What to Look For In a Salon
It is important to keep concerns over skin infections in perspective. Serious problems from skin infections are relatively rare, and statistics show that nail salons are far safer than hospitals, athletic facilities, workout clubs, dormitories, schools, and a host of other public places. In addition, all the salon needs to do is take a few simple precautions to ensure your health and safety.
Individual states require procedures to disinfect tools and spa basins. Regal goes much further, requiring its franchise salons follow procedures that are more rigorous than the strictest state regulations in the U.S. We hope you choose a Regal Nails salon for your next pedicure or manicure, but wherever you choose to go, we want you to stay healthy and safe.
For this reason, we've provided the list below of important things to look for to ensure the salon is using the most hygienic practices.
When you Enter the Salon
- Is the salon clean? If not, leave and find another salon. This includes general appearance as well as work tables, spa chairs and spa basins.
- Is there adequate ventilation? Your comfort while breathing is the best indicator.
- Make sure your technician is licensed. All technician and salon licenses must be posted.
Before the Service
The pedicurist should examine your feet and ask questions about your health before putting your feet in the spa. This is to spot any potential skin problems and learn if you have any underlying health issues that could put you more at risk. People with diabetes, poor circulation or weakened immune systems, for example, are at higher risk and should get clearance from a doctor before a pedicure.
Pedicure spas - before you sit down for a pedicure, make sure the technician thoroughly cleans the spa between each client. Do not be afraid to ask your technician about the cleaning routine (how they clean the spas and how often). Cleaning generally includes taking off fittings, washing all parts, and running a disinfectant through the system for a period. Disposable liners are a plus. Also make certain the technician has cleaned the chair with a disinfectant.
Manicurists and pedicurists should wash their hands thoroughly before working with a client's hands or feet. Pedicurists should also wear gloves.
During the Service
Products
A pedicurist should never directly touch any cream or lotion in its container. This is not an issue if the product is pumped or poured out. Anything in a jar, however, requires a sterilized or disposable spatula stick (or something similar) to get the product out.
The technician should use a freshly laundered or disposable towel for each client.
Buffing blocks and nail files should be single use only.
Any porous tools, such as emery boards and buffing blocks, are single use only. Ensure you are the first and only client to contact the tool. Once used, the file or buffer should be thrown away.
Tools
All metal reusable tools, drill bits or implements must be cleaned, disinfected and sterilized, before use.
All Regal Nails salons are required to use an autoclave to sterilize all implements. An autoclave is the same device used for surgical instruments in hospitals. Autoclaves use pressurized steam to kill all bacteria, fungus and viruses.
Tools go into the autoclave in a sealed disposable pouch. The technician should open a pouch of freshly sterilized tools in front of you. If not, ask the technician to do so.
NEVER allow anyone to use a razor tool, called a credo blade, on your feet. These devices are unsafe, even if a fresh blade is used on each client. There are many safer methods to remove calluses and rough skin. Credo tools are illegal in many states (and are banned in all Regal Nails and Regal Nails, Salon & Spa locations).If your technician tries to use a credo blade, or even suggests it, leave the salon.
Sources:
International Pedicure Association
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