After Labor Day, as we get back to work, we begin to focus on our appearance. Like a great new haircut or a terrific glow from a new skincare regimen, healthy, well-manicured nails are an integral part of a neat, well kept and put together appearance. In an effort to transform back into professional mode many any of us are planning a visit to the nail salon this week. Here are 5 helpful Salon Safety Tips to get your nails healthy, beautiful, and back to work!
1. Cuticle Oil Dropper vs. Brush - Cuticle oil must be dropped as opposed to brushed onto a client’s cuticles. Cuticle oil brushes are not sanitary to use on multiple clients because oils can easily harbor organisms such as bacteria and fungus.
2. Buffing Block – These tools can be miracle workers for buffing out superficial nail alterations or for polishing the nail to a beautiful shine but be careful that your nail technician is using the right grit for your nails! Buffing grits vary like sandpaper grades and many of the buffers out there are meant for acrylics and not natural nails. This is a one-time use item and should be used on only one client and then discarded! Porous buffing blocks can harbor organisms such as bacteria and fungus.
3. Orange Sticks – These harmless looking double sided sticks often have a sharp tip on one end that is used for cleaning under the nail and a blunt tip on the other end used for pushing back at the cuticle. Be careful with cleaning under the nail as a sharp object under the nail can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed. In salons these tools should be one time use only!
4. Hand Washing – This may sound obvious, but you might be surprised! Your nail technician should always wash his or her hands before and after attending to you.
5. Emery Board – This is a one-time use item and should be used on only one client and then discarded! Porous emery boards can harbor organisms such as bacteria and fungus.