12 Things Your Nail Salon Doesn't Want You to Know

Just because there is no blood, doesn't mean you haven't been cut.

"Breaks in the skin can be microscopic or highly visible," says Dr. Spalding. They can either come in with the client via "cuts, scratches, hangnails, bitten nails, insect bites, paper cuts, split cuticles -- or be created in the salon," he says. "Nail techs using callus-cutting tools and nail nippers, files, cuticle pushers, and electric burrs and drills, can and do scratch and nick skin," sometimes drawing blood and sometimes not. On the off chance that you've ever had your nails recorded and it immediately feels "excessively hot in the corner for even a second," then you've had the surface layer of your skin broken - abandoning it open for disease.

On the off chance that you've ever had your nails recorded and it immediately feels "excessively hot in the corner for even a second," then you've had the surface layer of your skin broken - abandoning it open for disease.

All costs are not included

Some salons will try to keep certain added costs a secret, says Choi. They try and up charge you for "nail strengtheners or base coats" and won't tell you until it's time to check out, she says. A quality nail salon will incorporate all expenses in the publicized cost of the administration, says Choi. So make a point to inquire as to whether all expenses are incorporated before splashing your hands or feet.

They aren't talking about you

Some narcissists or paranoid customers might think that nail technicians are talking about them when they speak to each other in other languages across the room, but they aren't. Clearly they couldn't care less to impart to one another how beautiful your nail beds are or how net your enormous toe is. "As a rule, they for the most part chatter about their family and companions and the shows they observed the previous evening," says Choi.

Not all disinfecting solutions are 100 percent effective

"Some infective microorganisms are easy to kill [and] some are not," says the doctor. And unfortunately, he has seen "industry-wide confusion about the definition of the term 'sterilize.'"

He says many nail techs think their instruments are sterilized, when, in fact, they "have no clue," because not all disinfectant solutions are powerful enough to kill all viruses. Therefore, when nail techs aren't informed of costumers' pre-existing medical conditions, they don't know how to properly disinfect for particular viruses. "These are therapeutic circumstances," says the specialist, which nail trim and pedicure-authorized experts aren't prepared for - it's not part of their expected set of responsibilities and isn't their shortcoming as they may be "neither educated nor authorized to work in the vicinity of blood or to keep up a surgically sterile environment," says the specialist.

An autoclave is the only safe bet for sterilization

Many salons use Barbicide, UV light "sterilizer" boxes, or other chemical solutions to disinfect their tools, which is legal and standard, but not totally effective at killing all bacteria and infection. The only solution that works completely is an autoclave, a machine used to sterilize equipment and supplies using high pressure and steam, "which kills 100 percent of all infective organisms," says Dr. Spalding. In any case, right now, just two states (Texas and Iowa) require autoclaves in nail salons by law, which implies that "under one percent of salons" use them consistently, he cautions.

When you shave matters

You shouldn't shave before getting a pedicure, says Choi, as pedicurists do not care if you have hair on your legs. Likewise, shaving your legs makes you more inclined to contamination as recently shaved legs have open pores (and frequently modest scratches you can't see) that are defenseless to irresistible illnesses. So don't be careful about flaunting some stubble at the salon, she says

Some tools can't be sanitized

You can only put metal tools in the autoclave, says Choi. And as we stated before, only an autoclave kills a 100 percent of all bacteria and viruses. Nail salon apparatuses like pumice stones, emery sheets, nail cushions and froth toe separators should be swapped out after every utilization to keep the spread of microscopic organisms. That is the reason you're best off bringing your own - just on the off chance that the salon doesn't take after this practice. On the off chance that you see any white buildup on a nail record, it means it's been utilized on another person.

Footbaths aren't your friend

"Whirlpool footbaths," though seemingly safe, are filled with city water, which may or may not be free of microbes, says the doctor and are typically difficult to clean. Despite the fact that most nail salons sterilize their tubs, specialists for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention commonly discover microorganisms that could bring about bubbles and rashes in most as indicated by the "New York Times." And it's to a great degree difficult to bust these salons with having organism development, the greatest number of times salons aren't connected to the contaminations on the grounds that bubbles can take the length of four months after a pedicure to create.

You don't need your calluses removed

Many salons will try and talk you into callous removal, as it is usually an additional service and charge. But Skyy Hadley, big name manicurist and proprietor of the As "U" Wish Nail Spa, says it is not always necessary. "If you're an athlete then you should never remove your calluses as these actually help level your performance. In the event that you are not a competitor, you ought to have your calluses evacuated with a profound drench and clean once they turn out to be thick and uncomfortable," she says.

