Salon Cleanliness and Sanitation

I am unwavering in my dedication to upholding the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness, considering them of utmost importance. I consistently stress the vital importance of impeccable sanitation practices to my valued clients.

I often ask them this crucial question: "Would you prefer a manicurist who strictly adheres to rigorous cleanliness protocols, ensuring the use of fresh files and bands for each and every client, or one who does not?"

This comparison can be likened to a medical context, as one would promptly leave a doctor's office if they used the same needles for every patient. This principle is equally applicable to the realm of nail and eyelash services.

UNSAFE SALON PRACTICES

It's important to note that numerous salons fall short of adhering to state and health regulations, but I proudly uphold these standards without compromise.

Many nail salons nationwide continue to employ unsafe practices, often exploiting public ignorance to cut corners, both in service provision and sanitation procedures.

To shed light on this issue, it's crucial to clarify three essential terms in the nail and lash extension tech industry; sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization.

  • Sanitation, cleaning, and hygiene all encompass actions that remove visible debris, such as wiping surfaces, rinsing items under running water, using soap and water, or employing cleaning solutions like Ship-Shape® Cleaner.
  • Disinfection, on the other hand, involves killing most microbial life that could cause human infections, such as Influenza, Staphylococcus, HIV/AIDS, Herpes, Salmonella, and Hepatitis. This step follows cleaning (as defined above) and necessitates the use of disinfectants like Barbicide®, Barbicide® Plus, or Barbicide® Wipes.
  • Sterilization, normally reserved for healthcare settings, is the complete eradication of all microbial life and typically requires specialized equipment like autoclaves or high heat sterilizers.

 MY 3 STEP PROCESS:

  • First I sanitize by cleaning with soap and water all implements used on the client.
  • Second, I disinfect those same implements by soaking in Barbicide solution for 10 minutes. The prolonged contact time of ten minutes ensures that all the pathogens residing on the surface are thoroughly eradicated.
  • Lastly, I sterilize the implements in my 300 degree dry high heat sterilizer machine.

This 3 step process is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for me and my clients.

RED FLAGS: WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?

Inspect your nail technician's tools carefully. If they are soaking in a clear, blue-hued solution, that's a positive indicator that they are using Barbicide. However, if you notice the solution is cloudy or contains floating debris, it's essential to promptly question your nail technician.

Conversely, tools like nail files, sanding bands on electronic files, pumice stones, and buffers are porous, making them impossible to disinfect. They should be discarded after each service and never reused on another client. Your nail technician should consistently use new porous tools for every client. Keep an eye out for any signs of wear, stains, or skin residue as these are significant red flags indicating poor hygiene practices.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNCLEAN TOOLS OR REUSING SANDING BANDS AND FILES?

According to the U.S. Dept of Labor, unclean or used tools can cause or transmit athlete’s foot, staph infections, herpes, HIV-1 and Hepatitis B and C and an array of fungal infections.