Nothing lifts your mood faster than a fresh manicure or pedicure. Millions of Americans make time for these little treats every year. And honestly, after a long week, who doesn’t deserve one? The numbers back it up. There are over 81,000 nail salons across the country, employing more than half a million technicians. The industry is on track to hit $20.6 billion by 2029. Clearly, we love our salon visits. And when things go right, they’re exactly what you needed: a little color, a little quiet, a little something that’s just for you.
But when things go wrong? That’s a different story. Contaminated tools, improperly cleaned foot basins, or unsafe products can turn a relaxing appointment into a painful infection. What starts as a small nick or irritation can spiral into something that needs weeks of treatment, time off work, and bills you never planned for. When that happens, a nail salon lawsuit is about who pays when a salon’s shortcuts leave you dealing with the consequences.
This blog walks you through what to know if a nail salon visit didn’t go as planned and what you can do about it.
How Common Are Nail Salon Infections in the U.S.?
You might think nail salon infections are something you hear about but probably won’t happen to you. But the reality is different. The numbers we do have tell a clear story:
- A 2017 Rutgers study of 90 New Jersey salon clients found that 52% reported skin rashes or fungal nail problems. The rate was highest among people who went three or more times a year.
- A January 2026 New York Post article cited that same 52% figure. Underreporting is a problem, and no federal agency tracks these infections.
- There are over 17,000 nail salons in the U.S. No large-scale studies from 2025 or 2026 exist.
- Lawsuits keep surfacing. Cases tied to unclean tools, poorly maintained footbaths, and infections that should have been prevented.
What Are the Most Common Infections from Nail Salons?
Most nail salon infections start with a small cut or irritated skin during the service.
- Paronychia, an infection around the nail after the cuticle is cut or pushed back
- Staph infections, including MRSA, that show up as painful, swollen spots with pus from shared tools
- Pseudomonas, also called green nail, leaving a green color under the nail
- Nail fungus that makes nails thick, yellow, and brittle
- Athlete’s foot picked up from damp pedicure tubs or floors
- Ringworm spreading through tools or surfaces
- Mycobacterial infections causing red bumps or boils on the legs from footbaths
- Warts from HPV after contact with contaminated tools
- Herpes simplex passed through skin contact or unclean equipment
- Skin reactions from acrylics, glue, or polish
- Bloodborne infections like hepatitis B or HIV in rare cases from unsterilized tools
- Colds or flu spreading in close salon spaces
Most of these come back to tools, footbaths, or skin that was already a little irritated during the appointment.
What Causes Nail Salon Infections?
Most nail salon infections come down to basic cleanliness during the appointment.
- Tools like clippers, files, or cuticle pushers being reused without proper cleaning
- Single-use items like nail files or pumice stones being used on more than one person
- Footbaths that weren’t cleaned well, especially inside the pipes
- Dirty surfaces where germs can sit and spread
- Small cuts from trimming or filing that let bacteria get in
- Technicians not washing hands or reusing gloves, towels, or products
- Staff not properly trained on sanitation practices
- Technicians working while they have infections
- Poor airflow in the salon
- Products that are contaminated or not handled properly
Most of it comes back to something that wasn’t cleaned or handled the way it should’ve been.
What Are the Symptoms of a Nail Salon Infection?
Most nail salon infections start a day or two after your appointment.
- Red, swollen, or sore skin around the nail or cuticle
- Pain that gets worse when you press on it
- Skin that feels tight or looks a bit shiny
- Pus, blisters, or a pocket of infection under the skin
- Nails changing color like white, yellow, green, or brown
- Nails getting thick, brittle, lifting, growing sideways, or falling off
- Itching, burning, or peeling skin, especially on the feet
- Nails that look rough or have buildup underneath
- Pain when you try to move your finger or toe
- Skin getting irritated from polish, glue, or acrylics
- Fever or red lines moving away from the area in more serious cases
Get it checked if it’s getting worse instead of better, or it starts to spread.
What to Do If You Think You Got an Infection from a Nail Salon
If something feels off after a salon visit, don’t ignore it.
- Watch for redness, swelling, pain, warmth, pus, or nails changing color like yellow or green. If it’s throbbing, draining, or you have a fever, it’s getting worse.
- Soak it in warm water for about 15 minutes a few times a day. Keep it clean and dry after. Use an over-the-counter cream if you have one. Stay out of the salon until it heals.
- If it’s not getting better after a day or two, see a doctor. You might need medication or treatment.
- Take photos, keep your receipt, and note where you went. Save any medical records.
- If this started because the place wasn’t clean, it may be worth talking to a personal injury lawyer.
Don’t wait too long. It’s easier to deal with it early.
Can You Sue a Nail Salon for Infection?
Yes, you can sue if the infection came from what happened during your visit. A nail salon infection lawsuit usually involves dirty tools, a footbath that wasn’t cleaned, or a cut that got infected during the service. For a nail salon lawsuit, you just need to show it started after that appointment. Photos, medical records, and timing help prove it. A nail salon lawsuit settlement may help with your medical bills and lost wages.
What Compensation Can You Get from a Nail Salon Infection Lawsuit?
If you got an infection from a salon, you might be able to get money for what you went through.
- Bills for treating the infection
- Money lost from missing work
- Pain or stress from dealing with it
- Scarring, nail damage, or long-term problems
How much depends on how bad the infection was and how it affected your life.
Protect Yourself After a Nail Salon Infection
Infections from a nail salon visit can lead to pain, medical bills, and lasting damage. If you’re asking, “Can you sue a nail salon for infection?” or “Can you sue a nail salon after an unsafe visit?” the answer is yes. You have legal options to hold the salon responsible for negligence. At EOL.Law, we help people understand their rights and guide them through the process of a nail salon infection lawsuit. Call us today for a free case review.
Think you might qualify for a nail salon claim? Read Nail Salon Lawsuit Settlement: Legal Remedies for Your Infection to learn everything you need to know about pursuing a claim and protecting yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fungal infections are the most common issue people get from nail salons. They tend to grow in warm, damp places like footbaths, which makes it easy for them to spread if cleaning isn’t done right. Bacterial infections can happen too, but they usually show up when there’s a small cut or break in the skin.
You’ll usually notice signs within a few days after your appointment. Look for signs like redness, swelling, pain, or nails that start to look discolored or feel different than usual. If it keeps getting worse or doesn’t settle down after a couple of days, it’s a good idea to have a doctor take a look.
Yes, you can sue if the salon did not keep things clean and that is what caused your infection. You will need your medical records, photos of the infection, and a receipt showing you were there. Talk to a lawyer to see if you have a case.
Settling is usually the better route because it’s faster and more predictable. It lets you recover costs without going through a long court process. A nail salon lawsuit might help if the situation is more serious, but most cases get worked out before it gets that far.
