{"id":2396,"date":"2026-09-08T05:24:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T05:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-best-nail-salon-near-you\/"},"modified":"2026-09-08T05:24:28","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T05:24:28","slug":"choose-a-nail-salon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/choose-a-nail-salon\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose the Best Nail Salon Near You"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Published: September 2026 | Reading Time: 12 minutes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most people choose a nail salon on price, proximity and how the finished sets look on its social media. Those are reasonable filters, but they miss the one thing you cannot judge from a photograph: whether the tools touching your skin have been properly cleaned between clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide covers the licences worth looking for, what dermatologists actually advise you to check, the tool and footbath questions that matter most, what a good salon will refuse to do for you, and the signs worth leaving over.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-table-of-contents uagb-toc__align-left uagb-toc__columns-1  uagb-block-nsqtoc10      \"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-scroll= \"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-offset= \"30\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat&#8217;s in this guide\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__list-wrap \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#start-with-the-licences\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Start With the Licences<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-dermatologists-tell-you-to-check\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">What Dermatologists Tell You to Check<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#how-to-ask-the-tool-question-properly\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">How to Ask the Tool Question Properly<\/a><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#the-three-second-version-of-this-check\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">The three-second version of this check<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#footbaths-deserve-their-own-check\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Footbaths Deserve Their Own Check<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-a-good-salon-will-refuse-to-do\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">What a Good Salon Will Refuse to Do<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#ventilation-and-the-smell-test\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Ventilation and the Smell Test<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#skill-menu-and-price\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Skill, Menu and Price<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#red-flags\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Red Flags<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#once-you-find-a-good-one\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Once You Find a Good One<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#sources\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Sources<\/a><\/ul><\/ul><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start With the Licences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nail technicians and salons are licensed at state level, generally through a board of cosmetology or barbering. Two separate things are usually involved: the salon&#8217;s own establishment licence, and each technician&#8217;s individual licence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most states require these to be displayed where clients can see them, so the first check costs you nothing but a glance at the wall. The AAD&#8217;s own guidance for choosing a salon puts this first too, advising you to confirm the technician has the necessary experience and licence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If nothing is displayed, ask. If the answer is vague, that is your answer. Your state board&#8217;s website will also let you check whether a licence is current, and in many states it records disciplinary action against salons as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Dermatologists Tell You to Check<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The American Academy of Dermatology publishes manicure and pedicure safety guidance, and it is refreshingly practical \u2014 a list of things any client can observe or ask about without needing expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Are the stations clean?<\/strong> If the salon does not appear clean, the AAD&#8217;s advice is simply to move on.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Ask how they clean their tools.<\/strong> Not whether \u2014 how. The question itself is normal and a good salon answers it easily.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Does the technician wash their hands between clients?<\/strong> Watch for it before you sit down.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Are dirty tools visible anywhere?<\/strong> Implements sitting out unwrapped between clients tell you how the place runs.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Are pedicure footbaths and filters thoroughly disinfected?<\/strong> The filter is the part most often skipped.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The AAD also offers a solution for anyone who goes often: buy your own set of tools and take them with you. It removes the cross-contamination question entirely, and most salons are perfectly happy to use them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-nsqimg01 uagb-is-root-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/manicure-tools-and-drill-bits.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of manicure implements and electric file drill bits laid out for use\" class=\"wp-image-2393 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/manicure-tools-and-drill-bits.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/manicure-tools-and-drill-bits-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/manicure-tools-and-drill-bits-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/manicure-tools-and-drill-bits-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Ask the Tool Question Properly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Do you sterilise your tools?&#8221; invites a yes. A better question is &#8220;what happens to these between clients?&#8221; \u2014 because it asks for a description rather than a reassurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What you want to hear falls into two categories. <strong>Single-use items<\/strong> \u2014 nail files, buffers, wooden sticks, pumice \u2014 should be new for you or kept as your own, because porous materials cannot be properly disinfected. <strong>Reusable metal implements<\/strong> \u2014 nippers, pushers, clippers \u2014 should be cleaned, disinfected and ideally sterilised, and should arrive at your station in a sealed pouch that is opened in front of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-info-box uagb-block-nsqib100\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-content\"><div class=\"uagb-ifb-title-wrap\"><h3 class=\"uagb-ifb-title\">The three-second version of this check<\/h3><\/div><p class=\"uagb-ifb-desc\">Where did the file come from, and where does it go afterwards? If it came out of a drawer of used files and goes back into it, that file has been on other people&#8217;s nails. A salon that hands you a new file, or keeps yours in a labelled bag, has already answered the harder questions too.