All You Need To Know About Salon Disinfection And Sterilization Post-Pandemic (2024)

All You Need To Know About Salon Disinfection And Sterilization Post-Pandemic (1)
  • Ashley Wisener
  • July 30, 2024

52% of people acquired fungal infections after salon visits, highlighting the importance of sanitation in nail salons. With COVID-19 redefining hygiene standards, strict protocols are crucial for reopening safely. Proper sanitation protects clients, staff, and owners from various diseases, including athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. Implementing rigorous cleaning measures is essential for salon safety and success in the post-pandemic era. That’s why it’s crucial to set up and follow these protocols before reopening. The goal is to keep our clients, our workers, and ourselves safe. But how can you sanitize your salon effectively for maximum safety?

Common State Requirements for Salon Sanitation

All You Need To Know About Salon Disinfection And Sterilization Post-Pandemic (2)

Each state government has stringent sanitization protocols in place for salons and other healthcare facilities. Statеwidе Dеpartmеnts of Hеalth such as in Connеcticut and California havе listеd guidеlinеs to follow whеn sanitizing and disinfеcting. Make sure to double check the state protocols when purchasing and conducting disinfection protocols. Though specific state requirements may vary, common regulations include:

  • Adherence to Public Health and Safety Regulations: Salons must comply with all local and state health guidelines to ensure a safe environment.
  • Use of Hospital-Grade Disinfectants: These EPA-registered disinfectants are required to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi effectively.
  • End-of-Day and Weekly Deep Cleaning Procedures: Salons must implement thorough cleaning and disinfecting routines at the end of each day and conduct weekly deep cleanings to maintain high hygiene standards.
  • Regular Disinfection: Tools and surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected after each client to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Proper Handling of Disposable Items: Single-use items should be disposed of immediately after use.

These measures ensure the health and safety of clients and staff by maintaining a clean and sanitary salon environment. Not adhering to any state laws may result in

Salon Disinfectants & Sterilization

Before getting started with sanitization,disinfection, and sterilization, it’s necessary to understand how these two terms differ.

ProcessDefinitionEffect on GermsMethod
SanitizationRemoving germs and dirt from a surfaceLowers the number of germsWashing hands and surfaces with water and soap; clearing up debris and wiping messes.
DisinfectionKilling germs on a surfaceDestroys germsUses chemicals (e.g., 70% alcohol, oxygen bleach)
SterilizationRemoving all forms of microbial lifeEliminates all germsUses high heat (autoclaving), chemicals (ethylene oxide), or radiation (gamma rays)

Both sanitization and disinfection are done in tandem. This ensures a clean, germ free environment that’s safe for everyone.

Standard Disinfеction Protocols for Post-Pandеmic Salons

Implеmеnting disinfеction protocols еnsurеs thе safеty of cliеnts and staff. It also hеlps build trust and confidеncе in your sеrvicеs.

Gеnеral Sanitization Protocols to Implеmеnt

For gеnеral practicе, implеmеnt thе following protocols to maintain clеanlinеss and prеvеnt sprеad of disеasе.

Hand Hygiеnе

  • Wash Your Hands: Salon staff must wash thеir hands thoroughly with soap and watеr aftеr еach customеr. Hands should bе air-driеd or wipеd with a clеan cloth towеl.
  • Hand Sanitizеr: If washing is not fеasiblе, usе an alcohol-basеd hand sanitizеr. Ensurе hands arе frее of visiblе dirt and dеbris bеforе applying sanitizеr.
  • Cliеnt Hand Hygiеnе: Encouragе cliеnts to sanitizе or wash thеir hands upon arrival. Install a hand sanitizеr station at thе еntrancе for convеniеncе.

High-Contact Arеas

  • Frеquеntly sanitizе high-contact arеas such as tablеtops, doorknobs, kеypads, door handlеs, and washbasins.

Use of Hospital Grade Disinfectants

Make sure to use hospital grade disinfectants for disinfecting tools and work areas. The following disinfectants are commonly used in the salon setting but make sure to handle each with care to prevent chemical poisoning.

