May 25, 2022
Tips to Ensure Your Perfect Pedicure
Sinking into a pedicure chair may be the ultimate act of pampering, but pay attention to a few key details if you really want well-groomed feet.
Treat Yourself To Safe Pedicures
Itching to get a pedicure before your ocean-side vacation? We know you want to treat yourself to a pedicure at your favorite salon, but you may be treating yourself to more than just a colorful set of nails. Infections, fungus, and ingrown toenails are common byproducts of pedicures at salons that rush to “sanitize” tools before their next client. Know what to avoid next time you go to prevent experiencing health issues after your favorite self-care ritual.
Pick A Salon With High Standards
Check them out. In preparation, we recommend you check your salon’s ratings and make sure the facility is licensed to sterilize used products. You can also check with your salon and see if they allow you to bring your own tools to your appointment if you wish.
Look. Check for general cleanliness around your salon. Are the floors swept and free of dust and debris? Are the counters spotless, with used tools kept separate from clean ones? Are cleaning supplies visible and close to technicians? Are salon bathrooms neat, free of trash and sanitized regularly? If the answer to these questions is no, chances are product and tool sanitization aren’t happening either. If that’s the case, it might be time to pick a new salon.
Shape up. Don’t let the pedicurist snip or file your nails more than a tiny bit down the sidewall – cutting too much can cause ingrown nails. Technicians usually ask if you want your nails to be round or straight, and podiatrists recommend cutting nails to the shape of the nail to mirror the cuticle’s natural curve.
Make Sure the Fabulous Foot Bath Isn’t a Germ Pool
Footbaths tend to be a bacteria-prone piece of equipment, meaning fungal infections can be introduced through small cuts and scrapes on your legs. This concern becomes even more heightened if you have diabetes. We know that a relaxing footbath is a significant part of the pedicure experience, so make sure that your salon replaces the footbath liners for each new customer.
Don’t shave beforehand. A vital tip many people forget is that you should never shave your legs 24 hours before receiving a pedicure. Newly shaved legs can have tiny nicks or cuts scattered about that aren’t visible, leaving you susceptible to infections, bacteria and viruses. Your best solution is to wait and shave your legs after your appointment. Since your technician should be wearing gloves, those prickly hairs won’t be a bother.
Soften calluses carefully. Calluses and corns are hardened skin that can crack and hurt if they get too thick. During a pedicure, don’t let the salon technician use a razor on your feet, as razors increase infection risk.
Voice Your Concerns
There’s a straightforward way to verify your salon’s cleaning methods: ask. If you have doubts about how tools are handled, the team’s training, licensing or general salon upkeep, there’s no harm in asking the store manager or your nail technician for more details. Listen closely to their answer and make sure these cleanliness tips are mentioned:
- Tools sanitized between each use with autoclave, steam, or sterilizers
- Footbaths are thoroughly cleaned with hot and soapy water after each use, NOT at the end of the day, and sterilized with a cleaner immediately after washing, with a new liner used for every client
- Employees wash hands with soap and water after handling each customer, as well as perform hand hygiene before using new gloves and after removing them
Cover Your Bases
Use a clear base coat first. But, if your discolored nails are also thick, brittle or curled, you may have a fungal infection. Skip the polish and head over to your doctor’s office instead.
Extra Tip: Bring along flip-flops to wear home, so you don’t have to stuff your feet into shoes. Remember, never walk around a salon barefoot.
With the tips mentioned above, you can continue to enjoy your salon pedicures safely and proudly display healthy feet and toenails all summer long!
How Coryell Can Help
If you have any concerns about your foot health, our new podiatrist, Dr. Rebecca Bari, DPM, would be happy to see you. Call us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment at (254) 865-2166.