Grim warning issued to anyone who frequently gets their nails done

It's estimated that people in the UK spend an average of £4.5k every year on self-care and manicures are an ever-popular treatment

After all, whether you visit your local salon every three weeks for a BIAB infill or just treat yourself ahead of a special occasion, getting a fresh set of nails done is always a good feeling.

But, experts have warned that there are serious risks associated with nail salons that don't follow proper health and safety processes.

Mariana Eidelkind, founder of Oblique House of Nails, told Surrey Live: "Improper tool sterilisation is a serious concern because it increases the risk of transferring harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses from one client to another.

"When tools like nail clippers, files, and cuticle pushers are not adequately cleaned, they can carry harmful pathogens that may lead to infections such as fungal infections, bacterial infections, and even bloodborne diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV."

There are risks to getting your nails done (Getty Stock Image)

Cuts and nicks can easily happen when nail technicians are trimming away at your cuticles and when improperly sterilised equipment is used, these cuts quickly become gateways for harmful bacteria to get into the body.

And unfortunately, it can be difficult to detect the previously mentioned diseases as the symptoms aren't always visible straight away, leading to a delay in getting medical advice and treatment.

But Mariana shared some warning signs that a salon may be skimping on hygiene.

"One of the most obvious is the use of visibly dirty or unclean tools," she explained. "If your technician uses tools that are left out on the countertop, it's likely that bacteria, dirt, and oils have accumulated on them.

"Clean, sterilised tools should be kept in sealed and sterile pouches until they are ready to be used."

She also recommends checking whether the salon uses single-use items like nail files and buffers.

There are things you should look out for to keep yourself safe (Getty Stock Images)

"These items should never be reused across clients unless they are thoroughly sterilised in between," she says.

And, if you're unsure about anything you see, just talk to your technician, no matter how awkward it may feel.

Mariana says: "A lot of people feel rude or uncomfortable to ask about the salon's sterilisation process, but a reputable salon should have no problem explaining how they clean and sterilise their tools.

"Ask whether they use an autoclave or medical-grade sterilising equipment, as these are the most effective methods for ensuring proper hygiene.

"As well as this, be aware of the general cleanliness of the salon. The station where your manicure is done should be clean and free of dust, debris, and leftover nail products. The technician should also wash their hands before starting your manicure and wear gloves to ensure hygiene."