So, you want to go to the nail salon? You better be educated. Going to the nail salon is a very important part of your life and if you don’t do it right, maybe it’s time to leave this earth.
Here are some tips for getting your nails done at the salon:
1. Swipe a credit card
2. Sit down
3. Have someone else do your nails for you
It’s time for a mani/pedi. You’re ready to sit back and relax and experience the joy of being pampered. You’ve checked Yelp, Goop and some other apps to find the best place to go in your neighborhood.
Here are some tips to make it even better:
Do your nails a few days before you go.
This will give them time to breathe and prevent nail polish from chipping off right away due to freshly trimmed edges.
Prep right before you get your nails done.
Use a nail buffer and file beforehand to remove the shine from your nails so they can absorb the color better. If you have any hangnails, cut them off before getting a manicure so they don’t get caught on anything during the process.
Tell the nail technician what type of shape you want for your nails.
There are three basic nail shapes—square, oval and rounded—but there are also variations on each, like square with rounded edges or almond-shaped oval. What’s important is that you choose one that works best with your lifestyle; for example, if you use your hands a lot for work, an oval or rounded shape is generally more practical because it won’t catch on things as much.
1. Find a salon with plenty of natural light and good ventilation.
2. Upon arrival, make sure your hands and feet are file-clean, dry, and free of any creams or lotions.
3. Take off your shoes, but keep on your socks if your pedicure includes a foot massage.
4. Pick out a bottle of nail polish you LOVE! (I like to bring my own) 5. Sit back and let the pros do what they do best!
6. Once the manicurist is finished with your nails, apply cuticle oil to nourish dry cuticles and give them a healthy glow.
7. Ask for this essential nail care item when you complete your mani/pedi service at the salon!
Getting a manicure or pedicure is the best way to pamper yourself and get some alone time. The environment of a salon is the perfect place to take a break from the stresses of life, and enjoy a little bit of luxury. However, there are some things you can do to ensure that your experience is stress-free and enjoyable.
Know what you want before you go in. Have an idea of what you want done to your nails before your appointment. This will help your nail technician know exactly how much time to schedule for you, and it will also save some time if you know the exact style and color beforehand. If you’re unsure of what styles are available, check out our nail board on Pinterest [here](https://www.pinterest.com/greatclips/nails/) for inspiration!**
Bring something to do while you wait. You never know how busy it could be at the salon when you arrive for your appointment, so make sure to bring something with you just in case there’s a wait time. A good book or magazine subscription can be perfect for killing time while waiting for your appointment!**
Make sure your nails are cut short enough
While the large majority of nail salon patrons are female, I am a male and frequent nail salons. I have always had excellent experiences with manicures and pedicures and feel that they are an important part of my grooming routine. This Instructable will address some issues that men have expressed to me about pedicures as well as tips for everyone to get the most out of their visits to the nail salon.
The key to getting the most out of your salon experience is to communicate effectively with your nail technician. Say what you want and how you want it in a way that makes it easy for them to understand. Be clear and specific, but remember that your nail tech is not a mind reader. So don’t assume they know what you are thinking or what you want.
If there is something that you don’t understand, ask questions. If there’s something that you don’t like, speak up immediately so your nail tech can fix the problem or stop doing the service altogether.
In this day and age with all these beauty salons around, there should be no reason why you can’t get treated well. Don’t feel bad about giving specific instructions or asking for what you want. Remember, it is YOUR money that is paying for the services being rendered.
Picking the right nail salon is a lot like picking the right doctor or dentist. You want to find one that is clean and has a good reputation for sanitation. A place where you’ll feel comfortable.
If you are unsure about the cleanliness of a salon, ask yourself the following questions:
Did you see the technician wash her hands before performing your service?
Does the salon have a decent amount of clients? If not, it could mean there’s something wrong with the service or someone may have gotten sick from a previous visit.
Do your nails look clean after your service? If not, they may not be.
Were your nails filed with a metal file or were disposable emery boards used? The latter is preferred because metal files can harbor fungus and bacteria. Never share files or buffers between clients either.
Ask if they have an autoclave (sterilizing machine) in the salon. They should, especially if they do waxing. If not, find another place.
Never allow skin to be cut when having hangnails removed. Doing so can cause infection and scarring. Also, never allow technicians to cut cuticles back too far, as this can cause infection as well.