Manicuring is the practice of cutting, trimming, polishing or cleansing the nail. It may also include massaging and beautifying the client's hands. Pedicures are the same but for the feet. Nail augmentation includes techniques used to add materials, such as acrylic or silk, to a person's nails to improve their strength and/or look.
In Ontario, nail technicians are not required to have a licence to work. A consumer who is aware is in the best position to make responsible, informed decisions about these services.
What is the risk?
Nail instruments are sharp and can break the skin accidentally, drawing blood. It is possible for bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B and C to be spread.
How can it be done safely?
As a consumer, it's up to you to find out if the salon or nail care business properly cleans and disinfects its instruments and work areas.
Things to look for:- The nail technician must wash his/her hands with each new client
- You must wash your hands and thoroughly dry them before your treatment
- The technician should not perform nail services if you have signs of a nail infection. See your doctor for treatment
- The technician must take great care to avoid piercing your skin, especially when cutting cuticles or filing nails
- Instruments that accidentally break the skin during a procedure must be cleaned and disinfected
- Nail instruments must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each client, whether blood is drawn or not
- All items must be disinfected with a Canadian Standards Association-approved disinfectant, following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions
- Don't risk your health. Ask your nail technician about their cleaning and disinfecting policies and procedures. You can also ask them to show you their cleaning machines and equipment
- Any equipment that cannot be disinfected-for instance, nail buffers, emery boards, orange sticks and toe separators-must be disposed of immediately after every client.
It is highly recommended that reusable items should be autoclaved to achieve sterilization after coming in contact with blood.
Information based on Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Personal Services Settings Protocols, January 1998