If you do opt for callous removal, always choose scrubbing or a chemical remover. Never permit your nail professional to cut or shave the skin off your feet. "Cutting is cutting," and "not recommended," says Choi. Not to mention, the more you cut, the thicker the calluses will grow back, she advises.

"Oh-My-God-What-Is-That?" Skin Emergencies

Should you burrow at it? On the other hand hurry to a derm? See photographs and healthy skin tips for delicate skin issues See skin crises

20 Life-Changing Hacks for Doing Your Nails

1. Line your nails with petroleum jelly or white craft glue before painting them for an easy cleanup.

If you're working on a nail look that's messy, use a cotton swab to rub petroleum jelly like Vaseline on the skin around your nails first. This creates a barrier between the polish and your skin so that after you've painted your nails, you can wipe off the Vaseline and any polish mistakes along with it.

Another way to prevent paint from drying on the skin around your nails is to paint around your nail with Elmer's Glue first, and let it dry. Then, paint your nails polish and peel off the glue when you're finished to clean up.

2. To prevent the tips of your painted nails from chipping, paint two basecoat layers: one on the top half of your nail and the second coat over the entire nail.

Paint the first layer of your basecoat polish on the top half portion of your nails only. After your nails have dried, paint a second coat of polish, but this time cover the entire nail as you normally would. This technique will help the polish on the tips of your nails — which are more prone to chipping — last longer.

3. Use a white nail polish as your basecoat to make your nail color pop.

Unless your polish is super opaque, the natural tint of your fingers will change the color of your polish. To get the paint's true color, add a layer of white nail polish first, and then go over it with your colored polish.

4. Paint your nail art designs on a plastic sandwich bag first, peel them off, and seal them on your nails with nail art glue or a clear topcoat for easy application.

If painting designs on your dominant hand is too difficult, try painting them on a plastic sandwich bag first. Paint a few thick coats of polish onto the plastic, and then add your design on top. After it dries, peel each design off the plastic, and adhere them to your nail with nail art glue or a clear topcoat.

5. Use paper hole reinforcement stickers as a guide for painting a half-moon mani.

Place the paper hole reinforcement stickers along the base of your nail, and seal it into place with a bobby pin or a nail art dotter tool. Paint your first coat on each nail along the stickers. Then one nail at a time, paint a second coat of paint, let it dry for a minute, and carefully remove the sticker. Use this tutorial for more tips on a half-moon mani.

6. Give your nails two-tone designs with tape.

After you've chosen two different polishes, paint one coat of the lighter polish on each nail, and seal it with a clear topcoat. After it is completely dry, apply two strips of tape over the tips of your nails so that they cross in the middle and create a point. Take the darker of the polishes, and paint a layer over the entire nail and on top of the tape. Let it dry for a minute, and then grab both ends of the tape and slowly peel them back at the same time for the finished look.

7. Use the tip of a pencil eyeliner to place tiny nail art accessories like rhinestones on your nails.

When your fingers or tweezers are too big to grab and place tiny jewels, use the tip of an eyeliner or lip pencil instead. The end of a pencil is tacky enough to grip the jewel from above and won't get in the way of your design.

8. Create a French manicure with ease by looping a rubber band around your fingertip.

Take a rubber band and tie it in the middle. Loop one end over your thumb to create tension on the band, and align the other end over the top of your nail and just below the edge to create the French tip shape. Use the edge of the rubber band as a guide, and paint the tip of your nail.

9. Mix loose pigments with clear polish to make a custom nail shade.

Pour a little bit of eyeshadow pigment into a spoon, and then add a little bit of clear polish to it. Mix it all together with a cotton swab, grab a brush, and try out your new color.

10. Create a marbled effect by using drops of swirled nail polish and a cup of water.

Choose an accent finger and tape underneath and around your nail to protect your skin. Next, fill a small paper cup with filtered, room-temperature water. Grab two different colors of paint and add drops of each polish into the cup of water, alternating paints each time. Once you've added a few drops, grab an open paper clip and swirl the layers together to create the design you want. Then, stick your finger into the cup with your nail facing the paint layer. Holding your finger in the cup for a few seconds, use your paper clip to gather the rest of the paint away from your finger. Pull your finger out of the water and clean up the edges for the finished look.

