I Bring My Own Tools!
I Bring My Own Tools!
Just recently a friend of mine mentioned that she brings her own tools with her to the nail salon. I couldn't help it, but I cringed a bit and she asked me to explain my sour face.
Bringing your own manicuring tools isn't necessarily safer. In fact, you may not be doing yourself any favors. It is more likely that your personal tools are more unsanitary than salon ones. But how can this be??
After appointments, customers usually seal their tools (including non-cleanable files) back in the bag without sanitizing them, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria—even if it’s just their own. Or they decide that they will clean them when they get home. At home, you most likely do not have a hospital grade disinfectant, which is just one step of the required cleaning method. And once you wash the tool off, you most likely stick them right back in the same contaminated bag or box.
After each client, professional salons (discount salons are supposed to do this to, but usually do not) are required to scrub their tools with soap and water to remove debris, followed up by a (minimum) 10-minute soak in a hospital grade disinfectant and then another rinse. Other tools, like files and wood sticks are required to be thrown out.
If you’d still rather stick to your own tools, I suggest sanitizing them after each use by adhering to the same cleaning routine:
Have you decided now not to take your own tools? Then don’t feel shy about asking for proof of sanitation when you visit a salon!
Just recently a friend of mine mentioned that she brings her own tools with her to the nail salon. I couldn't help it, but I cringed a bit and she asked me to explain my sour face.
Bringing your own manicuring tools isn't necessarily safer. In fact, you may not be doing yourself any favors. It is more likely that your personal tools are more unsanitary than salon ones. But how can this be??
After appointments, customers usually seal their tools (including non-cleanable files) back in the bag without sanitizing them, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria—even if it’s just their own. Or they decide that they will clean them when they get home. At home, you most likely do not have a hospital grade disinfectant, which is just one step of the required cleaning method. And once you wash the tool off, you most likely stick them right back in the same contaminated bag or box.
After each client, professional salons (discount salons are supposed to do this to, but usually do not) are required to scrub their tools with soap and water to remove debris, followed up by a (minimum) 10-minute soak in a hospital grade disinfectant and then another rinse. Other tools, like files and wood sticks are required to be thrown out.
If you’d still rather stick to your own tools, I suggest sanitizing them after each use by adhering to the same cleaning routine:
- Scrub them with soap and water, then soak for at least 10 minutes in a disinfectant solution like Barbicide, which you can get at a professional beauty supply store.
- If you don’t live near a beauty supply store, she says regular old rubbing alcohol will also do the trick. Let the tools sit a bit longer though, and still only use them on yourself!
Never hesitate to follow up on proper sanitation before you get a manicure or pedicure. For one thing, most state cosmetology laws require that nail technicians use a new nail file and pumice stone for every customer. If a nail file looks old, always feel free to request a new one! Your nail technician will know why and should never question you or refuse to get you another.
You should also be aware that, should a tool be dropped or damaged during the appointment, each manicurist is supposed to have three sets of tools at the ready to ensure that there is another clean set, plus a second back-up set, at any given time. However, some nail techs, like myself only have one good set, so please be patient if we need to take extra time to make sure the tool is re-cleaned for you.
As for those pedicure thrones, in addition to making sure that the tub you’ll be soaking your feet in has been sanitized, it is also recommended that you ask your pedicurist to clean the bowl’s filter-screen, so that old debris doesn't contaminate your clean water. Newer pedicure thrones are much easier to disinfect than older ones, as they don’t contain built-in filtering systems—just tubs and drains. In older chairs, bacteria from the previous client could potentially still linger in the piping if the nail technician didn't take the time to flush the system.
As a client, it may be in your best interest to seek out a newly-established salon with the latest-style thrones, and to show up to your appointments early to ensure the tub you’ll be soaking in has been properly cleaned.
As always though, use your best judgement when going to the salon! All licensed nail technicians understand your need to feel safe and secure when getting any type of enhancement done, so always voice your concerns. If you are ever met with a refusal to re-clean or use a new tool, please decline the service. Your health and safety should always come first; Beautiful nails come second ;]
Should you have any questions or concerns about your experiences in the salon, please don't hesitate to ask me! Odds are, if you have a question, someone else has the same one and I would love to address it on the blog!
Be Radiant!
Amanda
As for those pedicure thrones, in addition to making sure that the tub you’ll be soaking your feet in has been sanitized, it is also recommended that you ask your pedicurist to clean the bowl’s filter-screen, so that old debris doesn't contaminate your clean water. Newer pedicure thrones are much easier to disinfect than older ones, as they don’t contain built-in filtering systems—just tubs and drains. In older chairs, bacteria from the previous client could potentially still linger in the piping if the nail technician didn't take the time to flush the system.
As a client, it may be in your best interest to seek out a newly-established salon with the latest-style thrones, and to show up to your appointments early to ensure the tub you’ll be soaking in has been properly cleaned.
As always though, use your best judgement when going to the salon! All licensed nail technicians understand your need to feel safe and secure when getting any type of enhancement done, so always voice your concerns. If you are ever met with a refusal to re-clean or use a new tool, please decline the service. Your health and safety should always come first; Beautiful nails come second ;]
Should you have any questions or concerns about your experiences in the salon, please don't hesitate to ask me! Odds are, if you have a question, someone else has the same one and I would love to address it on the blog!
Be Radiant!
Amanda
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