Nail salons advice

[cherryblossomwoman]

I have never had my nails done at a nail salon, but would like to try.

However it always seems fishy to me that they use their tools on so many people. How can I be sure that they have cleaned their equipment? Should I ask any specific questions or are there any particular signs to look out for?

A friend of mine told me once that she brings her own set to the salon to avoid using their tools just in case they don't clean it properly. Is that something people do?

Also is it customary to tip the beautician after the treatment and how much?

Also, I want to treat my teen DD who has neglected nails... Would it be appropriate to bring her along? Has anyone done that?

Thanks

Its not customary to tip in uk atleast they make profit of of price which is why it’s quite high, just go to Someone with high ratings and high sanitary ratings, fine to bring dd of booked etc

Tip 15-20%

Re the hygiene - what is it you worried about? They are working on “dead” matter and not piercing your skin so not sure what you are concerned about? It’s not something I’ve ever really thought about in many decades of having my nails done

And yes lots of mum/daughter appointments - however it might be worth you both going in beforehand and work out what it is you want done as there’s so much variety: from a straight mani and polish with ordinary varnish, to BIAB , SNS, shellac, acrylics, nail art etc etc with varying levels of aftercare / repeat appointments

The salon I go to keep their tools in some kind of sterilising liquid. It is owned and run by a couple of local women and is definitely not a money laundering operation.

I'm new to getting my nails done. I'm nearing my mid 40s and started feeling frumpy and old andwanted to do something to make me feel good.
I just get gels done. If I have a pedicure they use a different pad to scrape the dead skin off my heels but the other bits for my actual nails - the metal tools like cuticle removers I assume are used over again and cleaned.
I've always had my gels soaked off before but apparently you xan have them filed /drilled off.
To all the experienced nail goers out there what do you have done ?

The salons I’ve used have always done soak (cotton wool in acetone wrapped with foil) then drill to get gel/SNS off

Thanks all for your replies. I actually made an appointment and went to get my nails done. I have to say, I was not impressed. I observed a technician who just did the toe nails of one person move on to the next customer without cleaning the tools at all (bleurgh). The technician who did my nails did clean the tools but she only rinsed them under running water - no sterilising solution in sight. Ugh - is that normal or did I pick a dodgy place?
@VanCleefArpels of course there is a chance you can be infected with cuticle cutters used on someone who has Hepatitis or HIV - if they accidentally nip the skin to the point where there's blood and if this happens to the next person as well - I guess you'd have to be really unlucky but it's not like it couldn't happen.

You can always ask them not to cut your cuticles! And whilst your scenario is indeed possible I think the chances are so vanishingly small it’s not something that would even enter my mind!