"I’m in agony … every time my thumb touches anything I get a severe electric shock, occasionally running through to my elbow." This woman had what she was told was a gel manicure (play this beauty game by matching celebs to their nails) and now her swollen thumb has nerve damage. Eeek -- makes you wanna do your nails yourself, huh? Watch this quickie video to see how to give yourself a three minute mani and be sure to heed these …

10 warning signs

1. Your salon uses bottles in unmarked container

2. The technician cannot tell you what’s in the products

3. The products smell unusually strong or have a strange odor

4. Your skin is being abraded or cut

5. The salon is not clean

6. The instruments are not sterilized

7. Licenses for the salon and individual operators are not visibly posted

8. Your skin or nails hurt

9. The gels do not soak off easily in solvents designed to remove acrylics

10. You see swelling, redness or other signs of infection

Get the full scoop from Consumer Reports.

• Are salons and spas worth it? See which treatments are worth splurging on and which ones to do at home.

• Get a salon-like pedicure with these DIY tips.

• Find out how to take care of your nails and get the lowdown on the best budget nail products.

• Want in on a little beauty discount secret? See how to get great deals and exclusive offers on beauty products here.

• Keep up with the latest in beauty -- follow us on Twitter, add us on YouTube or become a fan on Facebook.