I see and hear all sorts when it comes to salon hygiene – and not always the good stuff! When you book a beauty treatment, whether it’s a manicure, pedicure, facial or anything else, you’re putting your trust in someone to look after you properly. Sadly, not all salons and therapists take health and safety as seriously as they should. I wanted to share a few common bad practices to look out for, and also explain how I work differently to keep my clients safe and happy.
Reusing Nail Files
One of the worst offenders – and something I’ve seen far too often – is the reuse of nail files between clients. Nail files are porous, meaning they can trap bacteria and fungus. Sharing them between clients without proper sterilisation (which, let’s be honest, most nail files aren’t designed for) is a massive no-no.
With me, every client has their own personal nail file, kept in a named envelope. That’s your file and yours only! If you don’t book again within a year, I’ll bin it and make a fresh one for your next appointment. No cross-contamination, no guessing games.
Not Sterilising Equipment and Surfaces
I once took my daughter to a nail salon and was genuinely horrified – the staff weren’t wiping down the chair, the lamp, or even the work surface between customers. It made me shudder! Imagine how many sets of hands and nails had touched everything without a proper clean in between.
I sterilise everything between clients. You’ve probably seen the little tub of tools that I keep submerged in barbicide when I’m doing your treatments – it makes sure that no nasties are lurking when you sit down for your treatment. Plus, I always give my kit a thorough deep clean at the end of each day.
Towels – Fresh or Funky?
Another red flag is towels. Some salons don’t bother to swap towels between clients – seriously! It might sound like a small thing, but damp towels are a breeding ground for bacteria – and honestly, who wants to use a towel that a stranger’s just used?
If you’re in a salon, have a little look around – is there a laundry basket where used towels are going? Are staff bringing out clean ones? If not, I’d personally think twice about booking in again. I ask my clients to provide their own towels for their treatments, so you always know exactly where it’s been!
Foot Stones for Pedicures
If you love a spa pedicure (and who doesn’t?), beware of reused foot stones. Those pumice stones or files used to smooth out rough skin should never, ever be shared and can’t be sterilised effectively, just because of their nature. They’re full of microscopic skin cells and can easily pass on infections.
I use a brand-new foot stone for every single client. After your treatment, you’re welcome to keep it – or I’ll dispose of it properly. It’s the only safe way to do it.
Other Things to Watch Out For
A few more sneaky bad practices to be aware of:
- Double-dipping in wax pots – once a spatula touches your skin, it shouldn’t go back into the wax pot. Therapists should use a new spatula each time.
- Dirty nail brushes – these should also be thoroughly cleaned and sterilised between clients, not just wiped off and reused.
- Staff not washing their hands after each client – obvious, but still an issue in some places!
- Poor ventilation – especially in nail salons where strong fumes can hang in the air. Proper ventilation is essential for both your health and comfort.
- Expired products – old creams, polishes and gels can cause skin irritation and won’t perform as they should. It’s a risk that your therapist should absolutely not be taking with your health or the service they’re giving you.
Why I Do Things Differently
I’m proud to say that my clients’ health and comfort always come first. Being mobile means I’m in full control of my set-up, my equipment, and my hygiene standards. I invest in quality products, I follow strict hygiene protocols, and I take the time between appointments to reset properly.
When you book with me, you can relax knowing everything has been cleaned, sterilised or freshly replaced just for you. You deserve that peace of mind – and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
You can browse the treatments I offer here: Treatments and Prices, and then contact me to book your slot: Book Now