11. Make your nail polish dry faster by soaking your nails in ice water after painting them.

Fill a bowl with ice and water, and soak your nails for a few minutes after painting them. The cold water will set the paint and help your nails dry faster.

12. Spray nonstick cooking spray on your nails to help the polish dry faster.

PAM nonstick cooking spray also works as a quick-dry spray. Hold the can a few inches away, and spray your nails evenly. Wait a few minutes, and then wash the oily residue off your hands.

13. Fix a smudged nail by adjusting the polish with the tip of your tongue.

If you accidentally smudge almost-dry nails, try readjusting the paint with the tip of your tongue instead of your finger. Your tongue is just soft enough to fix the paint without leaving any imprints. Only use this tip only when necessary though, and try not to lick your nail polish too often.

14. Remove stubborn polish by soaking cotton pads in nail polish remover, wrapping them around your nails, and securing them with foil.

To remove stubborn or glitter nail polish easily, soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover, and place it on your nail. Wrap a strip of foil around the cotton and your figure, and squeeze to secure it. Leave the foil wraps on your fingers for five minutes, and then slide off the foil and cotton at the same time. Your polish will come off with it.

15. Paint white craft glue as a basecoat before painting coats of glitter polish for easy removal.

One way to make glitter polish easy to remove is to paint Elmer's Glue on your nails as a basecoat. Let the glue dry completely, and then paint over it with as many coats of glitter polish as you want. Whenever you're ready to remove your polish, peel back the glue and the glitter will easily come off with it.

16. Roll your nail polish bottle instead of shaking it to avoid air bubbles.

Hold the bottle between your palms and rub your hands back and forth to stir the polish without creating bubbles.

17. Loosen a stubborn nail polish lid by soaking it in hot water.

Place the nail polish bottle upside down in a cup. Fill the glass with really hot water just high enough to cover the lid but not high enough to soak the bottle of paint (hot water can tamper with the consistency of the polish). Wait a few minutes, remove the nail polish bottle from the glass, and then open the loosened lid.

18. Unscrew a tight lid by wrapping a rubber band around the handle for better grip.

Wrap a large rubber band around the top of a nail polish bottle before trying to open it. The rubber will provide a better grip for twisting.

19. Spread petroleum jelly around the lip of the bottle before closing it to prevent the polish from drying shut.

With a cotton swab, wipe a small amount of petroleum jelly into the ridges on the top of the bottle. This will make it easier to open the next time and prevent it from sealing shut.

20. Store your nail polish upright in a box with painted stickers on top to indicate the colors.

To keep your polishes organized, paint a strip of polish on an adhesive file folder label, punch out a hole, and stick the paint sample on the top of the nail polish bottle. Repeat this for all of your polishes, set them in a box, and store them in a cool, dry place.

Quick pedicure tips at home

1. Things you'll need :


 - A tub to soak your feet.
 - Crystal salt.
 - Nail cutter.
 - A cuticle stick.
 - Nail file.
 - Liquid soap.
 - Moisturising lotion.
 - Epsom salt.
 - Scrub.
 - Clean towel.
 - Nail polish.
 - Soothing music/book for light reading.

2. Ways to clean feet :


 - Remove nail polish.


 - Add a spoon of crystal salt and liquid shampoo to a tub of warm water. Soak your feet in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. While doing this you could relax with a book or enjoy some good music.


 - Pat dry your feet with a clean towel and cut the nails and shape your nails the way you want.


 - File the toe nails with nail filer.

 - Push the cuticle with the cuticle stick or orange stick.


 - After this, gently massage your feet with a scrub. Make your scrub by combining 1 tablespoon olive oil with 1 tablespoon raw sugar, chickpea flour (besan) or oatmeal. Soak hand towels in hot water and wrap them around the feet to seal moisture.


 - Now, use a pumice stone to exfoliate dead skin from the heels. Pour a few drops of liquid soap on to a foot brush/scrubber and rub on the heel until they are thoroughly clean.

 - Now wash your feet with clean water and pat dry your feet.


 - Gently massage your feet with a moisturising lotion.


 - As a finishing touch to the pedicure, apply your favourite nail colour on the toe nails and allow them to dry.

3. Daily maintenance :


 - Do clean your feet with a foot brush daily.


 - Change your scrubber/foot brush at least once in two months. Also do not share your foot brush with anybody to avoid bacteria buildup.


 - Give your feet a moisturising massage daily after bath and before you go to bed at night.


 - If you have a feet that are more prone to cracks, then do apply a medicated cream and sleep with socks on.