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

• Unidentifiable products and overly aggressive techniques can make for a poor experience.
• Look for dirty or loose tools and poor ventilation when entering a salon.

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

Misused sanitization boxes can also be an issue.

“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.

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

According to Kasia Pukeca, owner of Gloss Nail Co. in Florida, 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.

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.

This story was originally published on April 22, 2025, and most recently updated on October 12, 2026.