It's that time again. Time for shorts and flip flops. String bikinis and cami tops. It's time for manicures and pedicures. Having a perfectly toned body with ripped abs is great. I would love to have them. However, since most of us are not able to spend from dawn to dusk at the gym and still want to look our best, we rely on our small, but very noticeable, nails to give us that little something extra. Of course, if the six pack abs came with the perfect polish we'd all be a little happier. Before you spend hours searching for the most amazing nail salon possible, do a little research. Discount nail salons often lure their unsuspecting clients in with the promise of quality nails at a low low price. While you may be receiving a manicure and pedicure with definite affordability, by no means is this the place for quality. Your nails may look nice but the price itself comes when you realize that your nails may have been done using unsanitized tools and baths.

Pedicure and manicure implements and baths need to be thoroughly cleaned and soaked in a disinfectant for at least 15 minutes before being used again. If this simple procedure is not followed, you can end up leaving with a fungus or infection. Don't give up your pursuit, though. Good places are out there.

When you are looking for a nice place to relax while your worked on, ask questions. Any place that is reputable and worthy of your business should have no problem answering any of your questions. Ask how they sanitize their tools and where their manicure and pedicure areas are. Nobody likes to have people walking by a giant glass window at the mall and see their feet soaking. Not exactly a relaxing environment. If nail enhancements, like acrylics and gels, are more your style, you may want to be a little choosier than you would be for just a mani and pedi. Acrylic and gel nails can smooth out ridges, even up length, and make your nails more durable. If your salon of choice does enhancements, ask what sanitation methods they use as well. Drill implements need to be cleaned just as thoroughly as regular tools to ensure your health and safety.

The new big thing out now is gel toe enhancements. These too smooth out your toenails and make for a perfectly pedicured look all year long. Be sure, if you are considering gel enhancements on your fingers or toes, to have the technician clarify that they use actual gel and not just a gel top coat or polish. While these polishes are very nice for adding shine they are not actually making your nails a set of gels. Why pay more money to have an enhancement done if all they are doing is slapping on a coat of gel coat? I have seen many people pay good money for "gel" nails only to realize later they have poor quality acrylic with a gel topcoat. Not the way I would want t start off my summer. All in all, just remember to ask if you are uncertain. Salons and nail shops should be more than happy to answer any questions you have, especially when it comes to your health. If they won't answer, they must not have anything good to tell you. Quality products are needed to do quality work. Keep that in mind when looking for your nail guru. Also, if you happen to see any place that does offer a complimentary tight toned six pack, please let me know.

Tabitha is a beauty professional at Salon Destino in Strongsville, Ohio and a writer for http://www.beautykazoo.com