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Testing methodology
Every recommendation on SalonTested follows the same process, so you can compare pages with confidence.
Built for the working day
We compare tools on motor, weight, heat, duty cycle and serviceability, the things that matter at hour eight.
A clear verdict
Each guide says who the tool suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
No paid placements
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Kept current
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
Where our facts come from
We use manufacturer specs and manuals, UL and ETL safety listings, EPA registration for disinfectants, state board of cosmetology sanitation rules, and nail lamp makers' published wavelengths and gel compatibility.
What we check, by product type
| Clippers and trimmers | Motor type (rotary, magnetic, pivot), blade material and adjustability, weight, cordless run time and charge time. |
|---|---|
| Dryers and irons | Motor type, wattage, airflow and heat settings, weight, cord length, plate material and temperature range. |
| Chairs and stations | Hydraulic base and lift range, recline, weight capacity, upholstery and footprint. |
| Nail equipment | Drill RPM and torque, handpiece weight and heat, lamp wavelengths and wattage, and gel compatibility. |
Hands-on testing versus research
A review carries a "Hands-on tested" badge only when our team has used the product, and it lists the date and what we did. Every other page is built from published specs, governing-body rules, the brand's own documentation and owner feedback, and says so. Comparisons are research-based unless marked otherwise.
Prices and codes
Prices come from each brand's own store and are dated on every review. Reader codes come directly from the brands we partner with. When a brand changes an offer, we update the code everywhere it appears on the site at once.
Corrections
If you spot something out of date, email [email protected] and we'll check it and fix it.