Pedicures can be done right and wrong. In the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, you have thousands of choices when it comes to pedicure salons.

Just 29 inspectors cover the entire state of Texas. They can catch some shady salons, but not all.

So how do you choose one that doesn’t wind up causing you more problems with your feet than when you walked in the door?

Here’s some important points:

1. Make Sure They Have a License

Nail salons must be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. They must publicly display their license in an easily found area. Typically, the salon does this somewhere near their front desk.

2. Ask for A Quick Walk-Through of the Salon

Do your own informal inspection by either getting one of the staff to show you around, or by asking them if you can take a look around the salon yourself.

As you walk through, look for overflowing trash, dirty towels on the floor, or furniture that’s falling apart. These little cues subtly show how the rest of the salon may be run.

You have plenty of other options in the area, including salons that are maintained and run well. So, don’t feel too bad about walking out of the salon if you don’t feel comfortable with it.

3. Instrument Cleaning

One-time use instruments should be disposed of. This includes emery boards and toe spacers. Tools that get repeatedly used must be cleaned and disinfected according to specific protocols.

Watch to make sure your technician does this. Or, ask them how the tools get cleaned prior to use on you.

4. Check Online Reviews

The great thing about the web is that you can get unbiased, 100% honest reviews of any business, product, or service.

Some businesses can fake these to a certain extent, but most websites have protection in place to minimize that potential problem. You can search multiple review websites (Google, Facebook, and so on) to get an accurate picture of the true reputation of the salon you’re considering.

After checking out a few websites, it’ll become pretty obvious to you what your best choices are.

5. Understand the Common Regulatory Violations

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation cites some of the most common violations at its website. You can also search its site (using that same link) by clicking the “Search Site” function at the top.

You can search in dozens of different ways, so you should be able to find the spas you’re considering regardless of the information you have for them.

Armed with this information, you can make a wise choice for your next nail salon which won’t result in any harm to your feet. Instead, you’ll walk away with your feet looking and feeling great, and you won’t have to worry about any trouble happening afterward.