Want a Summer Safe Pedicure and Manicure?

With today's economy, we all know how hard it is to keep those Spa appointments without feeling guilty or tapping in to your savings. Spa's can be expensive, although personally, I feel they are worth the money, not everyone can continue the cost of a Spa treatment. Spa's are generally a safe place to get your nails done and have a great serene atmosphere, but it does come at a price, so if you are tight on cash but need your nails done, here is a way to still get your hands and feet looking great, with little money and little worry of getting an unsafe Pedicure. You may not get the Spa atmosphere, but you'll still come out having a fresh Pedicure or Manicure for a fraction of the cost. Being a Nail Technician I know the worry some of us have with going to a "quickie" nail salon, so here is a safe way to get your nails done without the worry of infection or fungus.

First, I recommend bringing your own implements. Sally's Beauty Supply sells kits with all the amenities you'll need. For around 10.00$ you can buy a Pedicure/Manicure set with Nippers, Cuticle Pushers, Clippers and sometimes they will include a file. If not, pick a file off the shelf. Try to get a 100/180 grit. Those last and aren't too abrasive for natural nails.

Second, because many salons aren't great about sanitizing their tubs due to the quick turn over of clients, it is best to ask that the jets in your tub be left OFF. This is to stop any dirty bacteria from getting into your water. If the jets are not cleaned with bleach and ran for at least an 8 minute cycle, then whatever dirty water was in the tub before you, can be flushed right back into your water once the jets are turned back on. The bacteria from the pervious pedicure, stays in the tubes of the jets until it is flushed out.  Trust me when I say that you need not feel embarrassed to ask a nail technician to use your own implements. If they care about your health and safety, they will be happy to serve you with or without your own implements. This is your health, so don't be afraid to protect it. Carry your implements in a baggie and remember to take them with you after your treatment.When you get home, wash them with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush and let them air dry. Once they are dry, put them in the fresh baggie for future use. Files should never be shared but can be washed for your own use. It is recommended you disinfect your implements for 5 minutes in a disinfectant solution like Barbisol, ( also available at Sally's Beauty) with a 1 to 10 ratio of solution and H20.

No establishment in California within the Nail industry can EVER re-use any nail file on more than one person. They are not sanitizable by the laws of state board. If you ever do get your nails done without bringing your own implements, you must ask for a new file and avoid getting your cuticles nipped to prevent infection incase they are cut too close. Following these easy steps will assure you a safe and worry free salon visit.

Have a great Pedicure and Manicure experience and have a Happy Summer!