A pedicure - whether you give it as a gift or get it for yourself - can feel like receiving a taste of luxury. It always pays to be cautious before you go to the salon or spa so that your trip doesn't end up being a regret.
Not all places operate the same, and some can engage in practices that can cause you to contract a fungal nail infection or another nasty problem.
A pedicure carried out by a 'medical professional' is always best.
Barring that, however,
here are some tips on what to look for regarding best pedicure practices:
• Are their tools sanitized? Make sure that the salon/spa correctly sanitizes all their metal instruments and uses clean/ disinfected tools for each customer.
Liquid disinfectants (Barbicide or similar) provide the best sanitation. The use of UV light for sanitation is sometimes permissible, but we don't recommend going anywhere that only uses that.
• There's no need to be intimidated by bringing your own tools. Any non-metal tools are for one-customer use only. Always. If you have your own files and other equipment that you can sterilize at home, you should not feel awkward about bringing them in, asking that they be used. If not, the salon or spa may have a kit that will be used only on you.
• Make sure foot baths are clean. If a previous customer with an infection has used a foot bath and it’s not properly cleaned between customers, your risk of getting what they had rises significantly. Pipe less foot baths are best, and never opt for bubbles or jets.
Not all places operate the same, and some can engage in practices that can cause you to contract a fungal nail infection or another nasty problem.
A pedicure carried out by a 'medical professional' is always best.
Barring that, however,
here are some tips on what to look for regarding best pedicure practices:
• Are their tools sanitized? Make sure that the salon/spa correctly sanitizes all their metal instruments and uses clean/ disinfected tools for each customer.
Liquid disinfectants (Barbicide or similar) provide the best sanitation. The use of UV light for sanitation is sometimes permissible, but we don't recommend going anywhere that only uses that.
• There's no need to be intimidated by bringing your own tools. Any non-metal tools are for one-customer use only. Always. If you have your own files and other equipment that you can sterilize at home, you should not feel awkward about bringing them in, asking that they be used. If not, the salon or spa may have a kit that will be used only on you.
• Make sure foot baths are clean. If a previous customer with an infection has used a foot bath and it’s not properly cleaned between customers, your risk of getting what they had rises significantly. Pipe less foot baths are best, and never opt for bubbles or jets.
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