February 20, 2008
Pay for a pedicure, get a fungus
I am paranoid when it comes to certain things. The paranoia is sometimes unfounded, other times it is based on realities about people and places. Case in point, dirty nail salons. I have this fear of going into a nail spa for a pedicure and coming out of it with warts and other blood-borne viruses. Or contracting HIV due to a non-disinfected cuticle remover. Once, in the Philippines, I was tempted to bring my own "tools" just to make sure I don't catch anything from any of the salon's unwashed, blood-stained implements. Being perceived as the "evil customer" and getting kicked out for being overly meticulous however held me back. I could probably count with both hands the number of times I went for a professional nail grooming.
But, like I said, I don't choose to be irrational for my own enjoyment. Last week, one daytime show featured nail salons and their unsanitary conditions. If you're the type of person who can't live without a routine foot bath, you should be concerned. Some businesses that cater to the general public do not seem to put a premium on cleanliness anymore.
I don't have perfectly steady hands but I have decided that I will take charge of the upkeep of my nails for the most part. It's a trial and error process and involves backbreaking work. Am I swearing off nail salons completely? Heavens, no. A girl needs to be pampered from time to time. I'm just going to places where I'm confident pedicure tools are soaked in some kind of bleach formula after every use.
