Hygiene and Sanitation for Salons: A Guide for Beauty Professionals

Now that we’ve covered why high-standards of hygiene and sanitation are crucial to salons’ success, we’ll break down the “how” so your salon can confidently enforce the best standards. To maintain a hygienic salon environment, several essential practices should be followed. Hand hygiene is the first line of defense against the spread of germs. Salon professionals should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after each client for at least 30 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol should be used. It is also a good practice to encourage clients to sanitize their hands upon entering the salon. This not only helps in maintaining hygiene but also reassures clients that their safety is a top priority.

Next, tools and equipment can be breeding grounds for bacteria if not properly sanitized. After each use, tools such as scissors, clippers, and nail files should be disinfected using EPA-registered disinfectants. This can be done with Barbicide®, which is one of the only EPA-registered disinfectants for salons. For tools that come into direct contact with skin or nails, sterilization using autoclaves or UV sterilizers is recommended. However, items like nail buffers and files should be disposed of after one use to prevent cross-contamination. By adhering to these practices, salons can significantly reduce the risk of infection and ensure a safer environment for both clients and staff.

Regular cleaning of surfaces in the salon is also crucial. All surfaces, including workstations, chairs, and sinks, should be cleaned and disinfected at the start and end of each day. Additionally, surfaces like brushes, combs, and scissors should be sanitized between each client to ensure a clean environment throughout the day. Floors should be swept and mopped daily, and restrooms should be cleaned regularly with a focus on high-touch areas like the door, sink, and toilet handles. These practices not only enhance the overall cleanliness of the salon but also create a pleasant and welcoming environment for clients.

For salons looking to go beyond basic hygiene standards, adopting advanced sanitation techniques can make a significant difference. Using disposable liners for pedicure bowls and covers for chairs, which should be replaced after each client, gives your salon an extra layer of protection. Consider investing in technology like autoclaves, which use high-pressure steam to sterilize tools, ensuring the elimination of all bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and are actually required for all nail salons in Boston. These supplies and machines can significantly enhance your salon’s sanitation practices, improving sanitation results and potentially saving time as well. It can be helpful to sterilize a whole set of tools in a self-sealing steriziation pouch, so your team can easily grab a clean bundle for each new client.

UV sterilizers are also effective for disinfecting tools and surfaces, but it is vital to research and purchase the right one as some can emit dangerous levels of radiation. When used properly though, the ultraviolet light they use to kill microorganisms provides an additional layer of sanitation beyond what the autoclaves give. Additionally, they can be used on tools like hair dryers, phones, etc. without fear of melting in high heat (unlike with autoclaves).

Just as an artist’s tools are only as good as the artist, a salon is only as safe and sanitary as its staff. Ensuring that all team members are aware of and compliant with hygiene and sanitation protocols is an often overlooked but crucial step. Regular training sessions should be conducted to keep everyone updated on the latest hygiene practices and regulatory requirements; in some states, these meetings are required. In November of 2023, for example, New York signed a bill legally requiring salons to train their staff on updated sanitation policies and standards. Training should cover proper handwashing techniques, correct use and disposal of single-use items, effective cleaning and disinfection procedures, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.

Implementing a system to monitor and enforce compliance is equally essential and we recommend designating a hygiene officer among your team. This individual would be responsible for overseeing sanitation practices, conducting regular audits, and providing feedback and corrective training as needed.