Studies have shown that high-touch surfaces in public settings, including those found in beauty salons, can harbor significant amounts of bacteria and viruses. For example, one study found that common salon tools such as nail files, foot files, and buffers can harbor bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa if not properly sanitized between uses.

Similarly, viruses such as the influenza virus and rhinovirus can survive on surfaces for varying lengths of time, depending on factors such as humidity and temperature. This means that surfaces in beauty salons can potentially harbor viruses if not adequately cleaned and disinfected.

This is the scary reality of working in a space that has many people coming in and out. We never know what sort of hygiene practices someone has so it becomes empirical to have proper sanitization practices to run and maintain a beauty salon.

Here is a list of Sanitization practices you should have in your beauty business.

  1. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect all surfaces that come into contact with clients and staff, including countertops, chairs, tables, and door handles.
  2. Sanitize Tools and Equipment: Disinfect all tools and equipment used between clients, including scissors, combs, brushes, nail clippers, and tweezers. Use EPA-approved disinfectants or implement an autoclave or UV sterilizer for certain tools.
  3. Wash Hands Frequently: Encourage staff to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after each client interaction, after handling money, and after using the restroom.
  4. Provide Hand Sanitizer: Make hand sanitizer readily available for both clients and staff to use throughout the salon.
  5. Use Disposable Items When Possible: Whenever feasible, use disposable items such as disposable gloves, towels, and capes to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
  6. Clean Towels and Linens: Launder towels, capes, and linens using hot water and detergent after each use. Store clean linens in a clean, dry area away from potential contamination.
  7. Maintain Clean Floors: Regularly sweep and mop floors to remove hair, dust, and debris. Pay special attention to areas where hair clippings tend to accumulate.
  8. Sterilize Multi-Use Tools: For tools that cannot be disposed of or adequately disinfected with chemical solutions, such as metal implements, use methods like autoclaving or UV sterilization to ensure they are free from pathogens.
  9. Regularly Clean and Disinfect Foot Spas: If your salon offers pedicure services, ensure that foot spas are cleaned and disinfected between each use according to manufacturer guidelines.
  10. Educate Staff on Sanitization Protocols: Provide training to staff on proper sanitization procedures and ensure they understand the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.

By implementing these sanitization practices consistently, beauty salons can help protect the health and safety of both clients and staff while maintaining a professional and reputable establishment.