When was your last “pre-covid” salon pedicure? Mine was around Valentines Day 2020. In hindsight, how could any of us have predicted that our toes would not see the inside of a nail salon for a very long time? Keep reading for my tips and precautions to take for your salon pedicure during a pandemic.
If you consider going for a salon manicure/pedicure right now, it’s important to know a few basic guidelines. This choice is entirely up to you. This blog post will not assess your risks of contracting COVID from a nail salon. If you do decide to go, be mentally prepared to spend at least an hour in the nail salon while wearing a protective mask. Where I live in New York City, nail salons are open. After much thought, I made a personal decision to visit my regular salon. Luckily, I scored an 10:30am appointment at the nail salon – the first appointment of the day. (Read this as to why I recommend being scheduled first.)
Doctor’s thoughts on pandemic salon pedicure safety.
If you’re reading this blog for the first time, here’s a bit about me: I’m a podiatrist. As a qualified professional, I’m proficient in giving myself pedicures and foot soaks at home. However, I do enjoy a spa manicure and pedicure on occasion – who doesn’t? A foot massage, a relaxing foot soak, having your nails painted…they’re all enjoyable experiences!
CDC Guidelines
Below I will list a few of the CDC guidelines directly from their website in quotations. For your reading pleasure, I’ve included my commentary underneath each guideline. The commentary is all my own opinion based on my experience this morning at my regular nail salon. I’ve included a few candid photos as well. If you’re interested, here’s the link for the CDC’s website on nail salon safety guidelines.(This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.)
“Move, change, or adjust workstations to help workers maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet between each other and customers that they are not servicing.”
Walking into the salon this morning, I was one of two customers. For the duration of my appointment, the other customer remained on the opposite side of the salon. The salon requires any person entering to wear a face mask.
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“Install transparent shields or other physical barriers where social distancing is not an option (for example between chairs or workstations or at salon tables).”
Installed plastic shields maintained a barrier between myself and my nail tech. For instance, a thick plastic shield hung over my pedicure chair near my legs. In addition, the manicure chair contained a stabilized plastic shield with a cut-out for my hands. See the photos below, took during my relaxing pedicure!
Installed plastic shields recommended by the CDC. 
My nail tech wears gloves and a mask. A plastic shield protects us both during my pedicure. The barrier between myself and the nail tech does not take away from the overall pedicure experience. I hardly notice it as she works on my feet.
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“When EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, you can use alternative disinfectants, for example, diluted household bleach solutions, or rubbing alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, appropriate for surface disinfection.”
This one is obviously hard to gauge but if the nail salon smells clean and appears clean it mostly likely is clean.
“Advise employees to always wear gloves appropriate for the chemicals being used when they are cleaning and disinfecting, and that they may need additional personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the setting and product.”
My nail tech wore latex/protective gloves and a face mask while she cared for my hands and feet.
More Guidelines Continued
“Use single use tools and supplies (like powder vials for dipping nails) where possible.”
A disposable nail file and buffer were used to treat my hands and feet.
“Disinfect pedicure spa bowl or use disposable liners between clients.”
A disposable plastic bowl covering lined the inside of the pedicure bin. Also noted: I always bring my own nail polish color and base coat to the nail salon. This is for two reasons: 1. It’s convenient to have the nail polish color to repair any pre-mature chips. 2. My polish isn’t shared with anyone else. Is nail fungus spread from person to person via shared nail polish? I doubt it (didn’t find research to back this up) but why take a chance?
As stated above, these are only a few guidelines. Your health and safety come first. If you’ve made an appointment at a salon that isn’t at least following these basic guidelines, then simply walk out. If you’d like a more extensive list visit the CDC’s website.
