24 Sep Nail Safety: What to Look For When Choosing a Salon

When it comes to nails, most people think first about colour, design, or the latest trend. But behind every beautiful set of nails, there’s something even more important — safety.

I’ve been in the beauty industry for nearly three decades, and I’m proud to say our salon was a finalist for two Scratch Awards this year one of the highest recognitions in the nail world. Over the years, I’ve trained to advanced levels, mentored other professionals, and built a reputation for results-led treatments with client care at the heart.

That’s why I feel strongly about talking openly about nail safety. Not all salons work to the same standard, and knowing what to look for can protect not only your nails but also your overall health.

Why Nail Safety Matters

Your nails aren’t just for polish,  they’re part of your body, and they deserve to be treated with care. Poor practice can lead to allergies, infections, long-term damage, or even blood exposure if treatments are carried out incorrectly.

We’ve never had a client suffer an allergic reaction in our salon and that’s no accident. We work with carefully selected, professional products and follow strict hygiene and safety standards at every stage.

Common Safety Concerns Clients Should Be Aware Of

Allergies

Right now, there’s a lot of talk in the industry about nail allergies. One of the leading causes is poor-quality products and undercuring gels. When gel isn’t cured properly, or when low-grade ingredients are used, the risk of reaction rises dramatically.

Repeated exposure to product on the skin can also cause overexposure, which increases the chance of developing an allergy over time. That’s why correct application, curing, and product choice are essential.

Bleeding During a Nail Service

You should never bleed during a nail service. If you do, it should be dealt with correctly and hygienically,  because at that point, it’s a blood exposure. Cutting corners with filing or cuticle work is a major red flag.

Unlabelled or Decanted Products

If you ever see unlabeled bottles or products you can’t identify, take it as a warning sign. Nail products in the UK are heavily regulated, and many professional systems are also FDA-approved. Salons using decanted or unbranded bottles may be working with unsafe, untested products.

At our salon, we only use The Gel Bottle products, purchased directly from the supplier. This ensures everything we apply is authentic, safe, and compliant.

Consultation Forms

Did you fill in a consultation form? For me, that’s the first green flag when visiting a salon. A proper consultation is there to check your suitability, flag any health concerns, and tailor the treatment to you. If a salon skips this, they’re skipping a vital step in keeping you safe.

Key Things to Look For in a Safe Nail Salon

• Clean, sanitised tools and a tidy work area

• Trained and qualified technicians who explain what they’re doing

• Products you can identify and trust

• A focus on nail health as well as appearance

• A proper consultation before your first appointment

Why Our Clients Trust Us

At our salon, nail health comes first. That’s why we’ve built a reputation in Durham not only for flawless finishes but also for our safe, professional approach. Being a Scratch Awards finalist this year is recognition of the high standards we hold ourselves to every single day.

Clients know they can trust us because:

• We use only authentic, professional products from official suppliers

• Our team is advanced-trained and continues professional education

• We prioritise hygiene, safety, and honest advice

• We balance creativity with care nails that look amazing but stay healthy

Final Thoughts

Nails should be a joy, not a risk. By choosing a salon that values safety as much as style, you’ll enjoy beautiful results without compromising the health of your natural nails.

If you’re looking for a nail salon in Durham that combines award-level expertise with genuine care for your wellbeing, we’d love to welcome you.