Walk into any nail bar and you can learn a lot before you sit down. Cleanliness, ventilation and the way staff talk to clients all say something about how the business is run.
Clean tools, every time
Metal tools such as clippers and cuticle pushers should be cleaned and sterilised between clients. Files and buffers are hard to clean properly, so many good salons use fresh ones for each client or give them to you to take home. It is fine to ask how tools are cleaned.
Fresh air
Nail products have a strong smell. A well-run salon keeps the space ventilated, and many use extraction at the desk.
A proper consultation
Your technician should look at your nails before starting and ask about allergies, previous reactions and what you want. If your nails are damaged or you have a skin condition around them, a good technician may suggest waiting or choosing a gentler treatment.
Gentle with cuticles
Cuticles protect the nail, so they should be pushed back gently and only loose skin trimmed. Treatments should never hurt, and you can ask the technician to stop at any time.
Removal matters too
Gel and other long-wear finishes should be removed properly, usually by soaking or careful filing, not prised off. Ask how the salon removes them when you book, and avoid peeling them off at home.
Licensing
Some councils require salons offering certain treatments to hold a licence. If you are unsure, your local council can tell you what applies in your area.
This is a general guide, not professional advice. Every salon and every head of hair is different, so talk to a qualified professional about your own needs.
