As we all know, nails are a staple of a well-rounded beauty routine. That’s why finding the best nail salon is so important.
Bisou excels in gel manicures and nail art that stays up-to-date with trends. Plus, its techs use Paragel, a Japanese technique that avoids buffing and over-manipulating the nails.
Cleanliness
There’s nothing like a relaxing manicure or pedicure to make you feel refreshed and pampered. But careless cleaning and improper sanitization of nail tools can be the source of serious infections, according to Luis Ostrosky, an infectious disease doctor at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. He says he sees two to three patients each year with severe infections that are presumed to have originated at nail salons.
While most nail salons follow sanitary practices, there are some that don’t. This is why it’s important to choose a clean salon that values your health and safety. A good place to start is by looking for a reputable salon with positive reviews and a focus on cleanliness. It’s also a good idea to ask about their sterilization and disposal practices.
Look for a salon that uses disposable gloves, sterilizes tools and disinfects all surfaces and equipment, including spa chairs. Additionally, look for a salon that uses autoclave, which is a high-pressure steam-based device that kills 100 percent of bacteria and viruses. You should also look for a salon that uses a color-changing pouch to indicate when the tools have been properly sterilized.
It’s also a good idea to check the state’s requirements for disinfecting tools. Most states require nail salons to use barbicide or UV light sterilization boxes for non-disposable tools. But, according to the APMA, these methods don’t completely kill germs. In addition, whirlpool footbaths (which are commonly used in nail salons) are filled with city water that can harbor bacteria.
A dirty salon can cause a lot of harm, from nail infections to respiratory issues. In addition to bacterial and viral infections, a bad nail salon can also be a breeding ground for mold and other pathogens. So, when choosing a nail salon, be sure to read the reviews and ask about their sanitization procedures.
A clean nail salon is worth the extra effort. In addition to being hygienic, it should also have good customer service. The staff should be friendly and attentive, and they should provide you with a comfortable and relaxing experience. The staff should also take the time to educate you about their services.
Hygiene
We all love a relaxing manicure or pedicure, but the reality is that nail salons are a potential germ hot spot. That’s because, if not properly cleaned and disinfected, nail tools can carry bacteria from one customer to another, and even cause infections such as fungal nails and hepatitis. Luckily, you can be proactive about choosing a safe and clean nail salon by doing a quick visual inspection and looking for some key hygiene indicators.
A few things to look out for include a dirty station, old nail clippings or dust on the tools and food wrappers or stains on the storage trays. These are all big red flags and can indicate that the nail technician isn’t paying attention to cleanliness or doesn’t prioritize it.
Another thing to watch for is the smell of chemical fumes. Artificial nails and nail polish remover both contain a number of harsh chemicals that can cause irritation, which is why good ventilation is so important. If the salon doesn’t have a good ventilation system, the toxins can build up in the air and cause immediate headaches, nose bleeds or itchy eyes.
The next thing to watch out for is a nail technician who doesn’t sterilize her tools between customers. “Nail files, buffers and pumice stones can hold and spread bacteria if they’re not disinfected before each use,” says Nam. Ideally, all nail tools should be sterilized with an autoclave machine, which is a medical-grade device that reaches the perfect temperature to kill any bacteria on surfaces and tools. This is much more effective than simply disinfecting the tool with disinfecting solution, which doesn’t necessarily kill all bacterial spores.
Lastly, make sure the salon you choose has an autoclave and that it’s used before your appointment starts. You should also ask the salon if they sterilize their tools before each customer, and if not, request that they do so before you start your service. If the nail salon doesn’t have an autoclave, they should be able to tell you that they use a high-quality disinfecting machine to sanitize their tools before each client.
Reputation
A trip to the nail salon can be a relaxing, pampering treat. But finding a spot that’s clean, focused on hygiene and has experienced technicians can be a challenge. There are a ton of red flags you should look for that can signal that a salon is not trustworthy.
A good nail salon will have positive reviews and a reputation for cleanliness. It will also offer a variety of services, including manicures and pedicures. But finding one that specializes in the type of nails you want is important. This will ensure that you are getting the best quality of service possible.
Paintbox is a Brooklyn-based nail salon that focuses on “mindful beauty” and is dedicated to promoting stronger, healthier nails. The spa uses only nontoxic polishes and polish remover and has a custom-designed HVAC system that recirculates fresh air throughout the day. It also sanitizes all tools and implements using a dry-heat sterilization system that the owner, who’s nearly eight months pregnant, personally checks daily.
While prices at this spot can be slightly higher than a traditional nail salon, the quality is worth it. The spot is clean, focuses on hygiene and has a great selection of polishes. Its employees are also very knowledgeable and can help you find the perfect color for your nails.
Tenoverten was founded by Nadine Abramcyk and Adair Ilyinsky to fill a void in the New York City market. The duo wanted to create a spot that would provide a relaxing experience for customers and a safe space for their technicians to work in. They also focused on providing fair pay and benefits for their team. They scoured the market for products that were more effective than traditional nail gels and dip powders, and they created an environment that was nontoxic and healthier for their customers.
The nail techs at this spot are known for their creativity and attention to detail. They can do any design that you’d like and they even have a line of their own nail polish that is fun and easy to use.
Customer Service
In order to find a salon that is clean, focused on hygiene, and has good reviews, you will need to do some research. You can do this by asking friends and family, looking at online reviews, or visiting the nail salon yourself. Some of these sites verify all reviews before publishing them, so you can be sure that you are reading real, accurate reviews.
When choosing a nail salon, it is important to look for cleanliness and customer service. You should always be treated with respect, and the staff should be willing to answer any questions you may have. In addition, the salon should have a wide variety of services available, and the prices should be reasonable.
It is also important to make sure the nail salon is licensed and certified. This ensures that the salon is following proper sanitation practices, and that all employees are trained in safety procedures. Ideally, you should avoid salons that have many negative reviews or complaints.
A good nail salon will be a place that is clean, safe, and offers a variety of services at a fair price. Often, you will get a better experience at a smaller, privately owned salon, than at a chain.
The best way to find a reputable nail salon is to ask for recommendations from friends and family. They will be able to tell you which places are clean and which ones have the best technicians. You can also look for reviews on websites like Yelp and Google, which will help you narrow down your options.
Another thing to consider is the nail technician’s demeanor. A great nail tech is professional and friendly, but she should not be overly aggressive. If a nail tech starts talking down to you or telling you how to do your nails, she should be removed from your appointment immediately.
It’s also important to remember that nail technicians rely on tips for a large portion of their income. It is considered polite to tip at the end of your service, and you should be prepared to leave a generous tip if the service was satisfactory.