Why You Don't Want To Hammer Your Nails

Why You Don't Want To Hammer Your Nails People often think that the reason God gave them nails is for them to look good. But the main function of nails is physiological rather than cosmetic. Nails enhance fine motor skills, they protect the fingers and toes and they enhance fine touch. For those reasons, it's important to keep nails healthy.

Tara has some great information to share with you today.  She wants you to know how important proper nail care is to your good health!  Disorders of the nails often indicate an underlying disease and improper nail care can put you at risk for diseases like hepatitis B and C and athlete's foot. If you've ever contracted a infection after receiving a nail service you will understand why there are stricter sanitation and safety standards at salons today. The press made fun of Paula Abdul for lobbying for such practices after a nail infection resulted in her nail being removed. But trust us, it isn't fun or unique; many people contract such infections after having nail services at a salon. The cause is using the same tools and instruments on more than one customer without proper sanitation. Infectious bacteria is then transmitted from person to person. When you plan on spending time and money in a salon you should not have to worry about contracting any type of infection much less having to spend money on something that has to be treated and cured.

Consumers need to be informed and vigilant to protect themselves from injury or infection at salons. The following tips will guide you on what to look for when planning your visit to the salon:
1. Be aware. Look around to see if the salon is clean and make sure that licenses and health inspection notices are displayed prominently. The State of Florida now requires salons to post a sign in the nail area. Each technician's license should have a photo and be laminated to insure a trained, licensed professional is performing the service. State Board of Cosmetology Inspection Reports are to be displayed for the public to view as well as the state issued salon license.
2. Ask questions: every customer has the right to ask the technician how the equipment is disinfected. If the operator doesn't know, or seems unsure, refuse the service. All tools that are not disposable should be completely immersed in hospital-grade disinfectant for at least 15 minutes. Any equipment that cannot be disinfected should be discarded. That includes nail buffers, emery boards, toe separators, orange sticks, etc. You may bring your own nail kit to the salon to ensure that the tools are clean.
3. Wash your hands before a manicure and ask your manicurist to do the same.
4. Ask the manicurist to push back cuticles instead of cutting.
5. Don't shave your legs the night before or the day of your pedicure. Scrapes and nicks can make you more susceptible to infection. Using razors to shave calluses on the feet is dangerous and not permitted in Florida.
6. To kill pathogenic bacteria pedicure tubs need to be cleaned after each use with a disinfectant, germicidal or bleach solution for 10 minutes, followed by a 10 minute wash with a tuberculocidal disinfectant. Many salons balk at this procedure because it requires them to take footbaths out of commission during business hours.

7. Experiencing any pain when getting a manicure of pedicure is never OK.

Experience the Mirage at Essencia

The Mirage Pedicare System from Belvedere is the first intelligent pedicare unit designed for the safety of the consumer and the convenience of the technician. This chair is unmatched in comfort and security for the guest and is quick and easy to clean up for the operator.

One of the best features is the thermostatic control of the water in the foot bowl and automatically regulates the bowl water temperature up to 102

Both the client and technician have controls to monitor and alter water temperature. In other systems technicians attempt to mix cold and hot water by hand touch trying to find the right temperature. With Mirage it's automatic. The full-function, oversized Mirage chair provides a contoured design that wraps the client in high-density foam cushions for maximum comfort. A finger-tip control pad in the armrest allows the client to recline the chair 30 degrees, move the chair forward/back and up/down, and manage the lumbar massage function.

The best feature of the Mirage is the superior disinfecting system. It is a aten-pending, self-contained process that provides on-button, "hands free" bowl water circulation, disinfecting and sanitizing. The system allows the pedicare technician to quickly sanitize the station between clients and provides one-button overnight disinfecting. An integrated disinfectant container is stored in the unit and injects the hospital grade germicidal solution into the system insuring complete sanitation and disinfection.