Just because you're a single parent doesn't mean you don't need time out for yourself. Eventually you need a break and/or you crave doing something for yourself. I noticed that the easiest way many women pamper themselves, mom and non-moms, is going to the local salon and getting a mani-pedi. It's quick at about an hour or two per visit, reasonably priced for having someone rub on your achey feet and hands, and you can go with your girlfriends, chat, and not lift a finger.
This was my treat to myself yesterday. I got a pedicure. However after seeing a former helath inspector on a Rachel Ray segment I watched the workers more carefully. If you watch carefully they usually aren't very sanitary AT ALL.
I started watching becuase there was an older gentleman getting his pedicure right next to me. He kept groaning and "ouching" saying things like "don't touch that, that's painful, it's called a 'planter's wart'". Ummm ew! I didn't want to get infected with his "warts". lol I remember them saying most nail techs will reuse products that should be discarded after ONE use. Emory boards are not reusable in a nail salon. Think about it. They're sloughing off dead skin, cuticles, and people's nail shavings. Well another tech finished before the one doing Grandpa's nails but tried the same tricks. She reached for my foot out of the water and low and behold pulled out a still-wet-from-the-lady-she-finished-5 minutes ago emory board. I snatched my foot up and said "Mam that one is dirty can you use a new one". They know better they are trying to save money. She put the file down and started scraping my heels (with a tool that didn't come out of barbicide). I let that one slide becuase the tool was shiny and clean. When she finished she picked up the same emory board. I reminded her that I needed a new one. The look in her eyes was like she realized she wasn't going to get away with this one. My pedicure looks cute. I got the white tips. No time for the manicure, even though I wanted one SO BAD. I had to rush home to get my oldest son from the bus.
Here are a few things you should watch out for when at a nail salon:
1.BARBICIDE! All tools being used should be stored in this. Fully covered. This is a disinfectant. This includes metal objects AND brushes.
2.New items. Emory boards, pumice stones, toe separators, the sandals they give you while your feet dry, nails (of course), etc. These things should not be reused. Basic rule is if it didn't come out of the barbicide holder it shouldn't be reused.
3. Clean pedicure basin. All the dirt and dead skin that comes off I certainly don't want a strangers pedicure residue all over my own feet. Look to see if the workers clean the basin and chair right after they finish with a client. This should be done with hot water and a disinfectant. If they don't go to another nail salon.
4. Constant cleaning. Maybe the nail techs clean their equipment and basins at noon and after the store closes. Not good enough! These practices should be done after each and every client.
5. Face masks. I don't know if they are required by law. I think this is a nice touch and have seen some places use surgical masks when giving you a manicure. After all they are right up in your face, breathing on your face and hands. Then again, the masks take away from the spa-like peacful feeling.
Some of the dangers of letting poor hygenie slide at a nail salon: you can catch a fungus, athlete's food, staph infection, contact with fecal matter, E. Coli, various bacterias, contact with human blood (from the tools very common) and many other pathogens.
Who knew getting your main-pedi was this big of a deal? Well frankly it disgusts me and I'd like to see changes. They know better because they get inspected frequently. Next time watch your nail artist carefully. When you see unclean hygeine practices just ask for the appropriate practice politely. Usually they will fix it immediately. If they try to argue just leave, the above fungi and conditions aren't worth it! Pamper yourself safely.
Remember as a single mother you have to take extra care of yourself so in turn you can take care of your children!!
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