Won't Your Nail Salon Won't Say. Part 1

not to totally scare you but what's supposed to be a treat can turn into a nightmare.

1.  you are at risk

Podiatrist Dr. Robert Spalding, author of "Death by Pedicure," states that "at this time, an estimated one million unsuspecting clients walk out of their chosen salon with infections -- bacterial, viral and fungal."  He claims that in his research "75 percent of salons in the United States are not following their own state protocols for disinfections," which includes not mixing their disinfectant solutions properly on a daily basis, not soaking their instruments appropriately, and using counterfeit products to reduce costs (for example Windex substituted for Barbicide), says the doctor. And the problem is that there is no way to really "verify an instrument has been properly soaked and sterilized," without watching the process.

2.  they don't turn customers away

most nail salons won't turn away paying costumers. which means that people who are sick, have nail infections or foot fungus are being worked on next to you instead of being referred to an appropriate medical professional.

3.  swapping and diluting bottles

many salons fill expensive bottles with a cheap generic product. that way the salons can charge you more for the service by claiming to use prestige products, but in reality are just deceiving you. similarly, some salons dilute nail polish bottles that have become clumpy from old age or from too much air exposure with nail polish remover. This action compromises the quality of the polish, which will make the formula chip easier once on your nails.