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Customer Information

If you are a salon/spa operator or manicurist/pedicurist go to manicures/pedicures for operators

Manicures/Pedicures

What are manicures and pedicures?

A manicure is a beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands; a pedicure is a beauty treatment for the toenails and feet. Both men and women get manicures and pedicures to improve the look and feel of their hands and feet.

How are manicures and pedicures done?

Nail technicians use different kinds of tools, creams, oils, waxes and massage methods to trim your cuticles and clean, shape and polish your nails.

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What are the health risks?

Since manicure and pedicure tools can become contaminated with bacteria, fungi and blood-borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, it is important that proper procedures be followed.

How can I protect myself?*

Before you consider a manicure or pedicure, be sure that you don’t have a skin or nail infection. You could easily spread the infection to your nail technician or other clients.

Lower your chance of infection by checking and asking about:

The shop/spa and staff

  • The shop should be well-lit, clean and tidy.
  • All of the nail technicians should be trained, professionals.
  • Ask your nail technician about his or her experience and background.

Emery boards, toe separators, flip flops and pumice stones should NEVER be shared between you and another client. New disposable items should be used for each client and discarded after each client.

The equipment and procedure

To protect you from infection, your nail technician should:

  • Wash his or her hands with soap and water and wear gloves if appropriate. Hand-washing is mandatory: wearing gloves is NOT a substitute for hand-washing.
  • Wash your hands or feet with soap and water before your manicure or pedicure.
  • Clean and disinfect tools like scissors, nippers and clippers before he or she starts your manicure or pedicure.
  • Use a razor blade only once. Make sure a new blade is used on your calloused skin.
  • Clean and disinfect your foot bath before starting your pedicure. First, your nail technician should wash and rinse your foot bath. Then add and circulate disinfectant for at least 10 minutes before you place your feet in the bath.

What can I expect after my manicure or pedicure?*

See your doctor if:

  • The skin around your nails develops pus.
  • The skin around your nails or on your hands and feet becomes red and inflamed.

*Source: WebMD




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Revised: Wednesday July 19 2023

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