Ahhh pedicures….a relaxing treat and perfect way to get your feet sandal ready. But before you head to your local salon and sink your toes in a footbath, check out some helpful reminders that can keep you safe. If you’re not careful, your tranquil pedicure could turn into a nasty infection.
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Skip the shave. You should avoid shaving your legs 24 hours before getting a pedicure. Shaving makes you more susceptible to nicks and cuts, which may allow bacteria a way in. If you have broken skin or open sores, wait until they heal to get a pedicure.
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Check the license. Nail technicians should be licensed by their state governing board, most commonly the board of cosmetology. The technician’s license should be displayed in their station.
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Do a clean sweep. Check out the salon and make sure it is clean. Ask the technician if they clean their instruments and equipment. Specifically, ask if the instruments are sterilized or just disinfected. Preferably use a salon that uses autoclaving sterilization. Also, make sure the foot bath is pipe-free or uses individual bath liners to avoid coming into contact with bacteria from previous patrons. And don’t hesitate to ask your technician to wash their hands or to wear gloves before working on you.
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Non-metal tools are for you only. Don’t allow the technician to reuse disposable items on you. These include nail files, foot files, buffers, toe separators, pumice stones, and orangewood sticks. You may even consider bringing your own tools so you know they are not contaminated.
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Don’t allow razor-edged tools to be used. Calluses can be removed using a pumice stone or foot file. You may also consider avoiding cuticle sticks or allowing the technician to cut or manipulate your cuticle. When this protective layer is cut or removed, it is easy for bacteria and fungus to enter, which increases the risk of infection.
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Tell your technician if you have certain medical conditions. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV, neuropathy, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, can increase the risk of infections. Some medications can also raise the risk, including chemotherapy agents and blood thinners. Patients with these conditions should exercise caution before getting a pedicure.
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The experience should be pain free. It should be relaxing, not painful.
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Be an early bird. Try to schedule your appointment first thing in the morning, when instruments and footbaths are typically the cleanest.
Now that you’re armed with some useful safety tips, head on over to BCA’s Directory for a list of nail salons. Or you can leave a review about your salon experience. We want to hear from you.
Do you have a salon or similar business? Increase your exposure by advertising with BCA through our Sponsored Listing program and check out our membership benefits to help your business grow. Details can be found on our website or call our Membership Department at 800-834-1119.
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Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a non-profit company that started in 1928. The broad purpose of BCA is to promote business self-regulation. BCA's mission is achieved by assisting consumers in resolving complaints with businesses and using that complaint information, along with other relevant information such as customer reviews, to forecast business reliability. With community support, BCA can identify trustworthy and ethical businesses and warn the public to avoid unscrupulous businesses whose purpose is to defraud the marketplace. BCA also helps businesses promote themselves by providing services and tools to protect their business and reach out to their customers. BCA obtains its funding from member businesses who support the mission and purpose of the organization and who agree to abide by high standards of ethical business practices.