Getting a professional nude acrylic manicure and pedicure can feel like a real treat if you know where to go. However, the horror stories about bad salons leading to degraded nails or infections are a daunting obstacle to finding a good place to go. The following tips can help you choose a salon that performs excellent services in a clean environment.
Salon’s License Should Be Available
When you walk into a licensed nail salon, the facility’s license and inspection reports should be easily visible. This is required by most regulatory oversight agencies. Many nail salons display them on the front wall behind a register or check-in station. This shows you that they have passed inspection by the health department or other governing agency and meet current hygiene standards.
If a license is not on display, but you feel really good about other aspects of the salon or it comes highly recommended by friends and family, ask to see a copy. A reputable establishment will gladly comply with your request. Any hesitation is a sign that something is wrong, such as receiving a bad score on a recent inspection.
Individual Technicians’ Licenses Should Be on Display
In addition to the salon’s license, a copy of each tech’s credentials should also be on display. This may be in a central location or at each person’s individual workstation. It’s a good idea to verify the information against the person performing your services.
Simply knowing how to apply nail polish does not make someone a nail tech. It takes months of training to learn the proper techniques for nail care. Techs must learn about safety, equipment care and sanitation, and how to use typical salon products such as gel polish and monomer for nails.
Clean Looking Salon & Sanitized Tools
Nail safety comes from a clean salon that carefully sanitizes tools between uses. Otherwise, you run the risk of infection from a contaminated clipper or file. Take a quick look around when you walk through the door. First impressions aren’t everything, but they can give you a good idea of the cleanliness level of a business.
If you notice technicians sharing tools between clients or reusing them without using a sanitizer, take it as a red flag. You probably want to find another place to get your nails done.
Recommendations From Friends and Family
Asking friends and family where they go for nail treatments and how satisfied they are with the services is a great way to find a great salon. It is also a good opportunity to learn about some of the places they have tried and now avoid. If multiple people have stopped visiting the same place, there is probably a good reason.
Choosing a nail salon is easier when you know what to look for. Don’t be afraid to do some research on this topic, such as finding the best brand of gel nail polish or longest-wearing non-gel polish. Be sure to ask friends for recommendations, check for licensing, and pay attention to the brands they use to find a clean and professional facility.
