Disclaimer – Please Read

This training is a general guide to salon and clinic workplace hygiene. This guide does not take into account your specific state or country requirements nor does it consider any legal or regulatory requirements your business must uphold. This guide also does not take into consideration COVID-19 infection control practices.

Beauty Industry Hygiene Part 1

Go to Beauty Industry Hygiene Video Part 2

Beauty salon/clinic owners and employees have a responsibility to implement and maintain exceptional hygiene standards at their premises and during the delivery of treatments. To avoid any concerns relating to items such as cross-infection, salon/clinic staff must ensure that all tools, equipment, premises and materials that are being used during treatments are not only kept immaculately clean but germ-free too. Also, establish sanitary principles and follow them at all times. A hygienic and sanitary salon/clinic ensures clients are confident in the services being offered and the premises. 

Why is hygiene crucial in the successful operation of a beauty clinic/salon?

Hygiene is a collection of practices that are in place to prevent infection and, at the same time, preserve the health and wellbeing of your clients, you and your staff. This series of actions include personal, communal and environmental hygiene practices. By developing these practices and therefore creating a hygienic environment in the beauty salon/clinic has a direct influence on the welfare of workers and clients’ alike.

To protect the wellbeing of your clients, your staff, yourself and the public in general, you should apprise yourself of all relevant standard hygiene practices that are to be enforced in a salon/clinic environment. Keep in mind that by creating and maintaining a hygienic, safe and germ-free salon/clinic you add to the success of your business.

General Workplace Hygiene Procedures

• Premises are to be kept clean and in a hygienic condition at all times.
• All treatment areas must be cleaned after each client.
• To stop cross-contamination, all liquids such as creams and inks must be placed into single-use containers. Also, a single-use applicator must be used for each client receiving the treatment.
• If wax is used for a treatment, the wax and any applicator (such as a spatula) must be disposed of immediately after the treatment.
• Any sterile packaging must be opened just prior to the commencement of the treatment.
• Sterile equipment that penetrates the skin should not be touched. (If handling is necessary, all necessary precautions should be taken e.g. a sterile alcohol swab or sterile single-use gloves should be used).

What do I need to consider when providing hygiene facilities?

You must ensure there are adequate and accessible facilities to achieve good hygiene and that they are in good working order, are clean and are otherwise safe.  

You may need to provide additional washing facilities, change rooms, and food facilities. You must also assess whether there are enough handwashing and drying stations in handy places to sustain the growth in personnel practicing good hygiene.

If hand washing facilities are limited, you may need to provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer in strategic locations such as entry and exits.

Toilet paper, soap, water, and drying facilities must be adequately stocked in restrooms (preferably single-use paper towels). They must also be kept clean and in good functioning order.

Personal hygiene for beauticians

• During a skin penetration procedure or any treatment that may result in contact with bodily fluids, the treating therapist must wear a clean gown or apron and single use gloves.
  Hands should be washed before and after touching a client when leaving and entering the premises.
  • prior to and following a treatment/procedure
  • following contact with a bodily fluid
  • after making contact with a client and surfaces
  • after the gloves have been removed
  • for more information on how to wash your hands, see Hand Hygiene.
• Cuts and wounds should be completely covered with a waterproof bandage or strips.
• Gloves should be worn over bandages when there are cuts or wounds on the hands.

Typical Systems to Avoid Cross Infection

Cross-contamination occurs either by person to person contact or through indirect contact via a contaminated object. To prevent the occurrence of cross-infection, here are rules you must follow at your salon/clinic:

• Have a clear understanding to recognize signs of infection
• Avoid contact with an infected person that may put clients at risk.
• Regular sanitization of treatment areas and workstations is essential. 
• Present clients with a fresh clean towel and/or gown during treatments. 
• Always wash hands before, during, and after treatments with each client. 
• Clean and sterilize tools, equipment, surfaces and machines in between each client. 
• Wear protective items during treatments such as gloves, apron, gown and mask where required. 
• Correct disposal of waste is a necessity. Dispose of all wastes in a lined trash bin during treatment. 
• Drinking and eating should be prohibited inside the salon. 

The Difference Between Sanitation and Sterilisation?

Sanitation refers to actions that clean and eliminate dirt in order to reduce contamination. Sanitation practices promote cleanliness but do not completely eliminate microorganisms.

Sterilization, on the other hand, refers to measures that successfully eradicate microorganisms in order to create a sterile environment.

What precautions should be taken and followed in the salon/clinic?

In a clinic/salon, to enforce sanitation and sterilization practices.

