How do I find a clean nail salon or spa in my area?

To minimize the risk of another infection, You can check with the state board of cosmetology to see if there are any complaints against an establishment. You may also check with the Better Business Bureau. Often you can run these checks online. To insure you're safe, make sure your salon follows the following procedures and inspect everything prior to your service. Here are a few safe guards that can help you in the future. Prior to your visit go to the salon and briefly meet the nail tech and ask questions about safety and sanitation. They should have all implements kept in a proper sanitation solution. Clean equipment should be kept separate from used equipment and should not just taken out of a drawer. Ask if you can supply your own equipment if they do not have disposable single use equipment. Observe how they clean the pedicure chairs between uses. It should not be just a wipe out with a spray. The disinfectant must be run through the jet system.

In addition, Review the following key points:

As previously discussed, bring Your Own Tools to the Salon. It is a Spavelous idea to purchase your own nail tools, both steel instruments (make sure that you keep them clean and sanitized) and non-metal tools like pedi stones and pedi files.

Have your cuticles pushed back not cut. Your cuticles naturally protect your nail bed from bacteria. It is best that cuticles are pushed back with an orange stick with its tip covered in a piece of cotton. Orange Sticks should be disposed of after each use. They should not be sharpened and used on another guest.

Do not allow credo blades, razors, callus graters and cuticle cutters to be used during a visit. These implements can cut skin allowing bacteria to enter.

Inspect the Salon. Look around the salon. If there are signs of lack of cleanliness like dust, debris or nail clippings on the floor ,that's a warning sign that cleanliness is not important to them. Check for the salon's license, which should be posted on the wall along with the technician's licenses.

Inspect Sterilization Techniques. Many salons use UV sterilizers, they are a small white electrical box with a lamp inside, to sterilize tools. These do not kill bacteria. The best way to sterilize tools is with an autoclave or disinfectant labeled "tuberculocidal." Disinfectant is the turquoise-colored water in glasses . They should have these at every station and put metal implements in it between use. If you're really concerned about sterilization, ask to see the bottle the disinfectant comes in and make sure it's properly labeled.

To locate spas in your area check www.spavelous.com