Will Nail Salons in Singapore Do Nails with Fungus?

Many nail salons in Singapore will refuse to do a manicure or pedicure on a nail they suspect is infected with fungus, and a good salon is right to. Covering an infected nail with gel or polish can hide the problem, make it worse and risk spreading it to other clients if tools are not properly cleaned. This guide explains what to expect and what to do.

What a fungal nail infection is

Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) happens when fungi get in through a small cut or a gap between the nail and the nail bed. Signs include yellow or white discolouration, thickening, brittleness and a nail that lifts from the bed. Warm, humid conditions favour fungi, and shared wet spaces such as pool areas and gym showers are common places to pick them up. Poor hygiene at a salon can also spread infections.

Will a salon take you?

Policies vary. Some salons turn away anyone with visible signs of infection. Others will do a basic clean and trim, or treat the nail only with products they say are suitable. Call ahead and describe the nail honestly. Do not hide it, since that puts other clients and your own nail at risk.

Some salons advertise nail-problem or "medical" pedicure services. These can help with cosmetic care, but they are not a replacement for a diagnosis. We have not checked any specific salon's claims.

See a doctor or podiatrist first

If you suspect a fungal infection, get it looked at by a doctor, dermatologist or podiatrist. Other conditions, such as psoriasis or injury, can look similar. A clinician can confirm the cause and advise on treatment, which can be topical, oral or procedural depending on severity. Treatment usually takes months because nails grow slowly. Wait until the nail has been assessed before booking gel or acrylic services.

What to look for in a salon

1. Sterilisation: Ask how metal tools are cleaned and sterilised between clients.
2. Single-use items: Files, buffers and orangewood sticks should be new or disposable for each client.
3. Clean footbaths: Pedicure basins should be cleaned and disinfected between clients, or use disposable liners.
4. General cleanliness: Look at workstations, floors and how staff handle tools.
5. Willingness to answer: A good salon is open about its hygiene practices.

Protect yourself

• Do not shave or cut cuticles aggressively, since small cuts let fungi in.
• Keep feet dry and wear footwear in communal wet areas.
• Skip the salon if you have an open cut, swelling or signs of infection on the skin around the nail.