SPA Nail Salon Checklist

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🔹 Overall Cleanliness – The salon should look and smell clean. Floors, workstations, and tools should be free of dust, nail clippings, and debris.

🔹 Disinfection Practices – Look for visible cleaning and disinfecting of tools between clients. Metal tools should be stored in sealed, disinfected pouches or placed in a disinfectant solution.

🔹 Disposable Items – Items like nail files, buffers, pumice stones, and wooden sticks should be new for each client or properly sanitized if reusable.

🔹 Handwashing & Gloves – Technicians should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer between clients and wear gloves when necessary, especially for pedicures or cuticle work. 

🔹 Salon License – A valid business and cosmetology license should be clearly displayed near the front of the salon.

🔹 Technician Licenses – Each nail technician should have a state-issued license, which is usually displayed at their workstation or on a wall.

🔹 Continuing Education – Some salons showcase certificates for advanced training in sanitation, nail art, or specific techniques, which can indicate a commitment to quality.

🔹 Autoclave or UV Sterilizers – A high-quality salon should use an autoclave (steam sterilizer) or UV sanitizer to disinfect metal tools.

🔹 Properly Labeled Disinfectants – EPA-registered disinfectants should be visible and used correctly for cleaning footbaths, tools, and surfaces.

🔹 No Reuse of Disposable Tools – Items like nail files, buffers, and orangewood sticks should never be reused between clients. 

🔹 Clean Footbaths – Pedicure tubs should be disinfected between clients. If a liner is used, it should be new for each client.

🔹 Jet-Free Tubs or Disposable Liners – Traditional whirlpool jets can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly. Opt for salons that use pipe-free pedicure bowls or disposable liners.

🔹 No Razor Callus Shaving – It is illegal in many states for salons to use a razor blade to remove calluses. Instead, they should use a pumice stone or foot file. 

🔹 Neat Appearance – Nail technicians should wear clean uniforms, have groomed nails, and maintain a professional appearance.

🔹 Masks & Gloves – Professionals should wear a mask when working with acrylics or filing nails to reduce dust inhalation. Gloves should be worn during pedicures and certain nail treatments.

🔹 No Skin Cutting – Technicians should never cut live skin or use tools that cause discomfort or bleeding. 

🔹 Well-Ventilated Space – A strong chemical smell may indicate poor ventilation. Look for salons with proper air filtration systems or open-air circulation.

🔹 Use of Safe Products – Some salons offer "5-free" or "10-free" nail polishes that are free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene. 

🔹 Consent & Communication – A good technician will ask about allergies, skin conditions, or sensitivities before starting services.

🔹 Pricing Transparency – Prices should be clearly posted with no hidden fees.

🔹 No Pressure for Add-Ons – A professional salon will not pressure clients into unnecessary upgrades or treatments. 

❌ Dirty or Unorganized Workstations
❌ Reusing Disposable Tools
❌ No Visible Licenses
❌ Unclean Footbaths or Tools
❌ Strong Chemical Odors Without Ventilation
❌ Technicians Rushing or Ignoring Client Comfort
❌ Cutting Cuticles Too Aggressively or Using Razors on Skin