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The electric file deserves the same question. Its bits are reusable metal and need the same treatment as nippers, and a bit that goes from client to client unwashed is exactly the kind of detail a busy salon skips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Footbaths Deserve Their Own Check<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have pedicures, this is the highest-stakes hygiene question in the salon, and the AAD singles it out: footbaths <em>and their filters<\/em> need to be thoroughly disinfected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The concern is not theoretical. Research published in the CDC&#8217;s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal documented mycobacteria in nail salon whirlpool footbaths, which is why the plumbing and filters behind the visible bowl matter as much as the bowl itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two practical responses. Ask what happens between clients and how often the filters are cleaned \u2014 a salon with a routine will describe it. And consider a salon using disposable liners or pipeless bowls, which remove much of the problem by design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One more from the AAD, and it surprises people: do not shave your legs before a pedicure. It creates a risk of infection. Shave at least 24 hours afterwards instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-nsqimg02 uagb-is-root-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/technician-using-an-electric-nail-file.jpg\" alt=\"Nail technician using an electric file during a manicure appointment\" class=\"wp-image-2394 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/technician-using-an-electric-nail-file.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/technician-using-an-electric-nail-file-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/technician-using-an-electric-nail-file-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/technician-using-an-electric-nail-file-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What a Good Salon Will Refuse to Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a more revealing test than anything on the price list, because it means turning down work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cut your cuticles.<\/strong> The AAD advises against cutting or forcefully pushing back cuticles, because they protect the nail and surrounding skin from infection. Gentle pushing is fine; cutting is not.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Cover up a nail problem with artificial nails.<\/strong> The AAD warns this can make the problem worse rather than solving it.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Apply artificial nails over a suspected fungal infection,<\/strong> or on nails that are already very brittle \u2014 the AAD advises avoiding artificial nails in both situations.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Work around an obvious infection, cut or open skin<\/strong> rather than telling you to see a doctor first.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>File hard enough to hurt.<\/strong> Pain or heat during filing is information, and a good technician stops when you mention it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A salon willing to say &#8220;we should not do that today&#8221; is protecting you at the cost of its own booking. That is worth more than a loyalty card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ventilation and the Smell Test<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walk in and notice the air. A strong chemical smell that makes your eyes water suggests the extraction is not keeping up, and the FDA&#8217;s guidance on nail products specifically includes ensuring good ventilation when they are used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good signs are unglamorous: source-capture extraction at the stations, real airflow rather than a scented candle masking it, and technicians wearing masks when working with acrylic. This matters more for the people who work there all day than for you on a monthly visit \u2014 but a salon that has invested in it has thought about more than the finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skill, Menu and Price<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once hygiene is settled, the rest is about matching the salon to what you actually want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Look at their work, not their stock photos.<\/strong> Recent posts of real clients, ideally with the technician credited, tell you who to book with.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Match the specialism.<\/strong> Sculpted acrylic, intricate art and natural-nail care are different skills; the guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/gel-vs-acrylic-nails\/\">gel versus acrylic<\/a> covers which suits what.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Ask about removal.<\/strong> Whether they will remove another salon&#8217;s work, and what it costs.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Check what &#8220;extra&#8221; means on their menu.<\/strong> Shape, length and art are commonly priced separately \u2014 our <a href=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/manicure-cost\/\">nail salon price guide<\/a> sets out the usual ranges.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Ask about their fix policy.<\/strong> If a nail lifts within a few days, does it get repaired free, and within what window?<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Booking and timekeeping.<\/strong> A salon that runs 40 minutes late every visit is a salon you will leave eventually.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-nsqimg03 uagb-is-root-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-src=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/nail-polish-display-in-a-salon.jpg\" alt=\"Shelf of colourful nail polish bottles displayed in a nail salon\" class=\"wp-image-2395 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/nail-polish-display-in-a-salon.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/nail-polish-display-in-a-salon-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/nail-polish-display-in-a-salon-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ypages.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/nail-polish-display-in-a-salon-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/800;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Red Flags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No licences displayed,<\/strong> and vagueness when you ask.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Files and buffers pulled from a communal drawer<\/strong> rather than opened new.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Implements sitting out unwrapped<\/strong> between clients.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Irritation at the question<\/strong> of how tools are cleaned.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Cuticles cut as standard,<\/strong> without asking.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Filing that hurts or generates heat,<\/strong> and a technician who carries on when told.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Overwhelming fumes<\/strong> with no visible extraction.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Willingness to work over an obvious infection.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Prices that only appear at the till.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You are allowed to leave. Walking out of a salon before an appointment is far cheaper than the alternative, and the AAD&#8217;s own advice on an unclean salon is exactly that \u2014 move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Once You Find a Good One<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Book with the same technician. They learn the shape of your nail beds, what your nails tolerate, how fast you grow out and what lifted last time. That accumulated knowledge is worth more than any product on the shelf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between visits, the AAD suggests applying a moisturiser to your nails after polish is removed. And tell your technician what happened since your last appointment \u2014 what lifted, what broke, what stained. Good technicians adjust, but only if you tell them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-nsqfaq10 uagb-faq-icon-row uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-true uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height     \" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ypages.us\\\/blog\\\/choose-a-nail-salon\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What should I look for in a nail salon?