How to Find a Good Manicurist

When it comes to your nails you want them to be in the right hands. There is no room for trial and error, especially since taking chances can lead to scary scenarios like nail fungus and other infections.

Things You'll Need

• Nail File
• Nail Buffer
• Any other nail instrument you may have

Instructions

1. Bring your own nail instruments to the salon. Your kit should contain at least a nail file and buffer. Although a good manicurist should sterilize all instruments for at least 20 minutes, your best bet is to bring your own.

2. Look for the manicurist’s cosmetology or manicurist license. Some salons have one license for the entire staff. A professional manicurist should have their own license.

3. Ask for a disposable soak bowl. If such is not available, ask how the soak bowls are disinfected. A good manicurist should clean soak bowls with bleach between clients.

4. During your manicure, ask to have your cuticles pushed back instead of cut. Cuticles provide a barrier on your nails to keep bacteria out of your nails and body.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t be afraid to offend a manicurist by bringing in your own tools or asking for the manicurist license. If the manicurist is a professional, this person will respect your decision to bring in your own tools or your request to see a license.

• A cosmetology license is for doing hair, nails, skin and makeup. However, some states require that in order to do artificial nails, the manicurist must have a nail technician or manicurist license; which is separate license from a cosmetologist license. If you are having artificial nails done, check with your state to see what its requirements are.

• Cuticle oil should be applied with a dropper and not a brush. Oil doesn’t have the chemical compound polish has, in order to keep the brush free of bacteria.