Manicures and pedicures remain popular beauty treatments worldwide, but health experts warn that they can carry infection risks if hygiene standards are poor.
The global nail care industry is worth billions, yet reports show that some clients leave salons with bacterial or fungal infections instead of only cosmetic results.
Health specialists explain that infections can spread easily in nail salons because technicians work on many clients in the same space. Germs can transfer through shared tools, surfaces, or water if proper cleaning does not take place. The risk increases when equipment is not sterilized between customers or when single use items are reused.
Moreover, the skin on hands and feet naturally carries bacteria and fungi, which can multiply in warm and moist environments. Feet are especially vulnerable because they stay inside shoes for long hours and often sweat, creating ideal conditions for microbes to grow.
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Any small cut, nail trimming, or cuticle damage can allow these germs to enter the body more easily.
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In addition, tools such as nail drills and files can spread tiny skin particles into the air, increasing contamination risks in salon environments. Studies from international settings have also found bacteria on salon surfaces and equipment, including strains that may cause serious illness if they enter the bloodstream.
In some reported cases, infections have led to pain, swelling, and in severe situations, medical treatment such as nail removal or hospital care. Fungal infections can also damage nail structure, causing long-term changes if not treated properly.
However, experts say the risk can be reduced through strict hygiene practices. Clean tools, proper sterilization, disposable liners for pedicure bowls, and regular hand sanitization all help lower infection chances. Customers are also advised to check salon cleanliness before treatment.
Although regulations exist in many regions, the nail salon industry is still not fully regulated in some areas, which means safety standards can vary widely.
