Photo: Ian Lishman / Juice Images / Corbis
You should pay attention to that
In terms of cleanliness, there are quite a few differences ... What to look for in a nail salon to really land on mani or pedicure professionals - and to catch any nail fungus. Here are the main features !
1. Hygiene seal
The regulations are strict: A health inspector checks the cleanliness on site. If the cleaning and disinfection guidelines specified by the Federal Water Protection Office are met, there is the hygiene seal. So, open your eyes - because you'll recognize a good studio at first glance.
2. Training certificate
"Just be curious, " advises Dana Böttcher, state-approved beautician and owner of the "Pretty Feet Spa" in Hamburg. "Ask everything that is important to you, because the beautician profession is not protected, there are many black sheep, ask about the training, and have the certificate show."
3. General cleanliness
Of course, treatment chairs and manicure tables should be picobello. But you can expect fresh towels, disposable nail files, cleaned and disinfected foot washbasin. And: before the pedicure, the washed feet should also be disinfected.
4. Disinfected devices
Okay, everything looks clean - but what about the work tool used again and again? Pliers, scissors, clippers must be chemically disinfected (with VAH * -coated cleaning agents) or sterilized (heated to 180 degrees) after every (!) Treatment. Only then is it guaranteed that bacteria are really killed.
5. Dress code
Of course, the professional clothing of beauticians does not have to be stylish, it does not matter. On the contrary, it is important to wear face shields and disposable gloves (prescribed by the hygiene office to protect against or in the case of injuries), that the outfit is clean and that the overall impression is maintained.
6. Treatment spectrum
Chiropody is not the same as pedicure! The offer ranges from "cosmetic" to "podological". The legislator has clear guidelines for the individual areas: the podiatrist performs a medical profession (also eliminates pain on the foot, costs borne by the health insurance), beautifies the beautician and nurses "only".
7. Paint protection
Beautiful nails look really chic "in color". But what about nail polishes with the risk of infection? "Do not worry!", Dana Böttcher gives the all clear. "First of all, paints have to be kept separate for hands and feet." And secondly, a specialist recognizes nail fungus - and then of course does not paint or only with the paint that the customer has brought. "
8. Precautions
Most of the time, you only take your shoes off at the treatment chair anyway. Otherwise you can get disposable flip-flops or bring your own. "Caution!" On the other hand, there is danger in the swimming pool, in the sauna, in the spa, even in carpets. Therefore: avoid walking barefoot, always wear slippers. Has it ever caught you, helps "Ciclopoli" of Taurus Pharma (pharmacy) against nail fungus, about 26 euros.
* VAH = Association for Applied Hygiene e. V.
