Former nail tech shares secrets salons "don't want you to know" (2024)

Industry professionals hold all the secrets when it comes to beauty—although there are some secrets the pros would probably rather we didn't find out, especially when it comes to nail services.

Luckily, TikTok has once again exposed the secrets of the industry we wouldn't otherwise know, as certified nail tech Abby (@nailtechabby) shared seven nail salon secrets in a now viral video. The video, captioned: "Things the nail salon doesn't want you to know," gained over 1.3 million views and 115,000 likes.

From double dipping to ingrown toenails, Abby's list exposed some surprising information about the nail industry most clients wouldn't know—and Newsweek spoke to Las Vegas celebrity nail tech and chief executive of Nailbiz, Aaliyah Smith, to find out more about what really goes on behind the scenes at the salon.

1. Calluses

Whilst corns and calluses on our feet often don't pose any serious threat, these hard and thick areas of skin can be uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful.

Whilst many suffering from calluses look forward to their time in the salon chair, Abby brings bad news, as she said: "If you are prone to having calloused feet, nail salons will actually over file your callous to keep you coming back to the salon.

"So if you ever feel like they're doing a little too much work and your calluses are not getting better, it's a tactic some of the chop shops use to get you to come back."

Smith said: "While this may be true for some—it may also be that they're an inexperienced nail tech. They may over file, not knowing that some calluses are actually needed. If my client is a runner. I will not completely remove the callus. A callus is your body's natural cushioning and defense mechanism."

2. Foot Filing

On the subject of filing your feet, Abby made a point of highlighting that not all files are created equally. If your nail tech pulls out a pumice stone, you should be in the clear, but others with sharper blades could actually be banned from salons in your home state as part of an effort to reduce foot infections.

"The cheese grater looking files are also illegal in many states and can lead to an infection because of how deeply they cut into your skin," she said.

Smith confirmed that "they are illegal and can cause more damage than good. While they are illegal in some states, not all, I highly suggest avoiding them at all costs."

3. Dip Powder Formula

Dip powder nails, often referred to as the brand name SNS, uses colored powder which the nail is "dipped" into, combined with an activator to create bold colors that could last up to three weeks. Whilst many use the system as an alternative to gel and acrylic options, Abby believes your salon could be falsely advertising the service as a "safer" option.

"SNS or dip or whatever you want to call it and acrylic are chemically almost identical, they are just applied differently," she said.

"So, when nail techs tell you that SNS is better for your nail or whatever, it most likely means that they are either wanting to do it because it's easier, or two, they are more confident in their ability to apply and remove it without damaging your natural nails. But, chemically, they're the same product."

With regards to dip powder formulas, Smith said: "I believe it comes down to whether they [the salon] offer it or not, preference, and if they truly care about their client—having their best interest. Whilst similar, SNS or dip do not have monomer, if they did, that would make them acrylic nails—so chemically, they are not the same."

4. Don't Double Dip

Hygiene is hugely important for all nail services, but the "dipping" element of dip nails often overlooks the importance of proper sanitization.

Abby said: "It is also against sanitation protocols to have each client dip their finger in the big jar of dip. You are supposed to have your own poured out into a smaller dish for each client so that it's clean."

Smith agreed that "double dipping is never good in any scenario. The preferred method I advise if you desire dip powdered nails is as described. This is the best option."

5. Ingrown Toenails

Whilst it may be a satisfying part of your salon trip, ingrown toenails are one area of nail health that most techs aren't actually trained on—no matter how good their digging skills may be.

Abby kept her warning on this short and sweet: "No nail tech is licensed or trained or certified or whatever to remove your ingrown toenail. Go to the doctor."

Smith agreed with Abby on this, as she said: "Nail techs are NOT podiatrists. Always refer client to podiatrist when ingrowns need to be removed. We are not supposed to work on living skin. Remember the 3 B's... if it's bruised, bloody, or broken skin we do not work on it!"

6. Cuticle Care

Another practice that has some controversy, nail techs touching your cuticles is frowned upon by many, with California, New York and Illinois going as far as passing laws on the subject.

"It is illegal for nail techs to cut your cuticles, or really any living skin for that matter," said Abby.

Cuticles can be pushed back, but be wary when your tech pulls out an e-file or cuticle clippers as incorrect use could lead to serious infections.

"But, if you're wanting them to completely erase your cuticles, or you start bleeding, they've cut too much, and that is actually out of our [nail techs'] scope of practice and could lead to an infection."

Smith confirmed this surprising secret, as when asked if there was truth behind it she explained: "Technically. We can push the cuticle back, but not cut it."

7. Sterilization

On the topic of tools, many of us have been lead to believe that, unless the tools are in a sealed, sanitized bag, they aren't cleaned properly between clients.

The reality is that different nail techs may use different sterilization techniques, as Abby explained: "You can still sterilize tools just in barbicide [a salon standard disinfectant], which is the liquid that they are soaked in. They don't have to be put into a plastic baggie and a sterilizer."

Smith explained how "instruments can be sanitized a few different ways. Yes, old school barbicide is one method, as are those little baggies, but there isn't only one way.

"For example, I sanitize my instruments by first removing debris, wash with antibacterial soap, place in barbicide, dry, and place in a sanitized tray ready to go for my clients. They don't need to see the bags."