Sanitation

• Hands should be washed with antibacterial or disinfectant soap.
• Disinfect and antiseptic products should be used on equipment and workstations.

Sterilization

• For proper operation, immerse tools in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
• An autoclave is a device that functions similarly to a pressure cooker. It is a piece of equipment that is commonly used in salons to sterilize metal and glass tools. The entire autoclave process takes approximately 11 to 15 minutes.

Hand Washing and Personal Hygiene

Throughout the day, the hands come into direct contact with a variety of objects. Other parts of the body come into contact with external items, either directly or indirectly. Hands, on the other hand, pose the greatest health risk if not frequently sanitized.

Everyone should wash their hands with soap and water at least once a day for at least 20 seconds and dry them completely, preferably with clean, single-use paper towels. If paper towels are not available, other methods such as electric hand dryers can be used; however, hands must still be completely dried.

Everyone is required to wash and dry their hands:

• before and after eating
• coughing or sneezing
• going to the toilet
• changing tasks and touching potentially contaminated surfaces

When it is not possible to wash hands, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as the active ingredient must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Day-to-day activities in a salon entail coming into contact with potentially contaminated people and objects. Cross-contamination is a risk if your hands aren’t clean. As a result, it is critical to clean your hands frequently throughout the shift, especially when leaving and returning to the salon and, most importantly, in between clients. Remember to keep the wash area clean and sanitary.

It is critical to use an anti-bacterial product that contains skin moisturizing agents so that your hands are not irritated or dehydrated as a result of regular washing.

If your treatment involves direct skin contact, especially with the hands or feet, make sure the clients thoroughly wash or are washed before treatment. After washing, wipe the hands and feet with an alcohol-based sanitizer. Sanitizers provide additional protection not only for employees but also for customers.

Everyone in the workplace must practice good hygiene at all times:

• Coughs and sneezes should be covered with an elbow or a clean tissue (and no spitting).
• Keep your hands away from their face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Tissues and cigarette butts should be disposed of in a sanitary manner, such as in closed bins.
• Before and after smoking a cigarette, they should thoroughly wash and dry their hands.
• After each use, clean and disinfect shared equipment and plant, including client service stations and seating.
• Every day, thoroughly wash your body, hair (including facial hair), and clothes.
• Shaking hands and patting backs are examples of intentional physical contact. Workers should tie back their hair to keep it from touching the client.

Hand Sanitization and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy

Introduction: Hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are critical measures for preventing the spread of infections in the workplace. This policy outlines the schedule for hand sanitization and the appropriate use of PPE in the workplace.

Hand Sanitization:

1. Frequency: All employees should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially:

• Before and after working with clients
• Before and after handling food or beverages
• After using the bathroom
• After sneezing, coughing, or blowing their nose
• After handling soiled items or surfaces

2. Procedure: To wash their hands, employees should follow these steps:

• Wet their hands with warm water.
• Apply soap to their hands and rub them together to create a lather.
• Rub their hands together for at least 20 seconds, making sure to lather the back of their hands, between their fingers, and under their nails.
• Rinse their hands with water.
• Dry their hands with a clean paper towel or air dryer.

3. Availability: Hand sanitizers and soap should be readily available in the workplace and placed in convenient locations, such as bathrooms, workstations, and break rooms.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

1. Types of PPE: PPE may include gloves, masks, gowns, face shields, and eye protection. The type of PPE used will depend on the nature of the work being performed and the potential for exposure to bodily fluids or hazardous materials.
2. Frequency of use: Employees should use PPE whenever they are performing tasks that may expose them to bodily fluids or hazardous materials. PPE should also be used when instructed by a supervisor or when required by regulatory agencies.
3. Procedure for use: When using PPE, employees should follow these steps:

• Put on gloves before starting work.
• Put on a mask and secure it to their face.
• Put on a gown or other protective clothing, if necessary.
• Put on eye protection, if necessary.

4. Removal of PPE: When removing PPE, employees should follow these steps:

• Remove gloves carefully to avoid contamination.
• Remove the mask by touching only the ear loops or ties and avoid touching the front of the mask.
• Remove the gown and place it in a designated area for disposal.
• Remove eye protection, if necessary.

5. Storage: PPE should be stored in a clean and dry area, away from contaminated surfaces, and should not be shared between employees.

Conclusion: By following this policy for hand sanitization and the use of PPE, the workplace can help prevent the spread of infections and ensure a safe and healthy environment for employees and clients. Regular review and updates of this policy may be necessary to ensure that it remains effective and relevant.

