Nail Salons
As acrylic and UV gel nails become more and more popular, many beauty and nail salons have opened in recent years. How can the consumer choose a good nail salon providing a great service along with a pleasant atmosphere and reasonable price? Just pay attention to these essential points:
Cleaning
It may be obvious that you are unlikely to get a sanitized service in a dirty place. However there are some more subtle details that will give you the hint on whether a nail salon is really safe. You should only have your nails or enhancements applied in salons where every workstation is clean and neat.
Make sure your nail technician observes the required sanitation practices. First, all tables and towels must be cleaned off and disinfected between clients. Every client should be attended to with freshly washed linens. Both you and your technician should wash your hands well. Make sure that every disposable item is in fact disposed of and replaced by fresh nail salon supplies and ask your technician how instruments or nails salon equipment are disinfected. Do not have your nails applied there if you are not satisfied by the technician's responses.
Value for Money
Make sure that you know exactly what the price of the service includes and how they charge for those services. Do they charge “a la carte” or all-inclusive? Do they charge extra for fast/dry, top coat or nail polish? Tell your technician or talk to the nail salon owner if you are not happy with the service you received.
Home Maintenance
Get some information on how your nails must be maintained between nail salon visits according to the type of enhancement or artificial nail you are about to have applied.
Use of MMA
Most nail salon products have a characteristic odor, which is not necessarily harmful for you during your short visit. Beware of salons where the typical odor is too strong. Their ventilation system may not be up to par and the concentration of vapors and filing dust may cause some breath disorders.
If this worries you, do not hesitate to ask your nail technician about the way they ventilate the place to minimize their effects and also ask if they are using any products containing MMA. If you are not comfortable with the response you get, ask to see the bottle. Remember that it is your own health that may be at risk.
Use of Nail Drills or Electric Files
Although they are generally safe, the client shouldn’t feel any burn or pain when nail drills or any other piece of nail salon equipment is used correctly. Otherwise, tell your nail technician immediately. Remember that drills should be used only on artificial nails.
Only Visit Licensed Salons
Make sure both the nail salon and the technician are licensed to do the job. According to US law, the license must be displayed at the salon for everyone to see and a technician's photograph must be attached to it.
Make sure they use good quality nail salon products. Don't forget that products containing MMA have been prohibited by the FDA. Also get information about where the nail salon products used are bought.
There is specific nails salon equipment meant to be used for the job, such as swivel castles and wood laminate manicure tables, with several drawers and an ample hand-rest. Some manicure tables also have built-in electrical outlets, racks for placing polishers or vents.
Additionally, every manicure table should be supplied with an electric dryer for full nail polish drying. Pedicure spas consisting of a padded chair and foot spa to soak the client's feet before service are advisable and also technicians' stools to allow for comfort while attending to a client. They should be adjusted to a good height for both client and technician.