 | Terry Chrisco has practiced cosmetology for 30 years and has been the owner of Unique Concepts in Wichita Kansas since 1996. She has been a member of the National Cosmetology Association. Terry has been a member of the Kansas Education Committee for 28 years where she has served as styles director and chairman. Since 1976, she has served on Illinois and Oklahoma education committees and has served as Exam Chairman for the state of Kansas. She is a Hair America Educator for the National Cosmetology Association, a National Certified Cosmetologist, an examiner for the National Certification Program and is certified for the "Look Good Feel Better" program. You may contact Terry at Unique Concepts, 1548 S. Webb Rd. Suite 3 in Wichita, KS 67207, by phone at (316) 689-8891, or visit www.uniqueconceptsspa.com. |
Beauty & Fashion
2007-01-01 14:37:00
Tips for a safe pedicure
ANSWER: The State Board of Cosmetology and regulations require nail technicians to sanitize basins and all implements before each pedicure with barbicide, an anti-bacterial and anti fungal solution. When there is a blood spill they require a hospital grade barbicide.
The Problem is the implementation of this regulation. The State Board of Cosmetology only has 3 inspectors for the whole State of Kansas. The State Board of Cosmetology can't be in over 4000 places at the same time to check to see if they are following all regulations. You must rely on the reputation of the salon you patronize. Having taught throughout the state of Kansas, the majority of salons use safe sanitation practices. Most salon professionals believe in excellence and protecting the public as well as the reputation of their profession.
The law requires salons to post the sanitation procedures and have the last inspection form available. The inspection form includes the results of the inspection, including areas requiring improvement and the phone number of the State Board of Cosmetology to report any concerns. Customers should visually observe that tools and equipment are clean and well kept and not be afraid to ask to see a copy of the last inspection.
Problems occur when pedicure equipment are not sanitized properly. In most salons, the pedicure stations filter the water in a circular fashion to create the bubbles, just like in a whirlpool tub. When your pedicure is finished even if they clean the basin there is a little water in the back of the pump. This is one area where fungus and bacteria can grow. Furthermore the jets themselves can harbor fungus. When the next pedicure starts essentially you have a burst of water from the last pedicure. These pedicure stations basins should be filled with a solution of barbicide and water. The solution should be circulated through the system for 10 minutes after each pedicure.
New equipment is now available. Pipe-less pedicure stations use jetted air rather than circulated water. They blow out air nothing is drawn into the system to harbor bacteria or fungus. Once the basin is sanitized all bacteria and fungus are washed down the drain.
Clients should also refrain from shaving at least 48 hours before a pedicure. Search out a salon with a good reputation for the complete pedicure experience relax and enjoy the hot towels, great exfoliation, wonderful massage and the beautification of your feet and legs.
