Reducing Risks - Pedicurists

In this section I will detail one of the most important factors that determine if you are going to have a good pedicure session or one that is sub-standard and probably with a higher inherent risk to boot. It is my opinion that you can tell a lot about the treatment that you are going to have based on the appearance and generally style of the pedicurist.

The very first thing that you should do is when you enter a pedicure nail salon is to observe the pedicurist actions on other pedicure customers. This is the same treatment that you will have and thus is vitally important that you gauge that risks that are present. The very first thing that you should be noting is the treatment of the pedicure instruments. All instruments should be wiped over with the appropriate disinfectant before and after use. All laundry (e.g. wipe towels, towels over chair) must be clean and changed for each client. Check for the pedicurist’s intervals of washing his/her hands. Each treatment should be followed by the thorough hand wash.

Additionally you should also look at the waste management habits of the pedicurist. There should be a separate “sharp items” disposable area which is generally a metal receptacle where all sharp items are disposed of. All cotton wool, tissue and general waste should be disposed of hygienically.

You should also look at how the pedicurist handles lotions and moisturizers. After use all lids must be replaced and screwed back to its original position. Spatulas must be used at all time when removing lotion or moisturizer from the receptacle. This is to ensure that that lotion doesn’t become the breeding ground for microorganisms if it is touched by the human hand which may at that point contain many hundred types of pathogens.

The next step is to actually observe the personal appearance of the pedicurist. Generally speaking, a clean decent looking pedicurist will give the best service. Ideally, pedicurist should be wearing white. Check if the shirt of blouse is ironed. Hair must be clean, neat and tied back. Nails must be short, clean, well manicures with no varnish. Appropriate clean, flat full shoes should be worn. If a skirt is worn the tights of about the same color must be worn. No jewelry should be worn except a wedding band. Pedicurist should not have body odor or bad breath. They should not be chewing gum and lastly, underwear should not be visible at all times.