How safe is your manicure? The hidden health risks of unsterilised salon tools

In 2022, Oblique (South Kensington, London) was honoured with the ‘Safety in Beauty’ Diamond Award, recognising its dedication to the two most crucial aspects of the beauty world: Safety and Excellence. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Mariana Eidelkind has led the charge in sourcing the best beauty talent, with over 60 employees trained to the highest safety standards, serving over 10,000 clients to date. As a premium beauty concept, Oblique House of Nails allows clients to enjoy a manicure and pedicure simultaneously in just 90 minutes. Clients can also indulge in other treatments, including haircare, aesthetics, massage therapy and makeup services, at Oblique House of Hair and Oblique House of Aesthetics, all conveniently located within minutes of each other.

Why Are Unhygienic Mani-Pedi Tools a Concern?

Improper tool sterilisation is a serious concern because it increases the risk of transferring harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses from one client to another. When tools like nail clippers, files, and cuticle pushers are not adequately cleaned, they can carry harmful pathogens that may lead to infections such as fungal infections, bacterial infections, and even bloodborne diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. These infections are not always visible immediately, making it especially dangerous as clients may unknowingly be exposed to health risks. Additionally, improperly sterilised tools can cause cuts or nicks in the skin, which can act as entry points for these harmful microorganisms. In the worst cases, untreated infections can lead to long-term health issues, so proper sterilisation is a key part of maintaining not only hygiene but also client safety.

How to Identify If Your Salon is Cutting Corners on Hygiene

It can sometimes be difficult to know if a salon is cutting corners on hygiene, especially when you’re new to the space. However, there are several red flags to watch out for. One of the most obvious is the use of visibly dirty or unclean tools. If your technician uses tools that are left out on the countertop, it’s likely that bacteria, dirt, and oils have accumulated on them. Clean, sterilised tools should be kept in sealed and sterile pouches until they are ready to be used. Also, check whether the salon uses single-use items, like nail files, buffers, or even towels. These items should never be reused across clients unless they are thoroughly sterilised in between.It’s also worth asking your nail technician directly about the salon’s cleaning and sterilisation processes. A reputable salon will explain their processes with confidence and transparency, as client health and safety should be a priority for them. If they struggle to answer your questions or avoid them, it’s a sign that their hygiene practices may not be up to standard.

At Oblique House of Nails, our technicians set the standard and follow an extremely strict 4 step sterilisation process in between every client. First, we will disinfect the nail care instruments using a Barbicide solution, which is designed to kill bacteria and germs on the surface of the tools. After disinfection, we move onto pre-sterilising cleaning. This involves manually scrubbing with a soft brush to remove any oils, dirt, and residue from the tools, ensuring they are fully prepared for the next step. Following this, we sterilise all the tools and equipment by placing them in a medical grade sterilising oven at 180C degrees for over 40 minutes. This intense heat destroys all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, from the surface and the interior of the tools, ensuring we don’t miss any hard-to-reach areas. All sterilised tools are handled with the utmost care and placed in a sterilised pouch ready to use for the client. We repeat this process in-between every client to uphold the highest standards of safety.

Industry standards according to the UK Beauty and Nails Association require proper sterilisation procedures that align with health and safety regulations. This includes:

The first step to protect yourself during a nail salon visit is to have awareness and ask the right questions. A lot of people feel rude or uncomfortable to ask about the salon’s sterilisation process, but a reputable salon should have no problem explaining how they clean and sterilise their tools. Ask whether they use an autoclave or medical-grade sterilising equipment, as these are the most effective methods for ensuring proper hygiene.

As well as this, be aware of the general cleanliness of the salon. The station where your manicure is done should be clean and free of dust, debris, and leftover nail products. The technician should also wash their hands before starting your manicure and wear gloves to ensure hygiene. If something feels off, or if you notice the salon is not following proper hygiene protocols, don’t hesitate to leave and find a reputable salon that won’t compromise your safety.

Finally, if you have any cuts or broken skin on your nails or hands, it’s a good idea to let your technician know so they can take extra precautions to prevent any potential risk of infection.

Your beauty routine shouldn’t come with health risks. By being informed and proactive about salon hygiene, you can enjoy your manicure and pedicure treatments without concern. Remember that reputable salons welcome questions about their hygiene practices and prioritise your health and safety above all. For more information about nail salon safety standards or to book an appointment at Oblique House of Nails, visit our website or contact us directly.