Proper Sanitation Protocols Can Make or Break Your Salon

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of employing proper disinfection procedures in the salon. After all, poor sanitation can cause infections to spread among clients, potentially resulting in a devastating lawsuit that could destroy your business altogether. Unfortunately, many techs are cutting corners when it comes to these crucial practices, such as mixing disinfectant solutions.Implementing ProceduresToday, many salons keep services safe by using single-use implements made of porous materials, such as wood or cotton, that are disposed after each client’s service. But nonporous implements made of stainless steel or hard plastic must be thoroughly cleaned and then disinfected after each use. “Cleaning is the first step of the disinfection process; it reduces pathogens by 99 percent, but it doesn’t disinfect,” notes Kent Jones, director of business development for Virox Technologies in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.McCormick clarifies that cleaning should entail brushing the implement with soap and water, rinsing it and then finally drying it—a crucial step to avoid diluting the disinfectant, rendering it less effective. “Prep is one of the most important steps; don’t simply drop the implement in disinfectant,” she says. “When you do that, microbes with an oily covering will not be attacked by the disinfectant.” Then, follow the instructions on the disinfectant you use.

On the Surface

For surfaces such as manicure tables, chairs, sinks and floors, Virox outlines a four-step disinfection process: Remove any dirt and debris first; thoroughly wet the surface with a spray disinfectant or pre-soaked disinfecting wipe; allow the solution to remain wet on the surface for the recommended time on the product label, reapplying if needed; and allow the surface to air-dry or wipe with a clean cloth.

Tub Time

Pedicure tubs have certainly gotten the worst rap in the salon setting for being breeding grounds for infection, leading to well-publicized cases of illness.

For circulating footbaths, the Professional Beauty Association- sponsored Nail Manufacturer Council (NMC) recommends employing the following procedure after each and every client:

1) Drain all water from the basin.
2) Scrub all visible residue from the inside walls of the basin with a brush, liquid soap and water. Use a clean and disinfected brush with a handle. Brushes must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
3) Rinse the basin with clean water.
4) Refill the basin with clean water, and circulate the correct amount registered hospital disinfectant through the basin for 10 minutes.
5) Drain, rinse and wipe the basin dry with a clean paper towel.&

Noncirculating footbaths have a more streamlined procedure after each client. Simply drain the basin and remove any visible debris, clean the basin with a clean brush and detergent or disinfectant, rinse and drain. Refill the basin with clean water and the correct amount (read the label for mixing instructions) of the EPA-registered hospital disinfectant. Leave this disinfecting solution in the basin for 10 minutes. Drain, rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a clean paper towel.Following these sanitation guidelines will help safeguard your clients’ health and the health of your business. If you’re going the extra mile to practice proper disinfection procedures, make sure to let your clients know by publicizing it on your website and in the salon so they feel confident in choosing your business over the competition.

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