Beware The Dodgy Nail Salon...

Mimi Kelly is the artistic director/owner of Killer Hair, Newton. She’s an award-winning hair colourist and makeup artist. Every week Mimi will be doing what she does best ... give her opinion. Back in the day a manicure or pedicure was a luxury and when you were at the salon you’d look around and think, “When I get rich and famous I’m gonna come here all the time.” Now with nail salons in every mall, this once special treat is now a fortnightly possibility but after the scary insights into poor hygiene standards as recently seen on TV3’s Target, how can we as customers be sure that a cheap and cheerful pamper moment won’t put our fingers and toes in danger of something horrid?? I looked to the girl in the know – Amber at Verdo Nails, Parnell. Her salon was chosen as a “Top Shop” in Auckland city’s awards and she has partnered with NZFW and the recent Fashion Festival. We got down to the nitty-gritty to talk about what YOU should know. NZ does not currently have any industry standards for nail salons, so anyone can start up a nail salon, no qualification required – this is WORRYING!! So what standard should we expect? I ask Amber what she does at Verdo Nails to ensure client safety, and it’s quite full on. There is a three part disinfection and sterilization process. Antibacterial pedicure buckets and fresh linens for each and every client.  They decline to accept clients who have a current nail infection that could pose a possible threat, so they know 110% there is no risk of contamination. That’s all very well, but how do you know your fave pedi place is up holding a high standard? Firstly, use your eyes - how clean is the salon? Amber reckons any decent nail salon will have no problem showing you how they sterilize their implements and you have every right to ask. The dangers to you of unhygienic practices could lead to anything from a fungal infection to the transfer of blood related diseases.  I tried asking this in a phone call to my fave Diamond Nails in Ponsonby and was invited in any time to be shown their procedures and sterilization machine. The other thing to keep in mind is finding a salon that is MMA free. This is a harmful chemical with toxic vapours and is a cheap alternative to EMA. So if you’re having enhancements, ask “Are you MMA free?” If they can’t answer ‘most certainly’, then move on. So ask the right questions and ensure your salon of choice is doing the right thing! Having done all that, it’s time a pick a colour for your mani or pedi. I asked Amber her trend insights for autumn and she feels rich tones are a definite but loves grey nails and thinks that they will be hanging around for a bit longer. My love would have to be teal nails – like O.P.I ‘Ski Teal We Drop’. X Mimi