Are manicures good for you? Benefits, limits and safety tips

What a manicure can offer

There is little clinical research on manicures as such, so we keep to what is practical and widely accepted:

• Nail and hand care. Regular shaping and tidying keeps nails from snagging and splitting, and moisturising the hands and nails is part of a good routine. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that nail polish remover can dry nails out, so moisturising afterwards is advised.
• A regular look at your nails. A routine appointment is a reason to pay attention to your nails. If you notice a change in colour, shape or texture, it is worth showing a doctor rather than covering it up.
• A relaxing ritual. Many clients value the time set aside for themselves. This is a personal benefit that is hard to measure, and we do not claim it as medical.

Where claims go too far

The American Academy of Dermatology points out that there is no scientific evidence that gelatin soaks strengthen nails, and that strengthening polishes can make nails stiffer and more likely to break. Artificial nails should not be used to cover problems, should not be worn continuously, and are not recommended for people prone to fungal infections or with brittle nails.

Safety tips for clients

From the same dermatology guidance:

• Do not cut or forcefully push back cuticles, as this can lead to infection; if you push them back, do it gently after a bath or shower.
• Choose a salon with trained, licensed technicians, clean stations, handwashing between clients and no dirty tools lying around, and ask how tools are cleaned.
• If you have manicures often, consider buying your own tools.
• Leave if the salon does not look clean.

For salon owners: a station that shows hygiene

Clients now look for these signs, so the manicure station should make them easy to see. Choose a manicure table with a surface that wipes clean, drawers that keep tools covered and separate from client belongings, a comfortable hand cushion and, where you do a lot of filing, a built-in dust extraction option. Matching stools and good lighting complete the station.

See our manicure tables and other salon furniture, or ask about a complete layout through our turnkey projects.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology: Manicure and pedicure safety