In Search of… the Perfect Pedi
June 9th, 2009 • Posted by Stephany Toman • Permalink
Is it just me, or has there been a whole lot of negative media of late about pedis?
The joy of a lovely soak followed by a relaxing foot and calf massage, usually with nurturing, fragrant lotion, has been overshadowed on some level by the fear of picking up a nasty fungus… It's really hard to thoroughly enjoy an occasional pedi knowing what's out there, waiting to attack unsuspecting feet.
As it turns out, I'm not alone when it comes to concern over the cleanliness and sanitation of pedi spas. I took a poll of my colleagues, and we're all thinking a whole lot more about the potential downside than the pretty toesies and pampering that used to enjoy full focus. Bottom line is we've become leery, and end up choosing denial (and hoping against hope that this pedi isn't the one that causes problems) or dealing with our own toes..which results in nice toes, but none of the relaxation and joy that we would rather experience.
How do you address these concerns? Has the media overblown the risks associated with pedicures? Please share your thoughts and perspective on this.
It seems a shame that one of life's simple, lovely little pleasures has been overshadowed by the reality of skin and nail issues that require medical intervention to resolve.
The media has definitely overblown this issue, as they usually do! One can pick up many of the same infections at a public pool, on a beach, trying on shoes, walking barefoot. As long as a salon is reputable and follows recommended sterilization procedures it is entirely safe to indulge in a pedicure!
Angie — you are right on target! Think about the fungal and bacterial load at the gym, department store carpet in the shoe department, and the parasites in the lake or your own front yard. Our first line of defense, as wonderful as many of the smell and feel good products out there, is a specialty anti-bacterial and anti-fungal foot soak. We also use EPA rated anti-bacterial, anti-tuberculoidal and anti-fungal sanitizer in our pipeless pedicure stations. We have an autoclave, disposable tools and more all to keep our clients safe. Unless a client has a compromised immune system, our pedicures are as safe as any other activity. Sure, there are risks like a nick or cut for both the client and the technician. Take care of the customer and reassure them you are using the best products to protect them. Clients, please ask about the sanitation protocols and take good care of your feet everywhere you go!
As a green salon and spa, we use products developed to be sanitized, instead of using disposables. Many technicians try to sanitize files/buffers designed to be disposable, somehow missing the fact that they can not be sanitized. To address the issues surrounding pedicures, we've had a custom pedicure bench built. The space allows for up to four guests to receive worry free pedicures, in a quite and comfortable setting. Cleaning and sanitizing the pedi bowl is quite simple with this set up.
Health concerns are not unique to salons. There are people who do not eat in restaurants because of all the food poisoning horror stories.
If you are really concerned that people are turned off pedicures because of the risk of infection, why not become excessive in sanitizing everything involved in the pedicure treatment and pedicure area. Use disposable tools where possible as Ruth suggested. Insist on turning away clients who have visible fungal infections. If you are taking rigorous care there is no need to be worried about cross contamination. Use the negative publicity as a positive for your salon. Market your salon as the only salon that is obsessive about sanitation, using disposable tools and protecting clients. Reduce health concerns by offering a guarantee. Guarantee a safe service with sterilized equipment. This statement alone will help clients feel more confident.
P.S. Did you know disposable pedicure liners are available for the foot spa to prevent cross-contamination?
Nothing is more relaxing than a day at the spa for pampering beauty treatments and a pedicure. However, it's very important to make sure that pedicures are not only relaxing and fun, but also safe! As a Certified Master Pedicurist I know the importance of safe pedicures. As a woman I know how good it feels to have good looking feet and get complements on them.
The DON'TS before a pedicure:
IMPORTANT NOTE:
In order to perform foot treatments such as pedicures, we need written permission from your Doctor if you have Diabetes, Heart conditions, Diabetes, or Fungal toenails.
Hand treatments and manicures are performed using NAILTURAL. All NAILTURAL products are free of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, and are packaged in eco-friendly recycled materials. NAILTURAL is "the finest performing nail care product line in it's class."
You may not have realized it, but your nails are porous and can allow toxins to enter your bloodstream. That's why we play it safe and use BB and Zoya nail polishes. Also free of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, they come in great colors, and they are safe for your nails.
Great feedback, everyone! Thank you so much for taking the time to give us your perspective on the best practices in pedicures!
[...] SpaBoom put an entry on their blog about Pedicures, and I commented: Think about the fungal and bacterial load at the gym, department store carpet in [...]