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The AAD advises checking that the technician has the necessary experience and licence, that stations are clean, that the technician washes their hands between clients, that no dirty tools are visible, and that pedicure footbaths and filters are thoroughly disinfected. It also says plainly that if the salon does not appear clean, move on.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do I ask about tool hygiene without being awkward?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Ask what happens to the tools between clients rather than whether they sterilise them, since the first invites a description and the second invites a yes. Porous items like files and buffers should be new or kept as yours, and metal implements should arrive in a sealed pouch opened in front of you. The AAD explicitly suggests asking how tools are cleaned.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Should I bring my own nail tools?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The AAD suggests it for anyone who visits salons frequently, as buying your own tools to be used at the salon removes the cross-contamination question. Most salons will happily store them for you in a labelled bag. It is a low-cost solution to the check that is hardest to verify from the chair.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Are pedicure footbaths risky?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"They are the part of a salon that most needs proper cleaning, and the AAD specifically says footbaths and their filters should be thoroughly disinfected. Research published in the CDC's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal documented mycobacteria in nail salon whirlpool footbaths. Ask about the routine, and consider salons using disposable liners or pipeless bowls.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why should I not shave my legs before a pedicure?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The AAD warns that shaving before a pedicure creates a risk of infection, because freshly shaved skin has tiny openings. It advises shaving at least 24 hours after the appointment instead. This is one of the most commonly missed pieces of pedicure advice.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Should a salon cut my cuticles?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. The AAD advises against cutting or forcefully pushing back cuticles, because they protect the nail and surrounding skin from infection. Gentle pushing back is a different thing from cutting. It is entirely reasonable to say no when you sit down, and a good technician will not argue.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I get artificial nails if my nails are damaged?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The AAD advises against using artificial nails to cover up a nail problem, since they can make it worse, and against artificial nails if you are prone to fungal infections or have very brittle nails. A salon that declines the work and suggests you see a doctor is doing the right thing rather than losing your business.\"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-nsqfaqa1 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">What should I look for in a nail salon?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The AAD advises checking that the technician has the necessary experience and licence, that stations are clean, that the technician washes their hands between clients, that no dirty tools are visible, and that pedicure footbaths and filters are thoroughly disinfected. It also says plainly that if the salon does not appear clean, move on.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-nsqfaqa2 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">How do I ask about tool hygiene without being awkward?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Ask what happens to the tools between clients rather than whether they sterilise them, since the first invites a description and the second invites a yes. Porous items like files and buffers should be new or kept as yours, and metal implements should arrive in a sealed pouch opened in front of you. The AAD explicitly suggests asking how tools are cleaned.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-nsqfaqa3 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Should I bring my own nail tools?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The AAD suggests it for anyone who visits salons frequently, as buying your own tools to be used at the salon removes the cross-contamination question. Most salons will happily store them for you in a labelled bag. It is a low-cost solution to the check that is hardest to verify from the chair.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-nsqfaqa4 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Are pedicure footbaths risky?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>They are the part of a salon that most needs proper cleaning, and the AAD specifically says footbaths and their filters should be thoroughly disinfected. Research published in the CDC&#8217;s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal documented mycobacteria in nail salon whirlpool footbaths. Ask about the routine, and consider salons using disposable liners or pipeless bowls.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-nsqfaqa5 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Why should I not shave my legs before a pedicure?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The AAD warns that shaving before a pedicure creates a risk of infection, because freshly shaved skin has tiny openings. It advises shaving at least 24 hours after the appointment instead. This is one of the most commonly missed pieces of pedicure advice.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-nsqfaqa6 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Should a salon cut my cuticles?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>No. The AAD advises against cutting or forcefully pushing back cuticles, because they protect the nail and surrounding skin from infection. Gentle pushing back is a different thing from cutting. It is entirely reasonable to say no when you sit down, and a good technician will not argue.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-nsqfaqa7 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Can I get artificial nails if my nails are damaged?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The AAD advises against using artificial nails to cover up a nail problem, since they can make it worse, and against artificial nails if you are prone to fungal infections or have very brittle nails. A salon that declines the work and suggests you see a doctor is doing the right thing rather than losing your business.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aad.org\/public\/everyday-care\/nail-care-secrets\/basics\/pedicures\/manicure-pedicure-safety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Academy of Dermatology \u2014 Manicure and Pedicure Safety<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wwwnc.cdc.gov\/eid\/article\/11\/4\/04-0936_article\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases \u2014 Mycobacteria in Nail Salon Whirlpool Footbaths<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/cosmetics\/cosmetic-products\/nail-care-products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">US Food and Drug Administration \u2014 Nail Care Products<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This article covers choosing and assessing a salon. If you have a nail infection, a persistent nail problem or a reaction to a product, see a dermatologist or your doctor.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to choose a nail salon: the licences to look for, what dermatologists say about hygiene and tools, the footbath question, what a good salon will refuse to do, and the red flags.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2392,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"normal-width-container","site-content-style":"boxed","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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