Manicures and Pedicures

Les manucures et les pédicures

Health Risks of Manicure or Pedicure

Manicure and pedicure tools can become contaminated with bacteria, fungi and blood-borne viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Therefore, it is important tools are cleaned and disinfected properly prior to reuse. Some items such as nail files or pumice stones must be discarded immediately after each client.

You can also protect yourself from hepatitis B by being vaccinated. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C or HIV.

What To Look for Before Getting a Manicure or Pedicure

Before you consider a manicure or pedicure, be sure that you don’t have a skin or nail infection. You could spread the infection to your nail technician or other clients.

It is important to get a manicure or pedicure from a salon inspected by public health. Toronto Public Health inspects all known nail salons to make sure they are taking the right steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

You can search inspection results on BodySafe.ca, email BodySafe@toronto.ca or contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 if you are uncertain that a salon is inspected or would like to know about the inspection history.

Lower the Risk of Infection

Go to a salon that is inspected by your local public health unit. When a foot bath is used as part of a pedicure service, avoid shaving your legs to reduce your risk of getting an infection.

Your nail technician should undertake the following infection prevention steps as well:

  • Wash hands with soap and water or use a 70% alcohol hand sanitizer before starting the procedure.
  • Use tools (e.g., scissors, clippers, and pedicure razor blade holders) that have been cleaned and disinfected before starting your manicure or pedicure. UV light “sterilizers” or glass (hot) bead “sterilizers” are not acceptable methods of disinfection or sterilization.
  • Use new items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected on clients such as nail files and pumice stones, and discard single-use items immediately after use.
  • Use a new pedicure razor blade for every client and discard immediately after use into an approved “sharps” container.
  • Use a foot bath that has been cleaned and disinfected between clients.
  • Dispense all lotions and creams in a way that does not contaminate the remaining lotion or cream (no “double dipping”).

What to Expect from My Nail Technician

  • If an infection is suspected on your skin or nails, you should be denied service and be advised to see a health professional. A nail technician should never diagnose or provide you with treatment for nail mould or fungus.
  • The nail technician should be willing to answer all your questions about the procedure and any infection prevention steps taken.
  • They will ask for your contact information.

Report a Complaint

A complaint about infection prevention and control practices in a nail salon, in the City of Toronto, can be made by using our online BodySafe Complaint Form, emailing BodySafe@toronto.ca or by calling by calling 416-338-BODY (2639) 416-392-0658. All complaints are confidential and can be anonymous.