Sure, acetone has a scent and we've yet to meet a nail polish that smells, well, good. Still, it should be easy to breathe inside a nail salon. "When you walk in, there shouldn't be an overpowering chemical smell. It can be a sign that there is poor ventilation," says Dave Crisalli, founder and CEO of Prose, a boutique nail "experience" with locations across the country. If you want to avoid strong chemical scents entirely, then select a salon (such as Prose) that doesn't do acrylic work, which tends to be the biggest culprit.
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The pedicure tubs are lined (and cleaned between uses)
Feet aren't exactly the most sanitary things. Stringent cleaning procedures ought to be in place so that tubs are completely sanitary when a new guest dips their feet. A lining is a must, but salons that go the extra mile get a gold star. "The pedicure tubs should be scrubbed with antibacterial soap, thoroughly rinsed with water, and soaked with disinfectant and water for at least 10 minutes," says Boyce. She adds that many nails salons have jetted tubs which may seem like a nice perk but ultimately, they can be a nightmare to properly disinfect. Avoid them if you can.
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The licenses are proudly displayed
"All nail techs must have a state issued manicurist or cosmetologist license displayed," says Boyce. "Licensed manicurists and cosmetologists are trained in proper sanitation and disinfecting protocols to ensure they provide the cleanest service."
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It looks clean and welcoming
You can tell a lot about a salon's cleanliness simply but looking around. Do the floors look like they've been swept and mopped within the last 24 hours? Are the bathrooms well maintained? Do you feel happy and excited to be in the space, or is there something about it that makes you feel a little icky? A nail salon that takes pride in its appearance is one that also takes pride in its sanitary procedures.
