There are some bad manicures that leave you leaving your nail appointment unsatisfied with the nail artist’s design. Plus, a bad nail polish means you’re going to walk out with a fungal infection that you’ll have to live with for the rest of your life.
Getting your nails done may seem like a fun and harmless activity, but going to an unsanitary nail salon can have serious consequences. A nail salon entrepreneur tells us how important it is to choose where you get your nails done, and some best practices to keep in mind the next time you visit a nail salon.
Manda Mason, one of the founders of Ohio’s W Nail Bar chain, speaks to the camera in a now-viral video and reveals all the secrets that “nail salons won’t tell you,” as her caption says. I am. The video was posted on the W Nail Bar TikTok account (@thewnailbar) and has received over 894,000 views, 18,000 comments, and over 45,000 likes.
“Statistics show that one in four guests return home with a bacterial or fungal infection,” Manda said. The Daily Dot was unable to find a source confirming this statistic online. However, there is evidence to suggest that infection is common among people who frequent hair salons.a investigation A Rutgers University study of 90 participants who were nail and hair salon customers found that “52% reported skin or fungal symptoms.” These symptoms were higher in participants with three visits in the past year than among participants with fewer visits.
@thewnailbar What nail salons won’t tell you👀 #nail #Nailtalk #Nail salon #nailtech #Nail care ♬Original song – The W Nail Bar
Additionally, one study found that approximately 75% of U.S. nail salons do not follow proper sterilization procedures for tools. interview Robert Spalding, a podiatrist who wrote this book. Death by pedicure.
“To prevent [infections]You need to be selective about where you go,” Manda says, sharing how to avoid MRSA, staph, bacterial, and fungal infections from nail salons. Echoing Dr. Spalding’s opinion, Manda recommends only going to places where he uses Barbicide disinfectant to disinfect tools. Dr. Spalding says sterilizing autoclave machines also do the job well.
Next, Manda recommends only going to salons that use disposable items. This includes things like pumice stones and nail files. She also states that if she finds a cheese grater, she should run.
Manda reminds viewers that it’s important to take care of yourself in nail salons and voice your concerns about the materials used on you.
“It’s also really important to advocate for yourself and speak up if you don’t understand or like what’s going on,” says Manda.
The comments section highlights just how serious nail salon hygiene issues really are.
“I got a dip manicure because I had HPV and developed a wart, but it cost $500 covered by insurance to remove the wart. This nail salon has over 3,000 reviews and IDK 4.8 stars,” said one commenter.
“Yes!! I’ve been suffering from a fungal infection in my toenails for two years from my last pedicure!” Another chime rings out.
“I think we have to share this information and help each other stay safe here,” Manda said to end the video.
The Daily Dot reached out to W Nail Bar through its website for more information.
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*First published: January 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM CST
Marlin Ramos
Marlin Ramos is a museum educator currently working at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. They founded LUMXN Magazine and are graduate students at New York University. She loves taking long walks in nature, doing yoga, and baking.