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Pedicure Safety Awareness for the Consumer
There are observations that you can make when entering a salon / spa to help determine pedicure safety, but it is also important to ask the person that does your pedicure some questions. If you are not comfortable with either, you might consider another facility.
Consumer Pedicure Guidelines:
1. Is the pedicure area, pedicure thrones ( whirlpool ), and salon / spa clean?
- If it looks dirty, find another salon / spa. Don’t forget to examine the bathrooms. The way the bathrooms are kept, can give an indication of the cleaning habits of the overall establishment.
2. Are the nail technicians/pedicurist licensed?
- All states except Connecticut require licenses for nail technicians, and most states require that both the salons / spas and nail technicians license be displayed for clients to see. In some states, a recent inspection report by the state cosmetology commission inspectors, should also be posted.
3. Is the pedicurist part of an organization such as the International Pedicure Association, whose sole mission is to promote safer and quality pedicures through education and support? In addition, do they have a designation, such as certified master pedicurist, where they have taken extra training and an examination process beyond their licensing? Look at their displayed certificates, and ask them if you don’t see any.
4. Does the pedicurist examine your feet and ask you a few relevant health questions, with documentation, in order to clear you for a pedicure?
- This should be done, before your feet are put in the whirlpool. If you have any problems with your feet, or any health conditions that you feel might have an effect on doing a pedicure, please make your technician aware. Sometimes, the pedicurist will recommend that you see a podiatrist or family doctor, if they recognize a condition, and have this treated before doing a pedicure.
5. Ask the pedicurist how they clean the pedicure tub ( whirlpool), and how often.
- Each state has their own regulations for whirlpool cleaning. Since the whirpool can be a major source of the spreading of contagious conditions, it is very important that proper whirpool cleaning be observed. In addition, manufacturers have cleaning guidelines for their equipment.
6. Does the nail technician use obviously clean implements that are disinfected after each client ?
- Thorough washing and disinfecting of all tools with soap and water and a liquid disinfectant should be performed after every use. Ask how ( and how often ), the tools are disinfected. Look at the solution the tools are in and observe whether or not it is clean and that the instruments are properly fully submerged. Are instruments and supplies that cannot be disinfected such as certain files, orangewood sticks, gloves and other items disposed after every client?
7. Is your pedicurist using the proper tools for your pedicure?
- Many states do not allow certain instruments such as a credo blade (a razor type cutting tool ), to be used. It may even be a good policy for you to check with your state cosmetology board for you to know what the rules and regulations are regarding implements.
Additional General Recommendations for nail salon / spa safety:
- Consumers should not shave their legs or have any open wounds on the legs or feet before the pedicure. Shaving the legs, especially the day of a pedicure, may produce very small nicks in the skin that can allow bacteria to enter during a whirlpool, and can be a source of infection.
- Manicurist/pedicurists should wash their hands with soap and water before touching a clients hands/feet. It is also recommended that a pedicurist use gloves for both the clients and their protection.
- Drill bits should be disinfected after each client
- The salon / spa should have adequate ventilation and air cleaning equipment.
- A freshly laundered towel or new disposable towel with polyback lining should be used on each client.
- Some states are now requiring instruments for pedicures to be sterilized which is the highest level of destroying bacteria, fungus, and viruses. For example, starting on March 1, 2006 Texas now requires sterilization in addition to sanitation and disinfection.
Following these guidelines and recommendations will help give the consumer a safer pedicure. Sometimes, more effort and education by the pedicurist may be required in order to accomplish this , and may be reflected in the cost. But isn’t your safety and piece of mind worth it?
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