One of the best gifts is a mani-pedi. Of course, it's hard to find the perfect place and get fabulous nails. Sometimes a salon might not be the best in town. I've been there and done it!

Take it from a former nail technician!

1. Playing dirty

Nail salons should carry clean towels for your hands and feet. If you spot a nail technician reusing someone else's foot towel on you, then I suggest you scram!

2. Cut it

Oh, nail technicians can cut it! But sometimes it's a long day or a gal forgot to care. Know how tools are sanitized before sitting in the chair. Washing with antibacterial solution? Autoclave? Get down with the terms of clean! It doesn't sound serious, but each year consumers receive infections from unsanitary nail equipment. Feeling extra cautious? B.Y.O. clean set and ask a tech to use it and grab a new bottle polish!

3. Get fleeky

Sidetracking just a bit. Salons make money by offering services like eyebrow waxing to match gorgeous nails. Show your esthetician a picture and make sure she's able to get those brows on fleek by telling her how you like it. Not too thin or keep them thick. How hot is the wax? Most places keep wax on medium to high heat all day. Each skin type is different, so one person may be more susceptible to burning. Have your technician blow on the wax before applying it on any unwanted hair.

4. Research

No two salons are equal. Before going to a new salon, watch a few YouTube videos to see what a Shellac manicure is or a full-set. Once there, ask how the process works before committing.

5. Crooked

Anjelah Johnson did a skit about a day at a nail salon and how her nail was crooked. Yeah, it happens. Let your technician know the problem so she can fix it. Typically, salons follow the rule of thumb (no pun intended) that if nails chip, crack or bend in between one to three days, it's free to fix. Later than that? On you, honey!

6. Options

What if you're not into a foot massage that comes with the pedicure? Let things be. Not into cutting your cuticles? Say the word!

7. Lighting

Everyone needs light for their close up! If your place is pretty dim, then your tech might not be able to see so well to do your nails. Ask for more lighting if see a tech squinting or missing spots while painting.

8. Cleanliness

Complying to the State Board of Cosmetology, each salon has to maintain a certain cleanliness. Is the floor swept up or filled with dirt? The cleaner the place, the better the service.

9. Newbies will be newbies.

Don't be so shocked! Salons recruit manicurists and estheticians fresh out of school to work. Everyone has to start somewhere. Make sure the person is licensed to do nails. It's not uncommon for nail salons to operate illegally by training people who have never been to school and may not know the processes as thoroughly as professionals.

10. Bring flip flops

To make sure you won't flop, grab a pair to wear after primping those toes! Nails may dry in the 15 minutes under the UV fan, but they are still malleable and soft enough that shoes will ruin them! Or get the disposable ones from the salon!

11. Hands to yourself

Maybe she was having lunch? Or did she just finished with someone's pedicure? Make sure your lady washes her hands.

12. Pay first

A good place will ask clients to pay pronto before exchanging service so nails won't be ruined searching for cards and cash later.

13. Phoning in

On the phone constantly while painting your nails? Kudos to them, but you suffer. Pick a place that's quiet!

14. Paint job

Select a color with caution. When you shake the bottle, does it feel too thick and the color doesn't move around as much? Or is the paint super thin when you take it out?

15. Close shave

Say no to the callus remover! This shaver is usually illegal in salons, but many techs still use it. The shaver coupled with a strong callus remover gel damages sensitive feet and can cause nicks in the skin.

16. Ingredients

Lotions and exfoliants contain ingredients that may aggravate skin. Know allergies beforehand and switch to other alternatives!