When it comes to nail care, what you don’t see can matter just as much as what you do. At Art Nail NYC, we don’t just care about beautiful nails—we prioritize your health and safety with salon sterilization practices that exceed industry norms. Unfortunately, not all salons operate at the same standard.
Let’s break down the truth about salon sanitation, what to look out for, and why our process sets a new bar for cleanliness in the nail industry.
Sanitation ≠ Salon Sterilization: Know the Difference
Many salons use the words sanitized, disinfected, and sterilized interchangeably—but these terms have very different meanings:
Sanitation – This means simply cleaning tools or surfaces with soap and water to remove dirt and debris. It’s the bare minimum and doesn’t kill harmful pathogens.
Disinfection – This kills most bacteria, viruses, and fungi using hospital-grade chemicals. It’s a crucial step—but not enough on its own.
Sterilization – This is the gold standard. It kills 100% of microorganisms, including spores, through high-pressure steam (autoclaving). It’s the only method proven to fully eliminate risk.
The Problem With “Sterilizer” Boxes
Have you ever seen a blue LED box labeled as a “UV sterilizer”? It might look high-tech, but here’s the truth:
These boxes do not sterilize tools.
Most are not powerful enough to kill all bacteria and viruses, especially without proper cleaning beforehand.
They’re often used for storage, not actual disinfection.
In fact, many salons rely solely on these boxes or skip proper sanitation steps altogether—putting clients at risk for infections, fungal issues, and cross-contamination.
What We Do Differently at Art Nail NYC, Salon Sterilization
We take your safety seriously and follow a three-tiered process that exceeds New York State requirements:
Clean – We scrub every reusable tool with antibacterial soap and water to remove all debris.
Disinfect – Tools are soaked in a hospital-grade disinfectant to eliminate 99.9% of pathogens.
Sterilize (for real) – We seal tools in sterilization pouches and run them through a medical-grade autoclave—the same equipment used in hospitals and dental offices. Pouches are only opened in front of you at your appointment.
And we don’t stop there:
Single-use tools (like files, buffers, and wooden sticks) are never reused—they go straight into the trash after each service.
Our techs are trained to handle all tools and products with clean gloves and freshly disinfected surfaces between every client.
We regularly audit our safety practices to stay ahead of the curve.
You Deserve Transparency—and True Cleanliness in Salon Sterilization
We believe luxury starts with trust. You should never have to wonder if your tools are clean or if your health is at risk.
When you book with Art Nail NYC, you can expect:
✔ Tools opened from sterile packaging
✔ No reused files or buffers
✔ A spotless work area
✔ Educated, certified professionals
✔ Full compliance with—and exceeding of—New York State regulations
Don’t settle for salons that cut corners. Choose a space that puts your health first.
Book your appointment today and experience elevated nail care that’s beautiful, clean, and uncompromising.