1. Purchase your own manicure and pedicure kit, carry it with you and take it to each of your manicure and pedicure appointments.

2. Always use a disposable tub liner on a small portable tub while having a manicure and pedicure. The large whirlpool spa-chairs have been shown to harbor bacteria in their water filtration systems and should therefore be avoided.

3. Ensure that the manicure and pedicure salon looks clean and has the correct licenses posted in clear view.

4. If you don't have your own manicure and pedicure tools, inquire exactly how tools are cleaned. Metal items should be sterilized in an autoclave, which gets very hot - much hotter than the "ultraviolet light toaster oven" type sterilizers. You will typically only find adequate manicure and pedicure tool sterilization in a "medi-spa," a spa that is overseen by a physician and employs medical sterilization techniques.

Beware: Barbicide (that blue liquid you see in many salons) only disinfects and may not kill hepatitis C or similar viruses. Disposable items, such as wood sticks and tub liners, should be thrown away after use. Illegal tools, like razors, scrapers or graters for calluses must never be used.

5. Work surfaces should be clean and dry while you are having a manicure and pedicure.

6. Manicurists should wash their hands thoroughly between clients.

7. Inform the manicurist if you are diabetic, taking blood-thinning medication, have open lesions, rash or eczema, or have a communicable disease.

8. The manicure and pedicure service should never be painful. Be alert for discolorations, sores or pain after nail treatments. See a physician if something 'unusual' occurs or if you notice skin or nail changes. 

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