Certain tools are teeming with bacteria.
The gist:
You’d never share a razor with a stranger because their bacteria could enter your bloodstream and cause an infection if you accidentally cut yourself. For the same reason, Leah Gilmore, licensed esthetician and manager of EQX Body Lab in New York City, suggests bringing your own tools to the nail salon.
Expert insight:
These instruments may be teeming with the previous clients’ germs if they’re not properly cleaned before your appointment, Gilmore says. When they come into contact with your skin, they can expose you to bacteria such as MRSA (causing redness and swelling), fungi (which often leads to nail discoloration), or viruses (that result in warts).
Since there’s no way to be sure whether your salon is doing its due diligence, Gilmore suggests bringing your own kit. Plus, porous tools like pumice stones can’t be sanitized.
The bottom line:
Always show up to your manicure or pedicure with your own trimmer, cuticle pusher, pumice stone, and nail file to protect yourself from infection, Gilmore says. Consider these kits from Margaret Dabbs London and Barneys.