[citation needed] A manicure is a treatment for the hands that involves trimming and filing of the fingernails and softening the cuticles in preparation for the application of nail polish.

A pedicure is a treatment for the feet that involves trimming and filing of the toenails in preparation for the application of nail polish, as well as the softening or removal of calluses.

[citation needed] There were thousands of beauty salons in Afghanistan before the Taliban outlawed them in July 2023, mandating their closure within a month.

There was also a growing trend in boutique salons popping up and leveraging online marketing to gain customers and compete with the franchise chains.

[25][26] People who work in beauty salons include hairdressers, nail technicians, estheticians, and other licensed cosmetic workers.

[27] Reasons for this include the direct physical contact between worker and client, and the amount of and the use of tools that can lead to breaks in the skin, increasing exposure to infectious pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Beauty salon workers directly touch and use tools on client’s bodies, such as scissors, razors, and metal combs, that can create nicks, cuts, or abrasions on the skin that could introduce or spread infectious disease.

[29] Additionally, personal protective equipment, such as surgical gloves and masks, can significantly reduce exposure to infectious agents in the workplace.

[30] To lessen the risk of acquiring infectious diseases in the workplace, Mancini et al. recommends implementing strong infection control measures, as well as ensuring those who work at beauty salons receive proper training on hygiene practices.

[31] By prioritizing sanitation and disease prevention, the health of beauty salon workers and their clients can be safeguarded, creating a safer work environment.