You want beautiful nails, but you’re worried about infections, fungal issues, or contaminated tools. Your concern is valid—poor salon hygiene is a genuine cause of nail and skin infections, and it’s almost entirely preventable once you know what to look for.
Here’s a complete checklist to evaluate a nail salon’s hygiene standards before you book.
The Essential Hygiene Checklist
Use this checklist when visiting or calling a salon:
1. Autoclave Sterilisation (Medical-Grade)
What to look for:
- A visible autoclave machine in the salon
- The salon can explain what it does (sterilises metal tools using steam and pressure)
- Evidence that the autoclave is used (sealed tool pouches with sterilisation tape)
Why it matters:
Metal tools (cuticle nippers, pushers, file handles, metal spatulas) harbour bacteria. An autoclave kills 99.9% of microorganisms, including fungi and viruses.
What to ask:
“Do you autoclave all metal tools? Can I see your autoclave and the sealed pouches?”
Red flag:
- Salon has no autoclave
- Tools are “just washed” or “cleaned with alcohol” (insufficient)
- The autoclave is old or broken
2. Single-Use Files
What to look for:
- Files are disposable (crystal, cardboard, or wooden)
- A new file is used for each client
- Files are not reused across clients
Why it matters:
Files create dust and can harbour fungal spores. Reusing files spreads fungal infections.
What to ask:
“Do you use single-use files for each client?”
Red flag:
- The salon has a “master set” of files used on all clients
- Metal files are reused (even if “cleaned”)
3. UV/LED Steriliser
What to look for:
- A UV steriliser for non-metal tools (pedicure foot scrapers, glass files)
- The steriliser is in use and maintained
Why it matters:
UV kills bacteria and fungi on non-metal tools. This supplements the autoclave for items that can’t be autoclaved.
What to ask:
“Do you use a UV steriliser for non-metal tools?”
4. Clean Pedicure Tubs
What to look for:
- Tubs are visibly clean (no discolouration, debris, or buildup)
- The salon uses disposable pedicure liners (plastic inserts that prevent direct contact with the tub)
- Tubs are cleaned and disinfected between clients
Why it matters:
Pedicure tubs are a hotbed for fungal and bacterial infections. A single client with a fungal infection can contaminate the tub.
What to ask:
“Do you use disposable liners in pedicure tubs? How are tubs disinfected between clients?”
Red flag:
- Tubs look stained or discoloured
- No liners are used
- Tubs are only rinsed (not disinfected)
5. Hand Hygiene and Sanitisation
What to look for:
- Hand sanitiser is visible at the workstation
- The technician sanitises their hands before working on each client
- The salon uses alcohol-based hand sanitiser or washes hands with soap
Why it matters:
Technicians’ hands transfer bacteria from client to client.
What to ask:
“Do you sanitise your hands between each client?”
Red flag:
- No hand sanitiser in sight
- Technician doesn’t clean hands between clients
- Gloves are worn but not changed between clients
6. Clean Workspace
What to look for:
- Workstations are clean and organised
- No visible debris, old polish, or dust
- Surfaces are wiped down between clients
- Good ventilation (salon smells fresh, not like harsh chemicals lingering)
Why it matters:
A dirty workspace indicates poor overall hygiene practices.
7. Product Integrity
What to look for:
- Gel bottles are sealed and from the original manufacturer
- Products have QR codes or batch numbers (verifying authenticity)
- Products are not expired
Why it matters:
Counterfeit gels can contain harmful chemicals and cause allergic reactions or infections.
What to ask:
“Can I see the product bottle? Can you tell me the brand?”
Red flag:
- “Unbranded gel” or “imported gel”
- No labels on bottles
- Extremely cheap products
8. Proper Nail Prep Process
What to look for:
- The technician discusses prep steps (dehydrator, primer, base coat)
- Nails are filed gently, not aggressively
- Time is allocated for proper curing
Why it matters:
Rushing prep leads to lifting, which leads to moisture trapped under the extension—a breeding ground for fungus.
What to ask:
“How long does your nail prep process take?” (Answer should be 15–20 minutes minimum)
9. Aftercare Education
What to look for:
- You receive written aftercare instructions
- The technician explains how to care for your nails
- You’re told when to return for a fill
Why it matters:
Proper aftercare prevents infections and extends nail lifespan.
Red flag:
- No aftercare information is provided
- Technician doesn’t discuss care
10. Transparent Policies on Refusal
What to look for:
- The salon has a clear policy on refusing clients with visible infections
- The technician is willing to send someone home if they have a fungal infection
Why it matters:
A professional salon prioritises health over money.
What to ask (indirectly):
“What’s your policy if a client has signs of a fungal infection?”
Red flag:
- Salon doesn’t have a clear refusal policy
Quick Red Flags: Signs a Salon Is Unhygienic
Walk out if you see:
1. Visibly dirty pedicure tubs — non-negotiable
2. No autoclave or UV steriliser — tools can’t be properly sterilised
3. Technician doesn’t sanitise hands — direct hygiene violation
4. Metal files being reused — fungal transmission risk
5. Strong chemical smell — poor ventilation = poor air quality
6. “We just wash our tools” — insufficient sterilisation
7. Visible blood or open wounds on technician — infection risk
8. Pressure to proceed despite your concerns — unprofessional
9. No aftercare or safety discussion — low-quality salon
10. Counterfeit or unbranded products — unknown safety profile
Salomé’s Hygiene Standards
At Salomé Atelier Nails:
- Medical-grade autoclave for all metal tools
- Single-use crystal or cardboard files for every client
- UV steriliser for non-metal instruments
- Disposable pedicure liners (no reusable tubs)
- Hand sanitisation between every client
- Professional-grade, HEMA-free products only
- Full 7-step prep process (never rushed)
- Written aftercare instructions for every client
- Clear refusal policy for clients with visible infections
FAQ
Q: Is it safe to get nails done in India?
A: Yes, if you choose a hygienic salon. Most infections come from poorly maintained salons, not from nails themselves.
Q: What’s the most common salon-related infection?
A: Fungal infection (onychomycosis). It spreads through contaminated tools and pedicure tubs.
Q: How can I tell if I have a salon-related infection?
A: Fungal nails show yellowing, thickening, or crumbling. Bacterial infections show redness, swelling, or pus. See a dermatologist if you notice these.
Q: Can I get an infection from a “clean” salon?
A: Unlikely, but possible if the technician has an infection. This is rare in professional salons.
Q: Should I avoid pedicures due to hygiene risks?
A: No. Just choose a hygienic salon with disposable liners and proper sterilisation.
Q: How do I know if a salon is safe before visiting?
A: Call and ask about their sterilisation process. A professional salon will answer confidently. Ask to see the autoclave and sterilised tool pouches when you visit.
Q: What should I do if I get an infection from a salon?
A: See a dermatologist immediately. If the infection is clearly from the salon (you had healthy nails before), inform the salon.
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Choose Salomé Atelier Nails for hygienic, professional nail care. We maintain medical-grade sterilisation standards and use only professional-grade products. Book with confidence.
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Last updated: 2026-05-06 · Hyderabad, India