Nail Salons

Nail Salons and Sanitation

One of the first aspects to check in nail salons is the sanitation practices. Neglecting proper sanitizing procedures can result in the harboring of bacteria and spreading of infections, viruses, or fungus. Look for:

• Proper hand washing or sanitizing
• Surfaces disinfected between clients
• Use of fresh nail files and orangewood or birchwood sticks for each client
• Any metal instruments that are used should be thoroughly sanitized before use and between clients
• Clean towels for each client

Checking that the salon and nail technicians have proper licensing is also a good idea. Manicurists should also have appropriate state licensure.

Atmosphere and Customer Service

In addition to a clean environment, nail salons should have a knowledgeable, friendly staff. You should be treated courteously and professionally at all times.

The atmosphere should be comfortable and have adequate lighting. A waiting area should be available for customers.

Services Offered

Basic Services

Look for a salon that offers the services you need. Basic services offered by most salons include manicures and pedicures. Nail enhancements such as application of nail tips, acrylic nails, or gel nails are also offered at most salons. Polish changes and nail fills are usually standard as well.

Full Service Salons

Full service nail spas or salons may offer additional treatments and services as well. These may include:

• Specialty manicure and pedicures
• Silk wraps and fills
• Sculpted nails
• Nail repair
• Nail art
• Nail decals or designs
• Air brushing
• Microdermabrasion hand/foot treatments
• Exfoliation and paraffin treatments
• Essential oil treatments
• Nail conditioning

Additional services a nail salon may offer include massage, facial treatments, reflexology, aromatherapy, hydration therapy, waxing, and tanning. Many places are also incorporated with full beauty or hair salons.

Nail Care Advice from a Salon

Good nail salons will provide home nail care tips and offer proper nail care advice. Your nail technician should be able to answer your nail care questions and advise you on nail products.

Pricing

Nail salon pricing varies widely. Walk-in salons and basic services will be less expensive than upscale, full-service salons and specialty treatments. Basic manicures and pedicures and polish changes are among the least expensive treatments.

Nail enhancements, intricate nail art, and specialty hand and foot treatments will be higher in cost. Depending on the services you need, it may benefit you to get a package rather than individual services.

Location

Look for a nail salon that's close to your home or work and that provides the services you need. For help finding one, ask for reccomendations fro co-workers, neighbors, and friends. Or, visit salon locator sites like Find a Beauty Salon and Beautysalons.com.

Men's, Teen's, and Children's Services

Nail salons increasingly offer services for men. A male or sport manicure provides a man with well-groomed nails and adds to professional appearance.

Teen manicures and nail treatments are also popular. Nail services for teen girls can help them look their best and give them confidence. It can also help them learn proper nail care.

Some spas and salons offer Little Miss or children's manicures. These are typically simpler and less costly. This can be a fun mother-daughter outing or a special treat for a little girl.

Your Home Salon

Creating your own home salon is good for virtually anyone. You'll have on-hand the supplies to take care of your nails properly in between salon trips. For those whose time and budget constraints prevent them from frequenting nail salons on a regular basis, doing home nail care can keep your hands and nails looking beautiful.

Supplies

To create your own home nail spa, you'll need:

• Fine grain nail file
• Orangewood or birchwood stick
• Nail clippers
• Nail buffer
• Nail brush
• Hand cream
• Non-acetone nail polish remover
• Cotton balls
• Nail antiseptic or witch hazel
• Cuticle oil or conditioner
• Base coat
• Nail color
• Top coat
• Ridge filler, if necessary
• Bowl of warm water, with essential oil if desired
• Pumice stone for pedicures
• Clean towel

Home Manicures and Pedicures

• Put on some soft music, light a candle or two and lay out a towel. Remove old polish and clip nails if necessary. File nails as desired, filing down in one direction and buff away ridges in the nails. Massage hand cream into hands and around nail. Soak hands and clean nails.

• After hands are dry, push cuticles down softly with the orangewood or birchwood stick. Applying a nail antiseptic or witch hazel at this point helps remove any residue that would prevent nail color from adhering.

• If you want polish, apply the base coat and follow with nail color. Apply more coats to achieve desired color intensity, letting polish dry between each coat. Apply a top coat and allow nails to dry thoroughly before resuming activity.

• Follow similar steps with a pedicure, adding a gentle exfoliation of calluses with the pumice stone after soaking. Place cotton balls or separator in between toes to keep polish from smudging.