Shop Talk: How safe is your pedicure?

How safe is your pedicure??

During the spring/summer months pretty peep toe pumps and flirty flip flops are a must. For women polished pedicure's go hand and hand (or foot and foot in this case). But how safe is your pedicure?


While you are relaxing those tired, aching feet in the water, have you ever stopped to think about the safety risks. I'm pretty sure one time or another, the thought has crossed your mind but you sit there stare down at the blue water and hope for the best.

Although unsanitary practices crossed my mind, never in a million years did I think that a pedicure could be dangerous until I watched a 20/20 documentary about nail salons in the US and watched in horror at scars that were left on the legs of women who fell victim to unsanitary pedicures. In most cases the women and men needed weeks of antibiotic treatments but some required surgery to reduce the appearance of scars.

I then thought about the nail salon that I visit religiously every 3 weeks, and suddenly a knot in my throat told me that it's very possible that the "quick rinse" that my nail lady performs before my pedicure was not clean at all. To confirm my suspicions, I returned to the nail salon to observe while getting a fill for my nails.

On a busy Saturday afternoon I sat and watched at least 2 turn around cycles of clients getting pedicures. Vietnamese as my first language, I could understand all the hustle and bustle of  the nail technicians asking each other who's client was next to sit in the "whirlpool massage chairs" and if the chairs had been cleaned. They would then spray the tub with an "unknown" solution, wipe it down with a sponge, the total process? Less than 2 minutes. I was terrified, not an expert in correct sanitation procedures, even I knew that there was no way it could have disinfected properly in those 2 short minutes.

I went home to google some ways to reduce my risk of bacterial infections and blood borne illnesses while receiving services at the nail salon. I'm sharing these suggestions to everyone, hoping that one day there will be a strict sanitation plan put in place for ALL nail salons!

1) ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS! The first thing I would ask my nail technician is "How are your implements sanitized or disinfected?" If for one second, she hesitates or has to ask someone, that should be a clear sign that there is NO sanitation plan or she has not been trained.

2) Bring your own emery boards, toe separators, and buffers. These items should be thrown away after each use. Some salons will reuse them to cut down overhead cost. Some salons these days will provide a new set for each client, either storing them at the salon or letting clients bring them home.

3) Ask the pedicurist to remove the filter and disinfect it before she fills the foot spa with water. I'm sure that they will be less than thrilled about your request, but if they want your business, they will do it. Better yet, choose a salon that uses removable basins or bowls, old school but clean!

4) If the person doing your pedicure is not wearing gloves, ask her/him to wash their hands before putting them in your water.

The pedicure process should be a pleasant experience and most importantly CLEAN!! Spread the word, and let's keep our toes and feet fabulous!  

Shine Nail Bar
110-8228 Westminster Hwy
Richmond, BC
604.284.5022