


Be wary of nail technicians or salon service providers who:


• Do not ask you to sanitize your hands or feet before performing any nail or pedicure service.

 • Do not sanitize their own hands before performinga nail or pedicure service.

• Provide services that are painful or damages your skin or nails.

 • Cannot explain how they clean and disinfect their nail files, clippers, bits, and tools when asked.

 • Cannot explain how they clean and disinfect foot spas when asked.

 • Do not have a logbook indicating when pedicure foot spas were cleaned and disinfected.

 • Use an implement or other object to forcibly remove or “pry off” artificial nails.

 • Do not use a clean, freshly laundered or disposable towel.

• Will not show you a current license when you ask to see it.

 • Say they are too busy to properly clean and disinfect their tools.

• Stick their fingers directly into jars or containers.

 • Do not discuss concerns, ask questions and/or complete consultation before performing services.