Choosing the Right Disposable Gloves for Your Salon

Introduction: Disposable gloves are a critical component of personal protective equipment (PPE) for salons. They provide a barrier against the spread of infections and help protect both staff and clients. This guide outlines the key factors to consider when choosing the right disposable gloves for your salon.

Materials:

1. Latex: Latex gloves are a popular choice for salons due to their comfort, flexibility, and durability. However, some people may be allergic to latex, so it is important to consider this when choosing gloves.
2. Nitrile: Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber and offer excellent resistance to punctures and chemicals. They are a good alternative for those with latex allergies.
3. Vinyl: Vinyl gloves are the most economical option and are best used for tasks that do not require high levels of dexterity.

Allergy Considerations:

1. Latex allergies: If you or your staff have a latex allergy, nitrile gloves are a good alternative.
2. Powder or non-powdered: Powdered gloves can cause skin irritation and allergies, especially for those with sensitive skin. Non-powdered gloves are a better option in these cases.

Size:

1. Proper fit: Gloves that are too large or too small can hinder dexterity and increase the risk of contamination. It is important to choose gloves that fit properly to ensure maximum comfort and protection.

Quantity:

1. Availability: It is important to have an adequate supply of gloves on hand to ensure that they are readily available when needed.

Conclusion: When choosing disposable gloves for your salon, it is important to consider the material, allergy considerations, size, and quantity. Latex and nitrile gloves are both good options, with nitrile gloves being a good alternative for those with latex allergies. Non-powdered gloves are also recommended to reduce the risk of skin irritation and allergies. Ensure that the gloves fit properly and that you have an adequate supply on hand to ensure maximum comfort and protection for both staff and clients.

Beauty Industry Hygiene Part 2

Keep work surfaces hygienic

To avoid cross-infection, it is critical that work surfaces in the salon be cleaned on a regular basis. Keeping work surfaces clean, organized, and tidy improves the appearance of a salon or clinic.

Invest in high-quality cleaning products to ensure the highest level of hygiene effectiveness. Professional-grade cleaning products designed to clean and disinfect specific types of work surfaces. Disinfectant wipes are a must-have in your salon cleaning arsenal because they remove small particles like dust and allergens. Spray disinfectants or refillable spray bottles for cleaning products can also be used for a more practical cleaning solution in areas that require them.

Phones and keyboards, which are commonly used by all personnel and clients, are excellent hosts for microorganisms. It is also critical to clean these items with disinfectants.

How do you clean salon chairs and beds?

Salon chairs and beds are typically made of PVC or vinyl. These surfaces are popular in salons and clinics because they are long-lasting and easy to clean. It is critical to use a cleaning product that can safely clean PVC and vinyl. Alcohol-based cleaning agents should not be used on these materials because they can damage the material and cause cracking. Cracked surfaces cannot be disinfected properly and become breeding grounds for bacteria. To protect your client’s health and safety, any chairs with cracked surfaces should be replaced or recovered.

Chairs and couches must be cleaned on a regular basis. When bacteria or infection from one client is not thoroughly removed from surfaces between clients, it can spread to the next. To prevent cross-infection, thorough cleaning practices should be implemented in the salon.

How to sanitize and sterilize beauty instruments and tools

All beauty instruments and tools should be sanitized on a regular basis and between clients. It is a legal requirement to sterilize tools that come into direct contact with the skin every time they are used.

When it comes to hygiene and sterilization, it is critical that you do not cut corners. On cleaning equipment and tools, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and regulations.

It is not difficult to establish and implement first-rate hygiene practices in a salon, but it is critical to your business and the safety of your employees and clients. Not only will your salon look better, but it will also be a safer place for both staff and customers.

It is important you do not cut corners when it comes to hygiene and sterilization. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and regulations on cleaning equipment and tools. 

Establishing and implementing first-rate hygiene practices in a salon is not difficult but it is essential to your business and the safety of your staff and clients. Not only will your salon look more attractive, but it will also be a safer place for staff and clients.

Any equipment on the premises must be in good working order, clean and dry after use, and kept clean and dry.

