Dos and Don’ts of a Safe Pedicure

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Even if you’ve been getting professional pedicures for years, there may a thing or two you could learn about doing it better. By “better” we mean more safely. A safe pedicure is one that keeps your feet free from infection. There are lots of opportunities to pick up germs at a public salon. Follow these dos and don’ts for a healthy pedicure. 

DO go to a licensed nail salon. Look for a printed license to practice from the state of New Jersey. A certified nail technician at a licensed salon is your safest bet. 

DO watch your stylist to make sure he or she is using clean tools. Many salons have special bins for steady customers in which you may store your own personal tools. If you don’t take advantage of such a service, you can bring your own tools each time you go. When using the salon’s tools, notice where they come from. The technician should pull them out of an antiseptic fluid before using them on your feet.

DON’T let the technician cut your cuticles. Cuticles - the protective tissue at the base of your nail bed - stop bacteria and other germs from entering the body.  

DON’T shave your legs before you go. Small nicks in your skin are just perfect places for bacteria to enter.  

DO enjoy a pedicure on problem-free toenails only. DON’T use a pedicure to fix injured or crumbling nails and DON’T get nails polished just to cover up discoloration. Instead, visit board-certified podiatrists Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Dan Phan, and Dr. Joseph Saka at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center to eliminate problems like fungal toenails.

DO be vocal about what you want and what you’ll allow at the nail salon. If you don’t see a certificate to practice posted on the wall, ask where it is. If you’re not sure your tools have been cleaned, ask. They’re your feet and you have a right to a safe pedicure! 

For more information about keeping your feet healthy and happy, visit our website. We have two offices in Monmouth County with appointments available Monday-Saturday in Howell or Jackson, New Jersey. Call us at (732) 905-1110 or contact us online.