I was on vacation in Miami and sooo scared to get my nails done. I usually end up at a horrible salon that's not clean because it looks nice from the outside or got good reviews only to find out that all the insturments are dirty, and have dead skin hanging off of them and nail shavings already on the files.... YUCK! (At least thats how it is here in California, very hard to find a good, clean salon).
I was actually so scared that I meticulously went through the reviews for the Miami nail salons and called to make sure I could get clean instruments. I was very pleased with the manicurist's response on the phone to my rather insulting question if they would make sure all of the instruments were clean for me. She said, "Sure, you can have new if you want." That surprised me. I expected to be barked at, but instead she was very happy to oblige.
They made an appt for me within the half hour. I was on time and got a rather rude greeting from the grumpy teenage receptionist who looked like she hated her job, but I didn't take it personally. :)) I was kept waiting for maybe 20 minutes as they busily finished with the people already seated. I was told they would have time for me but I wasn't upset to wait a short while for a clean salon, and I did call only 30 minutes prior to coming, so I was actually happy they made me an appt on such short notice.
They kept my appt and took me prior to the walk-ins. :D awesome!
I believe Helen did my nails. When I sat down, I told her they said that I could have everything clean. She said: "Sure, no problem," and disinfected all the files with alcohol in front of me. I believe she removed the ones she had used for the girl ahead of me, got out a different set and then soaked them in something clear, I think alcohol, and then sprayed them with alcohol. She took the nail clippers out of the autoclave, oven thing and I got a different nail file. She did not disinfect the table or wash her hands. I know its not operating room cleanliness, but it was definitley the best and cleanest experience I've ever had at a salon and I felt comfortable that the level of cleanliness would ensure I didn't come home with an infection, or warts or fungus. S:o
She was sooo great at her job! What a perfectionist! A girl after my own heart. I asked for nail art on my ring fingers, a big flower. She redid the flower on my left hand like five times because she didn't like how it turned out. I was actually okay with it the first time, but I really appreciated that she wanted to do the best job possible and didn't rush, even though it wasn't a slow day at the salon. A++++. Great job Helen! Wish they were here in California so I could go back. Awesome nails, clean (Im a germiphobe, so my recommendation says a lot.) :) read more