What You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip to the Nail Salon (+ 5 Summer Trends)

I asked my friend, celebrity manicurist Pattie Yankee, to weigh in on what to look for in a nail salon—and the summer trends to wear right now.

When I started doing TV, I realized that manicures were going to have to be more than an occasional indulgence for me; when the camera zooms in on my hands, no one wants to see ragged cuticles or chipped polish as I slice and dice! 

After years of fierce loyalty to OPI’s Bubble Bath, a neutral pale pink, manicurist Pattie Yankee persuaded me to go a bit outside of my comfort zone with different colors and designs — even the occasional crystal or two. With nearly 30 years in the business, she’s one of the leading experts in the industry (she has trained some of the country’s top technicians), so when she and I sit down together it’s a completely relaxing experience. But when I started seeing stories in the press about the dark side of nail salons I wanted to have her weigh in on the questions my friends and I had about standards and employment practices in some of the smaller salons we sometimes frequent. 

It’s difficult to know what exactly the right thing to do: should you boycott nail salons outright? Still frequent your regular spot, but leave a larger tip? And is it okay to question the technicians directly if you suspect substandard conditions? Here’s what she had to say — plus, scroll down for summer’s coolest looks.?

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All the controversy in the media about New York-area nail salons and the unregulated conditions and unlicensed technicians can leave anyone apprehensive about going to salons to get a manicure. Many of us in the industry have known about these issues for years and are grateful that they have finally gotten media attention. As consumers, we all have the right to question what is going on in our salon services and we SHOULD absolutely ask questions and observe the salon surroundings when visiting for a service. In terms of both personal health and safety as well as the health and well-being of the technicians, here are my guidelines.?

Cleanliness is key.

Separate or new files should be used on all clients. Be sure that fresh files are being used for your service. Using a file that has been used on another client is similar to sharing a toothbrush with someone—yuck!

All metal implements and tools are required to be sterilized. Some salons use autoclave machines like those used in dental offices and these are compliant with regulations, but UV light boxes do nothing to sanitize tools! The other common system is liquid sanitation, which requires that metal tools are washed with soap and water, then totally submerged in the liquid for 10 minutes, rinsed again, and stored in a sanitary container separate from everything else. In other words, they should not be pulled out of a plastic case that has files or glue or anything else in it. And be wary of salons that have the liquid system at their desk area. There is no way that the tools are being properly cleaned or washed!

When in doubt bring (and clean) your own tools.

The company Tweezerman makes the best quality tools that will give you long-term use. After taking them to the salon for your service, wash them at home with soap and water and place them in 90% or higher alcohol, totally submerged, for 10 minutes. Rinse and dry and store in a separate container until your next visit.

Steer clear of pedicure thrones…

Although the pedicure thrones are comfortable and relaxing, their tubs can hold a plethora of bacteria. Most of the salons have the older versions that circulate the water through the system via pipes. Ideally, the salon should sanitize after each client, but the in-and-out salons will not have time to do this (so all the toenail clippings and dead skin from the previous clients are being circulated into your water). The newer models are now pipeless, but there really isn’t a way for the consumer to know which are pipe free. Look for salons that use liners or portable tubs with disposable liners. These are your safest option when getting a pedicure service.

…and MMA.

Many discount salons use acrylic systems containing an ingredient called MMA, which can cause kidney and liver damage. These products are not only unsafe for you, but they are also unsafe for the technicians to be exposed to day after day. Pay attention to strong odors: Although all acrylic has an odor, the MMA version is extremely strong smelling. And check the price, too. An acrylic set under $25 or an acrylic fill-in around $15 are clues that this dangerous ingredient is being used.

Related: The New French Manicure

Look for credentials.

It is vitally important that the technician working on you has been through schooling and has learned the anatomy of the hand and nails and knows how to recognize nail infections and service you with safe practices. Check that the salon has a business license as well as employee licenses (with a photo!) posted on the wall.

Ask questions.

If you’re concerned that workers in the salon are not being fairly compensated for their work, this is also something that you can bring up in your conversation during your services. Although it’s a sensitive subject, you can get an idea of the technician’s happiness by asking questions, such as: How do you like working in this salon? Is this your first salon job? Do you make better tips on some days more than others? Do you live here in the US with your family or with roommates? All of these questions are general conversational questions but can give you an inkling as to whether or not technicians are being compensated fairly. If you’re concerned, contact your state departments. Once your state receives a complaint, it will able to send inspectors out to examine the salon.

Hot summer nail trends:

1. Cornflower Blue

Essie Bikini So Teeny Nail Color, $8 at target.com

2. Foil Nail Art

Ciaté London Ver Colourfoil Manicure Set, $13 at sephora.com

3. Stamping Nail Art

Essence Nail Art Stampy Set, $4 at ultabeauty.com

4. Nudes

Patricia Nail Lacquer in Presence, $9 at rickysnyc.com

5. Pastels with a pop

Lauren B Beauty Nail Polish in Coral Canyon, $18 at net-a-porter.com

GiadaWeekly is the digital food and lifestyle magazine from cookbook author and Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis. To get a new issue each Thursday, download the app or subscribe at www.giadaweekly.com. And follow GiadaWeekly on Instagram and Facebook.