Which general hygiene practice helps reduce the risk of infections during a manicure?

• A. Wear gloves at all times regardless of service
• B. Use nonsterile tools to save time
• C. Share nail files between clients
• D. Keep nails clean and dry, disinfect tools, maintain good hygiene

Answer: (D)

Maintaining hygiene and infection-control practices is what reduces infection risk during manicures. Keeping nails clean and dry helps prevent microbial growth, while disinfecting tools between clients eliminates pathogens that could be transferred. Supporting this with good overall hygiene—handwashing, clean work surfaces, and using disposable or properly sterilized implements—further protects clients.

Gloves all the time isn’t necessary for every service and won’t compensate for improper tool cleanliness. Using nonsterile tools and sharing nail files between clients can spread infections, which is why those practices are avoided.