**Manicures & Pedicures : Being one of the most common beauty rituals can also be one of the most deadly!

When deciding on a nail salon make sure it is safe. Most people do not even realize that they can put their life in jeopardy everytime they get their nails are done. First when entering a salon ask if an autoclave is used to sterlize tools in between services. An autoclave is a hospital grade steam sterlizer like the one doctors and dentists use. Ask to see it. Is it clean itself.? Is it in a clean area away from trash and food? **If the answer is no take your business elsewhere**. Ask to see the bathroom. Is it clean? If not they are probably not consiencous about using their autoclave or don't even have one.  **Just because an establishment has one doesn't mean they know how to safely use it.** How are their tools stored after a service? They should be in a closed container, soaking in some sort of sterilizing solution. A trick of some salons is to use windex instead. It is cheaper and looks like the commonly seen solutions. Ask to see a bottle and make sure it is to be used for sterilizing tools that come into contact with blood. How do they perform pedicures? Make sure there is a plasic liner in the tub for soaking that is brand new each time. This is the safest way to guard against any fungus or trasmittable diseases ( such as Hep C & HIV). Now you are ready to sit down for your service. Make sure you see the tools used for your manicure taken out of an autoclave pouch. Pouches are usually paper on one side and a see thru plastic on the other and commonly light blue in color. Ask to see the date of sterilization (written or stamped on the bag) it should not be  more than  30 days ago. Then make sure they open the pouch in front of you so that you know the same tools you have seen are the ones being used on you. If they refuse to do this or make you feel uncomfortable about asking then they are not professional and you should take your business elsewhere.***Please do not be embarrassed that you are concerned with your own safety!!** Now you are ready to sit down and enjoy your pampering knowing that you are getting a truly professional and SAFE service !

I hope that this has been a helpful guide and that it has given you enough good information to make an informed decision on picking your nail salon!