A fresh set of nails or a pedicure is the perfect finishing touch to complete your look for a special occasion or an upcoming holiday.
However, warnings have been issued by experts indicating that this popular aspect of beauty regimes may present significant health hazards if safety measures aren’t followed.
On average, Brits spend around £4.5k annually on self-care, making nail salons a fundamental part of regular beauty care. The question is, how clean are the instruments being used in your local nail salon, and is your wellbeing really being taken into account?
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Mariana Eidelkind, Oblique House of Nails founder, has highlighted possible dangers linked to poor hygiene practices in nail salons and provided tips for customers to stay safe during their manicure sessions, reports Surrey Live.
She said: “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.”
She stressed that these infections might not be immediately visible, thus posing a hidden threat as customers could be unwittingly exposed to these perilous conditions.
Unclean instruments in beauty salons can lead to scratches or cuts in the skin, becoming gateways for harmful germs. It can be tricky to spot if your salon is neglecting cleanliness practices. However, expert Mariana shared some alarm signals to be aware of.
She explained: “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.”
Mariana also highlighted the importance of communication for maintaining personal safety.
She added: “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.”