Like many other beauty rituals, nail care is nothing new; manuscripts found in Egypt show that women used henna to polish their nails thousands of years ago. In the 19^th century, groomed nails became a symbol of status, and the most fashionable ladies took great care of their fingernails and toenails. Needless to say, nail care is still a major part of the grooming culture, and nail salons are more popular than ever. Pampering yourself with a mani-pedi every once in a while is great, but you will be surprised to hear that it has risks. If you ever wondered "are pedicures safe?", here is the answer that you need to know.

Are there pedicure health risks?

The broad answer is "yes"; when not done properly, pedicures can actually be risky for you. If you get an unprofessional pedicure, you are at risk of developing foot fungus, viral/bacterial infections, and ingrown toenails. Yes, the seemingly innocent practice of taking care of your feet can actually risk your health! So no, not all pedicures are safe. However, that does not mean that you should avoid them entirely. To protect yourself from infections and other health issues that can be caused by pedicures, you need to follow some important tips devised by health care professionals.

How to avoid pedicure health risks

A professional pedicure involves soaking your feet in a tub of warm water. Afterward, the nail care professional will get rid of excess skin on your feet and will treat your toenails. To make sure you are not at risk of developing pedicure health risks, here is what you should do:

Only go to licensed nail salons

Unprofessional nail salons have a greater risk of giving you infections. So, you should only go to a licensed salon that underwent health checkups and has a license to practice pedicures. Certain states have begun cracking down on unlicensed beauty vendors due to related health risks. So, you should look for a salon that has an operating license and a trained staff.

Make sure the salon uses clean tools

There are mani-pedi tools that can be used over and over. These tools should be properly sanitized before every use, and it is best for you to see the sanitation process to make sure the tools that are used on you are clean. You can also go to a salon that uses disposable tools that are sealed and discarded after use. Whether it is the foot tub or the pedicure tools – make sure everything is clean and hygienic.

Do not get pedicures if you suffer from underlying medical issues

People with poor circulation, diabetes, skin issues, and related health issues should not get pedicures. If you have a medical condition, you are more susceptible to infections – especially if you are diabetic or have poor circulation.

Do not shave the day before you visit your salon

When you shave your legs and feet, you may cut yourself. Also, razors cause micro-cuts that we cannot even see. When your skin is injured, it is more likely for you to get an infection, compared to intact skin. When you soak your legs in a foot tub and you have injured skin – you will likely get an infection. So, do not shave for at least 24 hours before your visit to the nail salon.

Get a mani-pedi only once a month

If you are a regular at the nail salon, you are risking your skin and nails. Frequent exposure to water, UV light, and the chemicals found in nail care products weaken your nails and skin's natural defense systems. To avoid the related health risks, limit your mani-pedis to no more than once a month. And yes – that includes at-home pedicures.

Do a "dry" pedicure

If you can't quit your pedicure routine, try switching it up. Instead of the usual soak, go for a dry pedicure; get a foot massage and a polish only. You will still get your pamper, all the while lowering the risk of skin and nail issues.

Take care of your feet at home

Many women tend to ignore their feet during their self-care routine. Don’t forget that your feet take you everywhere, and they deserve all the loving in the world. So, when you are not at the salon, take good care of your feet: apply a natural moisturizer to keep the skin from drying and breaking. Dry and peeling feet are also at risk of infection, and a moisturizer is a great way to prevent problems. Also, you should care for your cuticles and nails with a natural cuticle conditioner. Apply a cuticle conditioner regularly on both your hands and feet to nourish your nails and make them stronger and healthier.

Bottom line

Pedicures are safe, as long as you go to a professional and licensed salon that keeps all the tools as clean as possible. There is no reason for you not to enjoy a pedicure every once in a while, – as long as you keep yourself and your feet safe.