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WHAT TO KNOW AND LOOK FOR WHEN HEADING
OUT TO THE NAIL SALON

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR AT MY NAIL SALON?

ASK TO SEE THE LICENCE OR CERTIFICATE SHOWING QUALIFICATIONS

Always look for a certificate or license and ask to see one. This should be displayed in the salon area and visible for everyone to see.

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WHAT MY NAIL TECHNICIAN SHOULD ASK ME

During a consultation, your nail technician is looking to understand your needs, preferences, concerns, and health issues you may have, and to get that info, it’s all about the questions we ask:

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* Did you experience any allergies or sensitivities to any products?

* Are you diabetic?

* Do you have any health/medical issues that could affect your nails?

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* Have you had professional nail services before?

*What kinds of products and services have you had?

* What is your lifestyle/routine like?

* Do you work with your hands often, have them in water a lot, etc.?

* What are your nail goals (i.e., achieving longer, stronger nails; looking polished and

     professional; etc.)?

* How much time are you willing to spend on nail appointments (length and frequency)?

 

ASK HOW THE TOOLS ARE STERILIZED

All stainless steel reusable tools should be hand washed in liquid disinfectant and sterilized using a UV sterilization unit or high-temperature nail salon tool cabinet. Tools should be put into a sterile, sealed bag until used.

 

CHECK OUT THE PEDICURE AREA

All footbaths are to be washed after every use with hot soapy liquid disinfectant after each use and left to soak for 10 minutes. It is then emptied and sprayed with a sanitizing solution and wiped clean before the next use. Nail infections are so easy to transmit in foot baths.

 

LOOK IN THE MANICURE AREA

The manicure area must be completely wiped down and disinfected after every client. When a client has their nails filed the nail dust spores could carry contamination for the next client. There should be an allocated disinfecting time between each client. Clean towels are to be used for each client, and all disposable items are to be discarded. Sanding bands on electric drills are to be removed and discarded after each client, and the electric drill should be sanitized; this can also carry nail dust spores and can easily contaminate the next client.

 

ACRYLIC & GEL NAILS

Your nail technician and the client should sanitize hands before each service, and your nail technician should also wear gloves before getting started. 

 

CUTICLES

A client should always be asked if they require cuticles to be trimmed. Cuticles prevent infection in your nail bed and should only be trimmed by professionals, as bacteria can enter and cause serious nail infections. Usually, people prefer the cleaned-up cuticle look; if you do not want them trimmed, ask them to be pushed back.

 

PROTECTION

Gloves should always be used during service, and masks should be offered, especially when using an electric due to the dust spores in the air. 

 

CAN YOU PICK UP INFECTIONS OF NAIL FUNGUS AT SALONS?

** YES ** When you cut, file, or trim your cuticles, there's a risk of bacteria and fungi getting in under the nail. These microorganisms can lead to nail infections, which are quite common. Nail fungus, for instance, can be picked up from various places such as swimming pools, gym floors, the outdoors, or even from someone in your family. To avoid such infections, it's important to make sure that your manicurist uses clean, sanitized equipment at all times. When using nail drills, new and sanitized drill bits are to be used for each client. Additionally, new sanding bands are to be used with each client. All unsanitary drill bits or reused sanding bands can spread infections such as MRSA, Hepatitis, and nail infections. Sanding bands cannot be sanitized or reused and are to be discarded after every use.

 

HOW WOULD I KNOW IF I HAVE A NAIL INFECTION

Fungus loves to grow in warm, moist places, especially under nails. Fungus given the chance to grow in the nail can become a fungal infection, often leading to a common problem. It is often ignored because it may not cause any discomfort, although it can show a progressive change in quality and colour. Some signs may include white or yellow patches and streaks, sometimes turning brown or green. Lifting of the nail from the skin, thickening, appears bumpy and has ridges, maybe crumbly debris underneath. Bacteria can cause the infection; you may notice redness, swelling, pain, or pus in the skin surrounding the nail.

 

HOW ARE NAIL INFECTIONS TREATED

Don't Panic and Don't Be Embarrassed.

A nail technician is not certified to take care of nail infections and should be referred to a professional such as your doctor or dermatologist. They are more common than you think. A diagnosed nail fungal infection may need an antifungal treatment as nails can grow slowly. It can take months to clear up although you may still be able to wear nail polish, but you should not wear artificial nails. Artificial nails can create an environment that allows fungi and bacteria to grow if not applied correctly. If you obtain a toenail fungus, try not to wear shoes without socks. Purchase an over-the-counter antifungal powder or spray to treat your shoes, so you don’t re-infect yourself. An inflamed bacterial infection may need to be drained around the infected area and a recommendation of warm soaks and an antibiotic ointment.

 

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A SALON IS CLEAN AND FUNGUS-FREE?

You actually can’t tell just by looking! Salons must adhere to stringent health regulations. There are regulations to be licensed and certificates need to be displayed for each individual working in the salon., Importantly you can, however, look at customer reviews online and ask to see the certifications.

 

HELPFUL HINTS

  • Proper hygiene and regular inspection of your hands and feet are the first line of defence against fungal infections

  • Always make sure your feet are clean and dry, which can resist disease.

  • Wear shower shoes when possible if showering in public areas.

  • Change socks and shoes where possible more than twice a day.

  • Ask for help if you suspect a fungal infection and don't be embarrassed

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Orangeville
(519)217-1698

nailit1968@gmail.com

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