Nail Salon Secret You Wishes You Knew

For some individuals, having a manicure or pedicure at a nail salon is the perfect way to unwind. In fact, many individuals appear to agree, as Americans spent almost $9 billion on manicures and pedicures in 2017. Part of the reason so many of us spend so much money having our nails filed, polished, and painted by professionals is that we don’t know much about nail care. We’d much prefer leave it to the professionals.

If you want to get the most out of your next trip to the nail salon, it’s a good idea to brush up on your knowledge. Many things your nail technician is probably keeping to themselves, whether it’s for your physical health or their mental well-being. Here are the nail salon secrets you should know, from how to properly care for your cuticles to what materials you should carry with you.

Don’t let anyone cut your cuticles when you go to the nail salon

Many nail salon patrons are unaware that cuticle trimming is detrimental to your nails. That skin, in reality, has a role. Cuticles protect the skin around your nails from infection. When you trim or cut your cuticles, bacteria and other germs have an easier time getting inside your body and causing an illness. Request that your technician merely press your cuticles back, leaving the skin alone the next time.

Allow no one to shave your calluses at the nail salon

Especially if you’re using a credo blade. If a nail salon offers to use this instrument to shave your callus, it’s time to choose a new one. The credo blade, which is prohibited in New York and many other states, has a history of ripping up clients’ feet to the point of life-altering calamities. One lady in North Carolina, for example, nearly lost her leg last year after contracting strep from a credo blade pedicure.

Callus shaving, in addition to putting you at risk for a variety of illnesses, is also unproductive, according to podiatrists. Those calluses will develop back until you alter your footwear.

Always use a nail file instead of clippers

Despite the fact that nail clippers are readily available at any drug shop, you should instead use a nail file. Clippers are more likely to cause breakage than a file, which provides you more control. An emory board is used to get perfectly formed nails. If you must cut your nails, soak them in water first to make them less brittle and susceptible to cracking.

When going to nail salon, always carry your own flip flops

Another item to share that isn’t hygienic? Footwear. To reduce their exposure to dangerous microorganisms, travelers should bring their own flip flops. Unfortunately, some salons may not provide you with a clean pair of slippers for your pedicure, so bring your own.

The majority of salons lack sufficient sanitization technologies

An autoclave is the be-all and end-all when it comes to sterilizing. This machine, which kills germs with heat and high pressure, is commonly used in research labs to clean equipment and disinfect waste. Only a few jurisdictions, such as New York and Texas, compel nail shops to utilize autoclaves. Salon owners are reluctant to get one if they don’t have to because the equipment is pricey. Ask the salon how they sterilize the instruments your technician is using to ensure they have been thoroughly cleansed. It’s not good enough unless it’s done in an autoclave.

Be cautious of concealed toxins

Visitors to nail salon should always be cautious of possibly hazardous substances in nail products. The presence of a potential endocrine disruptor in nail lacquer marketed to women and young girls is quite concerning. Even more concerning is the fact that their bodies absorb this chemical very fast after applying a layer of polish. To prevent any chemicals, we should use paraben-free nail products, which are devoid of the most prevalent compounds that are known to harm the nails and surrounding skin.

UV bulbs are not without risk

If you’ve ever wondered if the intense blue UV lights used during your gel manicure may cause cancer, the answer is yes. The UV exposure from a manicure every two weeks is unlikely to significantly raise the risk of skin cancer. To reduce the risk of carcinogenesis and photoaging, researchers propose wearing physical blocking sunscreens or UV-A protective gloves.

Before getting a pedicure at nail salon, avoid shaving

To avoid their technician touching their hairy legs, many people shave their legs before getting a pedicure at the nail salon. However, doing so may expose minor scratches and nicks on your legs, increasing your risk of infection. Before getting a pedicure, we recommend avoiding shaving for “at least” 24 hours. After all, you’re probably more conscious of your leg hair than your technician.

Inquire about rates right away

Some salons may not advertise their whole menu. Others may offer a cheap price to entice you in, then charge you more for things you assumed were common. To avoid this occurring to you, make sure to inquire about all prices before taking a seat. When you recognize the plan and decide to leave, you don’t want to be trapped paying more than you can afford or being left with half-finished nails.

Artificial nails should be used cautiously

No salon employee will refuse you fake nails if you want them. However, you should be aware of the potential consequences of these prosthetics on your real nails. They can make your nails brittle, dry, and thin. If you do decide to use them, the AAD suggests using a soak-off gel polish instead of an acrylic. Because of its enhanced flexibility, the former is gentler on your nails and less prone to cause nail bed cracks.

Between visits, apply cuticle oil

Even the most disfigured hands and feet may be made to look fantastic by nail professionals. However, you may make their job much simpler by following their recommendations in between consultations. The co-founders of waterless nail salon Varnish Lane, Carrie and Lauren Dunne, advise their clients to apply cuticle oil in between appointments. They say it’s especially crucial in the cold to “keep your nails healthy and moisturized.” Apply the oil at night for optimum benefits, or keep it on hand and use it during the day.

Conclusion

If your nail technician is wearing a mask, don’t be afraid; they are only protecting themselves. You should really urge them to wear one. Please feel free to forward this message to your family and friends. If you’d like to get more relevant nail information, please subscribe to Selective Nails & Beauty Spa blog.