How To Choose A Beauty Salon

Salons are not heavily regulated anymore, and hygene can be a serious issue! Apart from the fact that it's just *yuck* there can be some serious health repercussions!


Whenever you feel like spoiling yourself, the first thing that comes to mind is usually a beauty salon or spa (for me, anyway!) Unfortunately, these days there are so many salons out there that you never know what you are letting yourself in for! Salons are not heavily regulated anymore, and hygene can be a serious issue! So, let's have a look at how you can arm yourself against some "scaries!"

In my experience, the very first thing you should look for when you walk into a salon is whether there's a long queue of clients waiting for their treatment. Why? The more clients waiting, the more pressure on the beautician to get through with her current client which may lead to rushed, sloppy work, sore fingers, bloody cuticles etc. Beauticians that work under that kind of pressure tend to forget that there is a person attached to the body part that they're currently working on! She may be forced to work faster and therefor less carefully just to make her quota for the day.

Look for certification / diplomas of your beautician. If there aren't any visible, ASK HER where she studied! You have a right to know whether she is qualified! Also inspect her workstation. Obviously don't go in there with a white glove, but just look at it. Is everything in it's place? Did she clean up after her last client (clean towels, sterilised her tools etc?) And did she wash her hands? Cross-contamination is a huge problem, and can only be controlled through the correct hygiene practices! (By the way, you should wash your hands too!)

When it comes to pedicures, make very sure that the foot spa has been thoroughly washed out and sterilised between clients! Germs LOVE warm water, dead skin cells, hair etc. and WILL THRIVE and easily get "under your skin" and can cause lesions, rashes, boils, fungus infection, and the list goes on! This video below is probably worst case scenario, and I'm not trying to terrorise you into never having a pedicure again! But it CAN happen if proper procedures aren't followed!

If you nail technician doesn't ask you, be sure to tell her exactly what your needs are (I.E. everyday wearing, special occasion etc.) It is also important that you let her know if you're on any kind of medication, as this can affect the product negatively. Also let her know whether or not you've ever had any kind of problem wearing nail extensions before. Also make sure that you ask your technician how to maintain your nails at home to keep them looking good (Of course, the technician should volunteer this information!)

Does your nail technician use an electric file? If so, that's fine, but there's a few rules. Firstly, those files should not be used on your natural nail as it is far too easy to file straight through the nail plate, which will be very painful (even for days) and you will lose your nail! Electric files are best used for extensions, and manual files for natural nails. A buffer (if used carefully) may be used with an electric file on the natural nail.

With these tips in mind, you're at least better equipped at choosing a safe, suitable salon.