• If reusable items are sterilized on-site, they must be sterilized using a bench-top sterilizer that meets your state or country’s regulations. Benchtop sterilizers – steam (At least one person who is adequately trained in the operation of the bench-top sterilizer must be present when the sterilizer is used.)
• Sterilization must be performed in accordance with your state or country’s regulations – reprocessing of reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, as well as the maintenance of the associated environment.
• In accordance with your state or country’s regulations, equipment must be thoroughly cleaned (e.g., by scrubbing, using an instrument washer, and/or ultrasonic cleaner) before being processed through a bench-top sterilizer.
• Before using a bench-top sterilizer, all instruments should be wrapped and packaged. This will keep the pack sterile and allow for aseptic removal of the contents at the time of use. This requirement is waived if items are used immediately after passing through a bench-top sterilizer.
• Equipment that is difficult to clean and sterilize should be used only once and then discarded (single-use only).
• If needles are used in any skin penetration procedure, they must be single-use and disposed of in a sharps container that meets your state or country’s regulations. Reusable containers for sharps collection in human and animal medical applications, or AS 4031 – 1992 Containers that cannot be reused for the collection of sharp medical items used in health care settings.
• Articles used in a skin penetration procedure but which do not penetrate the skin must be thoroughly cleaned and kept clean.
• Towels or other types of linen used for covering or protection during the procedure must be clean at the start of each treatment and not used for more than one client before being sanitized. Linen should be washed in hot water and detergent.

Hygiene and Your Clients

The behaviors of your clients will also have an impact on your workplace’s ability to control infection.

When scheduling appointments, inform clients of your expectations. If clients book over the phone, prepare a template for workers to read to the client. If your company offers beauty services in the comfort of your own home, you can use our phone and email scripts to help you communicate with clients. If you book online, include additional text in the booking confirmation outlining your expectations.

You could also send clients a text message a few days before the appointment asking them to reschedule if they or a close contact is ill.

You should also post signs in your shop front window (or other appropriate locations) informing customers of your expectations and instructing them not to enter the workplace if they or a close contact is ill.

Inform clients of the expected workplace hygiene standards when they arrive for their appointment.

This could include:

• Before or upon arrival, they should wash and completely dry their hands.
• When leaving or returning to the salon, they should wash their hands and completely dry them.
• When you arrive, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• They are advised to limit the number of times they touch their phone and other personal items because they may unintentionally transfer germs to the workplace.
• Only sit in the chairs and beds that have been assigned to you.
• Avoid greetings that involve touching other clients or staff.
• They only touch retail items that they want to buy.

Salon Sanitization Schedule

Introduction: A salon should maintain a clean and sanitary environment to prevent the spread of infections and to ensure the health and safety of both staff and clients. This schedule outlines the recommended frequency of sanitization for a salon.

1. Daily sanitization:

• Clean and disinfect all surfaces, including countertops, chairs, and light handles, after each use.
• Wipe down tools and equipment with a disinfectant solution after each use.
• Change towels, gowns, and linens after each use.
• Clean and disinfect the bathroom daily.

2. Weekly sanitization:

• Deep clean and disinfect all surfaces, including walls, floors, and ceilings.
• Clean and disinfect all tools and equipment, including brushes, combs, and blow dryers.
• Clean and disinfect the waiting area.

3. Monthly sanitization:

• Have a professional company deep clean the salon, including upholstery, carpets, and ventilation systems.

4. Annual sanitization:

• Hire a professional company to perform a thorough deep clean and disinfection of the entire salon.

Conclusion: By following this schedule, a salon can maintain a clean and sanitary environment, which is essential for the health and safety of both staff and clients. Regular review and updates of this schedule may be necessary to ensure that it remains effective and relevant.

Best Products for Sanitizing a Beauty Salon

Introduction: Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is critical for the safety and well-being of clients and staff in a beauty salon. The following are the best products to use for sanitizing a beauty salon.

1. Disinfectants:

• Alcohol-based disinfectants: These disinfectants contain at least 70% alcohol and are effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They are easy to use, fast-drying, and do not require rinsing.
• Quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATs): These disinfectants are commonly used in beauty salons due to their effectiveness against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as their compatibility with a variety of surfaces.
• Hydrogen peroxide: This is a safe and effective alternative to traditional disinfectants, especially for surfaces that come into contact with food.

2. Sanitizing sprays:

• Multi-surface sanitizing sprays: These sprays are designed to sanitize a variety of surfaces, including counters, surfaces, door handles, and other high-touch areas.

3. Wipes:

• Disinfecting wipes: These wipes are pre-moistened with a disinfectant solution and are convenient for quick clean-ups and sanitizing high-touch surfaces.

4. Cleaners:

• All-purpose cleaners: These cleaners can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including counters, walls, and floors.

Conclusion: When choosing products for sanitizing a beauty salon, it is important to consider the types of surfaces to be cleaned and the specific needs of the salon. Alcohol-based disinfectants, quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATs), hydrogen peroxide, sanitizing sprays, wipes, and all-purpose cleaners are all effective options. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and dilution guidelines to ensure that the product is used correctly and effectively.

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