Using Client's Tools

[Alpenrose]

I have noticed that more clients are asking to use their own tools for hygiene reasons. :twisted:Although I do understand that they don't know if my tools were appropriately after previous client, I still don't think this is a right thing to do. And here is why:
1. Sometimes their 'tool bag' simply doesn't look clean, thus causing concerns about potential risks
2. Most of the tools they have are of poor quality, thus making my job harder, taking more time and sometimes results may be worse than if I was using my own tools, making the client think that I am not a professional
I am thinking of either offering them to purchase brand new tools (of my choice) from me or refusing a treatment.
How would you handle this sensitive situation when you are sure that your tools are hygienic and safe?

 

[gemsie1983]

Try cleaning them in front of the client prehaps?

 

[kimi1101]

DO NOT TAKE OFFENCE TO THIS but is there any reason your client may think your tools would not be hygenic?

could you not have your tools in barbicide in view of your nail desk etc and if they ask you to use theirs then explain to them yours are sterilised by XXXX method and perfectly safe...?

I knew of a beauty therapist who did a pedicure on a client and she used the womans stuff because I think she had a verucca. But hopefully your clients shouldnt be concerned about hygiene from your side of things.

 

[Alpenrose]

I work as at home, as mobile. I have my own regular clients who are fine and trust me.
But I also have clients from mobile beauty companies and they normally are the ones having concerns. It is approximately 1 out of 20 who would ask me if the tools are clean (as if I may answer 'no' :biggrin and before I start setting up, they hand their tools in.
When working mobile, I do have a container with Barbicide and follow all the cleaning routine when finishing, so they can see it is clean. But if I use their tools I don't have a chance to show it. I understand that the other Nail Tech visiting them could be not that responsible, but why should I be accountable for someone's poor hygiene?
When working at home I normally have solution on my desk, so no problem here.

 

[kimi1101]

is there no way of you showing them prior to their treatment that the equip is clean? like taking it out of your barbicide before you start? i would just politely explain that your tools are thoroughly sterilised and you don't treat people who would have anything infectious also!

 

[persianista]

Keep your tools in autoclave bags maybe?

 

[Alpenrose]

These are actually good ideas, haven't thought of it...

 

[Nataliya]

I dont think the dentist would agree to use my tools during his treatment. Or the surgeon.

You need to explain that you are a professional who requires professional tools to complete the job. I would not use anyone elses tools, cause i prefer the certain tools of the certain make for the certain purpose. Its not even an option.

You need to ask yourself a question why clients are concerned about tools not being hygienic. Keep your tools in the barbicide jar (that should be cleaned every day) at your desk. They should be removed at the end of the day, cleaned and kept in clean box until the next day. Or UV cabinet, not many salons have those as they are expensive.

Have a look at Disinfectants & hygiene products to prevent spread of disease. - mundo

hope this helps) Hugs

 

[sarahpoppy24]

Ive never heard of this before? I get clients picking up my tools and fiddeling (very annoying lol) has there been some kind of scare in your area about unclean nail salons or something? No one has ever asked if my tools are clean? I would find that realy strange!xxx

 

[JesseDavidNailDesign]

We have a lot of this in the US. Many times on talk shows, a doctor will recommend that the public bring in their own tools when having nail services.

The last time I experienced this, the client sat down and handed me a dirty nail file and plastic implements with some kind of cheap silver coating. I was very busy and not feeling really patient. So I just asked her :

"What is this?"

client - "These are my tools, Can you use them please? It would make me more comfortable."

"They're dirty"

client - "but they've only been used on me, they're my germs."

"I appreciate your concern, but what do you think happens to your germs when they sit in a plastic bag in the bottom of your purse for a month? I'll use them, but I insist on disinfecting them first."

I did the manicure, and before I applied the polish, she reaches to take the tools back from me. :evil: "What are you doing?", I ask.

"Oh I just want to put these away before you apply polish because my nails are going to be wet", the client answered.

"Just a second, I have to clean them again, now they're contaminated." Idiot

I think it was a learning experience for her :biggrin:

 

[honeycure]

Keep your tools in autoclave bags maybe?

I do this. It makes clients feel a whole lot better

Maybe you can explain to them what your disinfecting procedure is and tell them that you need your tools to do your job properly. Offer them a choice to either trust you, or pay an extra fee and sign a agreement that they won't complain if their nails don't look right because you had to use their tools.

 

[Alpenrose]

Thank you all for your replies and support! There were plenty of useful tips for me.
I just think that this is following gossip mags where they tell wierd stories about salon treatments without any proper research.

 

[sarahpoppy24]

Perfect opportunity to teach them the difference between a proper nail tech, what they do and a cheap NSS where the tools are not disinfected etc. I tell my clients about proper sanitations and practice and what an Nss is even if though there are none around my area, they may go on holiday or something and be none the wiser, sound like they are putting all nail techs in the same category.:evil:xxxx

 

[Alpenrose]

Here I come with my rant over the same subject after almost a year.

I had an agency client (I am mobile) who asked me to use her tools again yesterday.

I have explained all the things about hygiene and and tools to her, various methods of sterilization, disinfection, the methods I use. That they don't sterilize tools at the factory, that you still need to clean them after each use on yourself (decomposition of pieces of skin is a nice food for unwanted creatures). The lady seemed to be very 'knowledgeable' she said: "That's fine, these are my germs." How silly this might be?

At the point I have asked her about whether she always has her tools with her when visiting dentist she started to say that I am being difficult and she never had any problems with specialists of this company. Well, this doesn't answer my question. Anyway I had to leave as it was impossible to deal with her. I just wonder what kind of 'specialists' are these if they cannot even work safely?

Rant over!