7 red flags to look out for when getting a manicure, according to salon owners

Whether you want a Japanese gel manicure or French tips for your next big event, choosing the right nail salon is crucial to achieving the look you desire and preserving your long-term nail health.

That’s why Business Insider asked salon owners about the red flags clients should look out for when getting a manicure at a new salon. Here’s what they said.

Check to make sure your nail tech isn’t using dirty tools.

Patricia Reign, a licensed manicurist and the owner of Traveling Aura Mobile Spa, told BI that one of the most important things to check for before getting a manicure is that the tools are properly sanitized.

“Tools like nail clippers, cuticle nippers, and pushers should be taken from a clean, sealed packet — which often indicates the salon uses an autoclave, a professional-grade sterilization device,” Reign said. “However, be cautious. Some salons may use these packets without sterilizing the tools.”

She added that if the nail technician pulls tools directly from a drawer, they may have been placed there after being used on another client.

Misused sanitization boxes can also be an issue.

Amy Ling Lin, CEO and founder of the nail-care brand and salon Sundays, told BI that misusing sanitization equipment, notably LED-light sanitization boxes, is just as bad for clients as using dirty implements.

“For salons that use an LED light sanitization box, ensure no paper towels are under the tool plates. Paper towels can block the light, preventing proper sterilization of the tools,” Lin said.

Beware of unusual odors and poor ventilation.

Reign told BI that unusual odors in a salon are a major red flag health-wise.

“Any strange or strong odors in the salon could signal poor ventilation or the use of low-quality products, which might contain harmful chemicals,” Reign said. “A salon should be well-ventilated and free from overpowering chemical smells.”

Unidentifiable products are often a bad sign.

High-quality salons will typically use well-known, professional products, according to Reign.

“If the products being used are not clearly labeled or identifiable, this could be a sign that the salon isn’t using professional-grade products,” Reign told BI.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about any of the products a nail technician uses.

A messy workstation is a no-go.

Jessie Pang, owner of Jessie P Nails, told BI that a messy workstation containing spilled nail products or personal items is one of the biggest red flags to watch out for.

She said to take note of any nail clippings, food crumbs, or stains left at the station.

“Cleanliness should be the priority at the station,” Pang said.

Overly aggressive techniques during a service can cause issues for the client.

Monica Victoria, owner of Nail Garden Austin, encourages all salon goers to pay attention to any pain or discomfort they experience during their manicures.

“Aggressive filing, cutting, or scraping of cuticles or nails can lead to small cuts or tears in the skin, resulting in open wounds, infections, or long-term damage to your nails and the surrounding skin,” Victoria said.

The best way to avoid long-lasting, unnecessary issues from aggressive techniques is to tell your technician to stop as soon as possible.

“Promptly addressing these issues allows the technician to adjust their technique or properly clean and disinfect the area to prevent further harm,” Victoria told BI.

Not including nail preparation and cuticle care in the service can lead to poor results.

According to Kasia Pukeca, owner of Gloss Nail Co, some salons don’t offer full manicures as part of services like gel polish or dipping powder.

However, she said things like nail preparation and cuticle care are a must.

“There is no way to achieve an ideal product application if the nail plate and cuticles are improperly prepared,” Pukeca said.

This story was originally published on April 22, 2025, and most recently updated on August 28, 2025.

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