Hohoe: At the end of a busy day, Ibrahim Adam carefully wipes down his scissors and tools. With five years of experience as an itinerant 'mani-pedicurist,' he knows that cleanliness is key to keeping clients happy. Yet, as he sanitises his bottles of soapy water and prepares for tomorrow, questions linger: how safe are street-based manicure and pedicure services?
According to Ghana News Agency, the rise of street 'mani-pedi' services is evident as it offers a combination of manicure and pedicure treatments for hands and feet. Manicures focus on nail care, cuticle management, and moisturizing, while pedicures involve exfoliation, nail shaping, and foot health. In Hohoe and other towns, itinerant providers offer these services quickly and cheaply, often charging as little as GHS5. For many, the appeal lies in convenience, affordability, and stress relief.
Observation shows that street providers often soften toenails with soapy water before trimming. Some use undisclosed solutions to clean tools, while others rely on improvised methods. Ibrahim insists he is careful to avoid cuts, but admits the business requires skill and precision. For clients, mostly at the markets and lorry stations, the attraction is clear: fast service at a fraction of salon prices.
Ms Ivy Agbleator, owner of Ivy's Glow and Beauty Parlor, explained that professional nail technicians use new files and trimmers for each client, costing about GHS15, to prevent disease transmission. 'Imagine using the same files for more than one client? That is not good,' she said. Products in salons often contain methylated spirit, which helps reduce infection risks, and fragrant solutions that enhance comfort. By contrast, street providers operate without formal regulation. Mr. Derek Adzoe, Presiding Member of the Hohoe Municipal Assembly, noted that there are no by-laws guiding such businesses, many of which are run by non-Ghanaians.
Public health expert, Ms Ruby Gbagbo, warns of dangers, explaining that toenails carry bacteria and fungi, and unsterilized tools can spread infections if cuts occur. Improper disposal of nail clippings can also pose risks, including tetanus, especially to children playing nearby. She stressed the need for itinerant providers to learn proper sterilization techniques and safe disposal methods. 'They should have a container, collect clippings, and dispose of them well, so they do not become vehicles for infection,' she said. HIV, she added, could also be transmitted through contaminated tools.
Despite the risks, many clients continue to patronize street mani-pedi services. Some develop loyalty to providers based on positive first experiences. Others admit they have little choice: the services are timely, accessible, and far cheaper than salon treatments.
Street mani-pedi services reflect both opportunity and challenge. They provide affordable grooming for many who cannot access salons, but they also expose clients to health risks. Experts argue that awareness, training, and regulation are essential to protect both providers and patrons. As beauty trends grow across Ghana, the question remains: can the convenience of street services be matched with the safety standards of professional salons? Until then, clients must weigh the benefits against hidden dangers.