A fresh set of nails or a pedicure can certainly boost your confidence, especially when you’re gearing up for a significant event or a well-deserved holiday. However, experts have issued warnings that this beloved aspect of your beauty regimen could pose serious health hazards if proper protocols aren’t followed.
Brits shell out an average of £4.5k annually on self-care, making nail salons a staple in many people’s lives. However, questions arise about the cleanliness of the tools used and whether customer safety is truly a priority. Mariana Eidelkind, founder of Oblique House of Nails, has highlighted the potential dangers of unsterilised equipment at nail salons and offered advice on keeping safe during a manicure.
She warned: “Improper tool sterilisation is a serious concern because it increases the risk of transferring harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses from one client to another.
“When tools like nail clippers, files, and cuticle pushers are not adequately cleaned, they can carry harmful pathogens that may lead to infections such as fungal infections, bacterial infections, and even bloodborne diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.”
These infections might not show up immediately, making them even more dangerous as clients could unknowingly be at risk, reports Surrey Live.
In addition to the risk of infection, improperly sterilised tools at nail salons can cause cuts or nicks in the skin, creating gateways for harmful microorganisms.
It’s not always easy to spot if your salon is skimping on cleanliness, but expert Mariana has pinpointed some clear ‘red flags’ to be aware of.
She warned: “One of the most obvious is the use of visibly dirty or unclean tools. If your technician uses tools that are left out on the countertop, it’s likely that bacteria, dirt, and oils have accumulated on them.
“Clean, sterilised tools should be kept in sealed and sterile pouches until they are ready to be used.
“Also, check whether the salon uses single-use items, like nail files, buffers, or even towels. These items should never be reused across clients unless they are thoroughly sterilised in between.”
To keep extra safe, engaging with your nail technician and asking questions is key.
Mariana advised: “A lot of people feel rude or uncomfortable to ask about the salon’s sterilisation process, but a reputable salon should have no problem explaining how they clean and sterilise their tools.
“Ask whether they use an autoclave or medical-grade sterilising equipment, as these are the most effective methods for ensuring proper hygiene.
“As well as this, be aware of the general cleanliness of the salon. The station where your manicure is done should be clean and free of dust, debris, and leftover nail products.
“The technician should also wash their hands before starting your manicure and wear gloves to ensure hygiene.”
