Whether you're the kind of person who books a mani/pedi on the reg, or you reserve the beauty ritual for major occasions like prom, it's important to be aware of what is happening during your appointment. Even if you've never had a questionable experience, there are safety risks, cleanliness issues, and general rules of etiquette that should always be on your mind. The New York Times[1] recently wrote about some serious issues, such as the mistreatment of nail workers and other unethical practices in many nail salons. Now, more than ever, you should say something if you see something. We went to our fave nail salon owners on each coast to take us through what to expect from the moment you arrive at your appointment to the time you walk out the door freshly painted.
Before your appointment
When you decide to get a mani/pedi, it's usually in your best interest to make an appointment. Although many salons take walk-ins, Nadine Ferber, owner of NYC's chic nail destination, Tenoverten[2], recommends booking in advance. "We get very busy and booked up, so it's always better to make an appointment. We have online booking, so you can schedule your service whenever the urge hits," says Ferber. Ferber adds that her spot is busiest on Wednesdays through Fridays in the summer, and Thursdays through Saturdays during the rest of the year—so keep that in mind as you plan your visit.
When you get to the salon
Always arrive at your appointment (if you've made one) on time. Ferber explains that most salons have about a 10-minute recovery time for you to pick out your polish. If you can't decide on a color, never be afraid to ask your technician to try out your selections. "People ask all the time if they can try on colors, and they get nervous that the technician will be annoyed. We encourage people to test them! We want them to walk out happy. It's better to change your mind at the beginning than at the end," says Ferber. So narrow down your color scheme, but don't feel pressured to make a decision on the spot.
When you sit down in the chair
Even though it can be impossible to tear yourself away from texting or the magazine that you're suddenly engrossed in the minute you sit in that super-comfortable massage chair (seriously, why don't we all have one of those at home?), you really need to establish what you're looking for from your manicure or pedicure before you zone out. "If you're distracted, it can be hard to communicate what you want," says Ferber. "The technician should ask you what shape and length to make your nails, but if they don't, you should offer up that info."
When the tools come out
"Ask how the tools are cleaned, and don't be shy!" says Sarah Gibson Tuttle, owner of LA's hottest nail spot, Olive & June[3]. "In California, our state board mandates that salons must use a hospital grade sanitizer like Barbicide. Some salons (like us!) choose to use an Autoclave, which is a medical sterilizer and a step above Barbicide," Tuttle explains. One way to tell if your tools have been thoroughly sanitized is to do some detective work. "Many salons cheat and use Autoclave pouches, but never run them in the machine. Check out the label on your packet—the strip should have changed color during the process. If it looks brand new, the salon might be pretending to use the machine," explains Tuttle. The same goes for nail files or buffers. Ferber warns that if you see white marks on your non-metal tools, they've probably been used before—a serious red flag about which to start questioning your technician.
If you get cut during the process
Although most technicians know what they're doing when it comes to handling tools, with sharp objects there is always a chance of getting cut. "Nicking your skin can be very dangerous," says Tuttle. If that happens, immediately wash your hands, and apply Neosporin on the area to avoid infection.
When your mani or pedi is finished
Unless you've just had a gel mani or pedi, your nails are going to be wet—which means don't race out the door, or else you might smudge them. Tuttle advises that you wait 10-15 minutes at the salon, and then be careful for the next hour or so when it comes to fidgeting around in your purse or using your hands (and toes!) in general. If you do happen to smear your fresh paint job, don't feel weird about heading back to the salon and asking for a touch up. "It's gracious to understand that you might have to wait a moment until a manicurist frees up, but clients should never feel uncomfortable asking for a redo," says Tuttle.
Before you leave the salon
Okay, now you're all dry—and you've most likely paid before your technician applied your polish of choice, but before you leave the salon make sure to tip. "Tipping is very personal," says Tuttle. "It should be based on your service experience and not an obligation. If you do love your mani or pedi, I suggest tipping 25-30 percent, or even more if you feel like you are paying bargain prices." What a relatively inexpensive way to feel like a million bucks!
Related:
Kylie Jenner's Edgy Weekend Mani Proves Nail Art Isn't Over
What It Takes to Make It as a Manicurist
The One Thing You've Been Doing That Ruins Your Manicure
[4][5][6]
References
- ^ The New York Times (www.nytimes.com)
- ^ Tenoverten (tenoverten.com)
- ^ Olive & June (www.olivejune.com)
- ^ Kylie Jenner's Edgy Weekend Mani Proves Nail Art Isn't Over (www.teenvogue.com)
- ^ What It Takes to Make It as a Manicurist (www.teenvogue.com)
- ^ The One Thing You've Been Doing That Ruins Your Manicure (www.teenvogue.com)
Source : http://www.teenvogue.com/beauty/nails/2015-06/what-to-expect-from-manicure-pedicure-appointment
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