Salon Pedicure Safety

Pedicures should not lead to health problems, but unsanitary conditions can expose a salon client to infection. The possible diseases that a salon client can be exposed to include nail fungus, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and staph infection. Most infections acquired from pedicures are due to contaminated foot baths.

In the United States, states regulate the sanitation practices of nail salons. Some previously used practices are now banned by government regulations. The use of razors during pedicures is now considered too risky. Cutting cuticles is also considered a high risk practice as it can expose the client to infections.

A new client should consider asking the staff of the salon to disclose their sanitation practices. If the salon practices fail to meet the client’s expectations, a client should search for a salon that meets those expectations.

When entering a nail salon, there are some clues about the sanitation that are readily apparent. Though a dirty nail salon is a clear warning sign, overall cleanliness does not guarantee that the salon is safe.

A responsible nail salon disinfects the tools and the foot tubs and their filtering components between clients. Recommended sanitary practices for nail salons include the use of hospital-grade disinfectants. Filters for whirlpool foot tubs are typically recommended to be soaked in disinfectant for ten minutes after each use.

Items that are disposable should be thrown away after use. Nail files, foot files, and pumice stones should never be used on more than one client. Towels should never be reused on different clients without being washed. If a client witnesses the reuse of these items or signs of intention of reuse such as placing a used nail file in the drawer, they should deem the salon unsanitary and go elsewhere for their pedicures.

A pedicure should not risk the clients’ health. With proper sanitation practices, the risk of infection is minimal.