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5 Surprisingly Common Unhygienic Beauty Practices

You might not think twice about getting a manicure or trying on a swab of the latest lip color at the store. However, common beauty practices like these can easily lead to all sorts of complications – from fungal infections to herpes. Are you guilty of any of these all-too-common unsanitary beauty practices?

1. Using Sample Lipsticks 

You might want to try on a new lipstick color before buying the whole stick, but be wary of makeup samples set out in a store for the public to use. Even though there may be paper strips or swabs set out, there is no way to guarantee that someone else hasn’t placed the sample on their lips and contaminated the entire sample. People might also double dip their swab onto the sample to get a second layer of color. 

Lipsticks, balms, and glosses contain emollients that can easily trap dirt and bacteria inside. If you then swab from that sample, that bacteria could end up on your lips. Yuck. This is a common way for the herpes virus to spread. It is best to avoid using makeup samples at all for this reason.

2. Getting a Dip Powder Manicure

Dip powder manicures are the latest nail trends, but there have been numerous reports of bacterial infections spreading from this practice. Like the name suggests, dip powder manicures involve dipping the nails into a pigmented powder, which is supposed to last longer than traditional acrylic polish. However, if everyone’s nails are dipped into the same jar of powder, you might want to rethink your manicure. Bacteria is easily spread this way.

To avoid this, some salons will sprinkle the powder onto your nails instead of dipping them. This is much safer and more hygienic way to get a powder manicure.

Even if you are getting a traditional manicure or pedicure, make sure the tools that are used have been properly washed in between clients. Otherwise, you could end up with a fungus or other infection. 

3. Double-Dipping Wax

If someone gets a bikini wax before you and the wax had been double dipped, germs can be spread. There are reports of people getting herpes, genital warts, and other STIs from uncleanly waxing practices. Make sure the salon uses proper protocol such as placing paper down, wearing gloves, and not double-dipping. Wax roller and other tools should be properly cleaned before use. If you are unsure, don’t be afraid to ask about the salon’s sanitization protocol before getting waxed.

A few red flags to watch out for include:

  • A messy, disorganized facility

  • Messy wax pots with wax all over them

  • Tools are not sanitized before being put away 

4. Sharing Hair and Makeup Brushes

Head lice are easily spread by sharing hair brushes and combs, for both children and adults. Similarly, sharing makeup brushes can spread bacteria and cause eye styes, pink eye, and other medical problems. Even if it is a close friend or family member, it is best not to share hair or makeup brushes with anyone. 

5. Sharing Razors 

Not only is sharing razors unhygienic for obvious reasons – hair, dirt, and dead skin get trapped inside – but it can also pose a risk of infection. If you nick yourself while shaving, you’ve opened up your skin to bacteria, dirt, and other contaminants that could easily cause fungal and bacterial infections, warts, and other concerns. 

Bottom Line

Sanitary concerns are issues for both cosmetic and medical treatments alike. Even though getting a manicure or taking a quick sample of lipstick might seem harmless enough, it is so easy for bacteria to spread through these common beauty practices. Keep these tips in mind to avoid a beauty mishap down the road.


©2020 Metabeauty, Inc.


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