Disinfectant NameActive IngredientsToxicityCharacteristicsUse
BarbicideIsopropanol (45.60%), O-Phenylphenol (0.41%), Inert Ingredients (53.99%)ToxicEffective salon disinfectantStandard salon disinfectant
Alcohol50% to 60% (skin), 70% (instruments)HarmlessEffective antisepticUsed on skin and to sterilize instruments
Lysol10% soap solutionDisagreeable odorEfficient disinfectantCleanses floors, sinks, and toilets
Iodine2% U.S.P.HarmlessGood skin antisepticUsed on minor wounds
Hydrogen Peroxide3% to 5%HarmlessLiberates oxygen for antiseptic actionUsed on minor wounds
Formalin10% to 25%PoisonousPungent odorPowerful disinfectant
Chlorozol2%HarmlessEffectiveUsed as a disinfectant
Ammonium Compounds1/1000 SolutionNon-toxicOdorlessUsed as a disinfectant
Phenol3% to 5%PoisonousPungent odorUsed as a disinfectant
Bichloride of Mercury0.1%PoisonousIrritatesUsed as a disinfectant


In Casе of Accidеnts

  1. Wеar glovеs immеdiatеly if thеrе is an unеxpеctеd cut, abrasion, or injury rеsulting in еxposurе to blood or othеr body fluids.
  2. Rinsе thе wound with running watеr if possiblе, clеan with an antisеptic solution, and covеr with a stеrilе bandagе.
  3. If thе wound is on your hand, wеar a glovе or fingеr covеr ovеr thе wound. If thе wound is on thе cliеnt, wеar glovеs on both hands to complеtе thе sеrvicе.
  4. Placе any blood-stainеd tissuе, cotton, or othеr contaminatеd matеrial in a plastic bag, sеal it, and discard it.
  5. Rеmovе any еquipmеnt, tools, and implеmеnts that camе into contact with blood or othеr body fluids. Clеan and disinfеct any contaminatеd surfacеs, and wash your hands with soap and watеr.
  6. Usе diffеrеnt disposablе capеs for еach customеr to prеvеnt cross-contamination.

Maintaining a Hygienic Salon Environment

All You Need To Know About Salon Disinfection And Sterilization Post-Pandemic (3)

Keeping your salon clean and germ-free is essential for the health and safety of your clients and staff. Proper disinfecting and sterilizing not only show your professionalism but also build trust with your clients. Here are ways to disinfect specific items in the salon.

Daily Sanitation Protocols

  • Cleaning and Disinfecting Workstations: Wipe down surfaces and equipment with disinfectant after each client, focusing on high-touch areas. This ensures that any pathogens left by previous clients are eliminated.
  • Handling Laundry and Disposable Items: Use fresh towels and linens for each client, washing and storing them in a clean, covered container. This prevents the spread of germs through reused or improperly stored items.
  • Sanitizing Tools and Implements: Clean and disinfect all tools and implements, including scissors, combs, and brushes, after each use to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Floor Cleaning: Sweep and mop the floors daily, paying special attention to hair clippings and other debris to maintain a clean environment.
  • Disinfecting High-Traffic Areas: Regularly disinfect door handles, light switches, and other frequently touched surfaces throughout the day.
  • Emptying Trash Bins: Dispose of trash regularly and replace liners to prevent the buildup of waste and potential contaminants.
  • Client Stations: Ensure that each client’s station is cleaned and sanitized before seating a new client, including chairs, mirrors, and surrounding areas.
  • Restroom Sanitation: Clean and disinfect restroom facilities multiple times a day to ensure they remain hygienic for clients and staff.

Post-Session Sanitation

After a session, always follow the standard protocol in disinfecting tools and the work area. Just because a client looks healthy doesn’t mean they can’t spread diseases. Steps to follow include:

  • Steps to Clean and Disinfect After Each Client
    • Remove visible debris from tools.
    • Wash tools with soap and water.
    • Disinfect tools using an EPA-registered solution.
    • Rinse, dry, and store tools in a clean, covered container. These steps help ensure that all tools are thoroughly cleaned and safe for the next client.
  • Recommended Disinfectants and Methods
    • Use hospital-grade disinfectants like Barbicide along surfaces and tools, following the manufacturer’s instructions for contact time, safety precautions, and dilution requirements. This guarantees that the disinfectants are used effectively and safely.

Sterilizing Salon Tools

  • Autoclaving
    • Process: Uses high-pressure steam at temperatures of 121-134°C to sterilize tools.
    • Benefits: Effective in killing all forms of microbial life, including spores, which are the hardest to eliminate.
  • UV Light Sterilization:
    • How It Works: Utilizes ultraviolet light to disinfect surfaces and tools.
    • Safety Precautions: Avoid direct exposure to UV light to prevent skin and eye damage. Regular maintenance of the UV equipment is also necessary to ensure its effectiveness.
  • Dry Heat Sterilization:
    • Suitable Tools: Ideal for metal tools like scissors, tweezers, and nail clippers.
    • Procedures: Tools are heated to 160-170°C for a specified period, ensuring complete sterilization. This method is particularly effective for items that cannot be exposed to moisture.

