Our Editorial Standards
How we research, what our ratings mean, and how we stay independent.
Research Methodology
Our salon research is built on cross-referencing multiple sources: salon websites and disclosed practices, public review platforms, state and local health inspection records, and direct salon communications. We don’t rely on any single source. We verify information against publicly available data whenever possible.
What “Verified Safe” Means
A salon earns our “Verified Safe” badge when it meets 4 or more of our 8 safety criteria with publicly verifiable evidence. This might include:
- Published salon statements about autoclave use or equipment
- Health inspection records showing compliance
- Marketing materials or website disclosures about sanitation practices
- Public certifications or industry accreditations
- Direct salon responses to our safety questionnaire
“Verified” doesn’t mean perfect—it means we have solid evidence of genuine commitment to safety.
What “Reviewed” Means
A salon receives our “Reviewed” status when we have partial data confirming at least 3 of our 8 criteria. This is still valuable: it’s a better starting point than no information. However, we’re clear that “Reviewed” is not the same as “Verified.” It means we found some evidence, but not enough to reach our full verification threshold.
Below the Threshold
Salons scoring below 3 criteria are not listed. We’d rather be honest about gaps in data than list salons where we can’t support a safety claim.
Our Core Principles
Independence: We accept no payment from salons for listings, reviews, or rankings. Our only incentive is accuracy.
Transparency: When data is missing or unclear, we say so. We don’t fill gaps with assumptions.
Regular Updates: As salons respond, as health inspections update, as new information surfaces, we refresh our data. A salon’s rating today may differ from next month.
No Gaming: Our criteria are objective and verifiable. A salon cannot improve its SafePedicures ranking by paying us or anyone connected to us.
Limitations & Transparency
Some salons don’t disclose safety practices publicly. Some don’t respond to our inquiries. That’s not a failure—it’s information in itself. We report what we know and acknowledge what we don’t. If an address is missing, if inspection records aren’t available, if a salon hasn’t replied: we’re transparent about it.
SafePedicures is here to raise the bar for salon transparency and safety. We’re not perfect, but we’re committed to staying honest.