What is the most critical step during a manicure?

Sanitizing the hands and nails is fundamentally the most critical step during a manicure because it ensures cleanliness and hygiene, which are essential in any beauty service. Proper sanitation protects both the client and the cosmetologist from potential infections and the spread of bacteria. This step helps to create a safe environment and is a cornerstone of professional cosmetic practices.

While other steps, such as choosing the right nail polish or applying cuticle oil, are important for the aesthetic outcome of the manicure, they do not address the health and safety aspects as directly as sanitation does. Filing the nails is also crucial for shaping and creating a tidy appearance, but without sanitation, the risk of infections increases significantly. Therefore, ensuring that hands and nails are sanitized sets the stage for a safe and successful manicure process.