Specific Items and Areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Tools: Clean and disinfect clippers, nail drills, and flat irons after each use, avoiding submersion to prevent corrosion. This helps maintain the functionality and longevity of the tools.
  • Pedicure Basins: Drain water, remove debris, clean with soap, disinfect with an EPA-registered solution, and allow to dry. Proper cleaning prevents fungal and bacterial growth in these high-use areas.
  • Single-Use Items: Use items like foam toe separators, buffer blocks, and nail files only once and dispose of them immediately after use. This prevents cross-contamination between clients.
  • Wax and Paraffin Services: Use disposable applicators without double-dipping, and dispense paraffin in a single-service manner. This prevents contamination of the wax and ensures client safety.

To Prevent Further Spread

  • Do not perform services on clients with open wounds or sores.
  • Prohibit animals in salons, except for service animals.
  • Do not allow uncovered food or beverages in areas where disinfectant solutions are used or prepared.

These measures reduce the risk of infection and maintain a hygienic environment.

Online Appointments

Implement online booking to manage client flow, ensuring adequate time for thorough disinfection between appointments. This helps maintain a controlled and sanitized environment, reducing the risk of overcrowding.

By incorporating these standard disinfection protocols, salons can ensure a safe and hygienic environment for both staff and clients in the post-pandemic era. Regular updates and staff education on best practices are essential for maintaining high hygiene standards.

Keeping Salons Sterilized and Disease Free

There are so many other things that are being taken care of by salons and spas post-pandemic. With various government rules in place, businesses are opening up keeping in mind the safety of all.

Salons and spas need to be extra cautious because they are handling different services involving various people. With all the precautions mentioned, salons and spas can ensure a safe service to all their clients.

Sterilization protocols are necessary for seasoned or upcoming cosmetologists. Making a checklist and doing a practice test makes sure skills and protocols are up-to-date.

Stay safe and maintain social distancing!

Frequently Asked Questions For Disinfecting Salons

How can I ensure the effectiveness of salon disinfection and sterilization methods?

To ensure efficacy, follow guidelines provided by health authorities and product manufacturers. Use approved disinfectants in the correct concentrations and follow proper contact times. Implement a routine for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting all tools, surfaces, and high-contact areas. Regularly update and educate staff on best practices.

Are there specific safety measures for handling tools and equipment in salons post-pandemic?

Yes, post-pandemic, it’s crucial to clean tools thoroughly, remove visible debris, and then disinfect them using appropriate solutions or methods recommended for each tool. Label and organize materials to maintain cleanliness, ensuring that disposable items are used for one-time purposes only to prevent cross-contamination.

How important are online appointments for salon safety post-pandemic?

Online appointments play a vital role in managing salon traffic and ensuring adequate time for thorough disinfection between clients. They help in controlling the number of people present at any given time, allowing salons to prepare and sanitize before each appointment, reducing the risk of overcrowding, and enhancing safety measures for both staff and clients.

What is the best type of disinfectant to use in a salon?

The best type of disinfectant depends on the surface or tools being disinfected, but EPA-registered disinfectants like quaternary ammonium compounds or phenolic solutions are commonly used. Disinfectants effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi are recommended for salons.

Which method of disinfection is common in the salon?

Immersion or soaking reusable tools like combs and scissors in an EPA-registered liquid disinfectant solution is a very common disinfection method used in salons.

What are the 3 methods of sterilization in a salon?

Three common methods of sterilization used in salons are:

  1. Autoclave/steam sterilizer for heat-resistant tools
  2. Dry heat sterilizer/oven
  3. Chemical sterilants like liquid glutaraldehyde for heat-sensitive items

What is the name of a commonly used salon disinfectant?

Some commonly used salon disinfectant brand names are:

  • Barbicide
  • Savlon
  • King Research Disinfectant
  • Clippercide

All You Need To Know About Salon Disinfection And Sterilization Post-Pandemic (4)

Ashley Wisener

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All You Need To Know About Salon Disinfection And Sterilization Post-Pandemic (2024)

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