There's nothing I enjoy more than treating myself to a professional manicure. But before you decide to book your next appointment, you might want to sit down and read this. As relaxing as it may seem, there are actually a ton of health risks that come with getting a professional mani. I'm talking bacterial infection to even disfigurement. Don't believe me? Read on and find out for yourself!
Read more ¿Qué más? 5 Ways shaving or waxing down there can kill you
Cutting cuticles can cause serious damage: After one bad manicure incident, I NEVER let a technician cut my cuticles. The over-clipping left my cuticles rougher and more sensitive for months. But I was lucky enough that it eventually healed with time, but in most cases over-clipping can actually cause permanent damage to your nail bed. The next time you book a mani appointment ask your manicurist to gently push back the cuticle and that's it!
Not using a base coat can cause stains: I like to bring my own base coat with me to the salon because I've noticed some technicians like to skip that step. Not using a base coat reducing your chances of staining your nail with red or dark polishes. So make sure you always have a base coat on hand. I like to use protein ones to protect and strength my nails.
Bringing your own manicure kit doesn't always help: Bringing your own nail clippers and cuticle cutters to the salon isn't necessarily safer. "It's more likely that someone's personal tools are more unsanitary than salon ones," Rosanne Kinley, salon owner and former president of the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology told Woman's Day. The problem is that most people just place their used tools back in their bags without cleaning or disinfecting them. Even if it's your own tools that accumulated bacteria, they can still lead to infections. Don't hesitate to ask your technician for proof of sanitation. Still rather bring your own tools? Make sure to scrub them well with hot water and soap after every SINGLE use.
Biting your nails can lead to an infection: If you're an avid nail biter, you might want to try shaking off the habit. Frequent biting can cause redness or even irritation around your nail bed. This makes you more vulnerable to germs and bacteria you might pick up from the tools or even the manicurist herself. According to Womans Day, a really bad bacterial infection that requires a course of oral antibiotic can even lead to temporary disfigurement. So I highly suggest you stop biting your nails and picking at your cuticles like ASAP!
Bring your own polish: The next time you hit the nail salon you might want to considering bringing your own polish. A lot of people don't realize that nail fungus is contagious and isn't just transmitted through nail tools but through nail polish too. To prevent fungal and bacterial nail infections bring your own lacquer or polishes. It might cost you a little more but believe me, it's worth it! And it'll help with retouching it a few days after you leave the salon.
Image via Thinkstock
