 |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I clean my implements?
A: After each manicure or pedicure, wipe down each metal implement with an anti-bacterial germicidal betadine solution found at your local drug store. If you are allergic to iodine, use hydrogen peroxide instead. After you have wiped down the metal implements with your antiseptic agent, take a moist new (unused) soft bristle tooth brush to gently scrub off any nail or skin debris from the nail clipper, cuticle clipper, and cuticle pusher. Clean the block buffer, emery board, and four way buffer with a moist soft wash cloth saturated with bottled water. If these non-metal items come into contact with blood, discard and replace them with a new implement immediately. The wood stick and tub liner should be discarded after each use. Contact your Dr. Siegal's Savvy Nail Kit supplier to order replacement items.
Q: "Do the nail salons clean their implements effectively?"
A: Medical regulations to autoclave nail instruments are not mandated in the cosmetic industry. The only way to fully eradicate infectious organisms is through a very technical process called autoclaving. The methods used to autoclave metal instruments in medical offices and hospitals nationwide are strictly regulated by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and involve an intense heat and pressure treatment for up to 45 minutes at 272 degrees Fahrenheit. The nail industry simply does not have access to these methods of this type of sophisticated sterilization. It is up to the consumer to actively protect themselves by not sharing nail implements during their routine nail treatments.
Q: "My nail salon uses a machine that looks like a little toaster oven to clean implements - isn't that good enough?"
A: These machines are not approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for use in hospital operating rooms, surgery centers, or medical offices. There is no proof that the ultraviolet light used in these machines will fully destroy each of the dangerous organisms which present a risk in the nail salon. Would you want to be operated on with surgical instruments cleaned in this "toaster oven"? Plus, does your salon keep their implements in the "oven" for 20 – 45 minutes as regulated by the manufacturer? Or do they just toss them in and out in order to be prepared for the long line of waiting customers? Take the uncertainty out of it! Bring your own tools and feel confident that your mani/pedi is safe!
Q: "What about the blue solution that my aesthetician uses to clean the implements?"
A: This solution (Barbicide) has not been proven to eradicate the hepatitis C virus. It is indicated to disinfect, not to sterilize. The solution is capable of killing some basic organisms, but not all of them. In addition, some salons cut costs by diluting this solution with Windex or alcohol which decreases its potency. Salon technicians are instructed to soak implements in this solution for a substantial period of time between each client. Can you be 100% sure that your salon follows these guidelines? Take the worry and uncertainty out of the nurturing experience of your mani/pedi and carry the Dr. Siegal's Savvy Nail Kit to your next nail appointment!
Q: "My nail salon keeps my tools for me. Is that OK?"
A: It may not be. Does your salon keep the metal tools for you, or just the non-metal implements? The salons typically cannot afford to purchase the expensive metal implements for each of their thousands of clients. The viral and bacterial conditions are most commonly transmitted via the sharp metal implements that can easily tear the skin. In addition, what happens when you leave the salon? How can you be certain that no one "borrows" your nipper for someone else's manicure? What if you need to go somewhere else to get your routine mani/pedi? You may be in a different area of town and pressed for time. You may be in a different city on a business trip or vacation. Make it easy on yourself. Keep Dr. Siegal's Savvy Nail Kit tucked away in your glove compartment or suitcase and there will be no uncertainty about your health!!
Q: Do my personal nail implements need to be sterile?
A: No. When you carry your own tools to each nail appointment, the implements must be "clean". Sterilization is defined as being free of bacteria and living microorganisms and is obtained only through a technical autoclaving process. Sterilization is mandatory for surgical instruments in the operating room. It is also critical if you plan on sharing your implements with other people. When you carry your own tools and plan on using them only for yourself it is sufficient to keep them simply "clean" by disinfecting the implements between each use with hydrogen peroxide or a providone/iodine solution found at your local drug store. Your risk of contracting an infection will be significantly reduced if you simply stop sharing implements with other people in the nail salon.
Q: Is it possible to contract an infection even if I carry my own tools to the nail salon?
A: Yes. It is important to recognize that there is always a risk of contracting an infection in a nail salon despite taking all precautions. This is because skin puncture can occur during a routine mani/pedi and infectious organisms may exist in the nail salon on exposed surfaces. Having said that, carrying your own tools and avoiding sharing of implements will significantly decrease your risk of contracting an infection. If you suffer an injury during your nail salon treatment, you should seek immediate medical attention from your physician. Dr. Siegal cannot take responsibility for potential injuries that the consumer may receive at the nail salon of their choice. Our goal is to prevent sharing of nail implements between the general public; and in doing so, significantly reduce the risk of each nail salon consumer contracting an infection from their fellow beauty salon customers.
Q: Can I buy the Dr. Siegal Savvy Nail Kit in any stores?
A: YES. Please click on the www.DrCarolynCollection.com store locator link to find a retail store or boutique in your area who sells Dr. Seigal's savvy line of products.
Q: What is different about the 7 styles of Savvy Nail Kits?
A: Each kit contains the same 9 professional implements plus 1 patent-pending foot tubliner. We wanted each person to have their own style, and offer 7 various fabric bags to suit your taste.
Q: Are the implements as good as my manicurist uses?
A: As good or better. Professional salonists and consumers provide rave reviews about our quality. If you were to purchase each implement separately at a beauty supply store, the implements alone would cost nearly $100.00.
Return to the Home Page
|
|
|
