Common standard hygiene practice within the salon

Salon Hygiene, Health & Safety

• The salon should be cleaned thoroughly every day.
• The working area must be cleaned before and after every client.
• Fresh towels and linen should be used for every new client that has been laundered at a minimum of 60°C.
• Couch roll, disposable plastic sheeting or waterproof bed sheets need to be used to protect the couch and keep the area as clean as possible.
• Products should be dispensed from purpose-specific pump or spray bottles. Creams can be removed from jars or bottles with clean spatulas.
• Replace all lids on products securely after use.
• All tools that are non-disposable should be sterilised prior to use.
• Bins should be metal and have foot pedal operations and be emptied every day. Bins should be collected by an appropriate commercial waste disposal company.
• All fire exits should be clearly marked and accessible at all times.
• Read all labels and follow manufactures instructions.
• Know the hazardous warning signs on products.
• Store products safely and in accordance with safety data sheets.
• Ensure equipment is placed on a sturdy surface and cannot fall off.
• Check wires and plugs regularly on any electrical equipment. Ensure electrical equipment is PAT tested annually. Faulty equipment should not be used.
• A first aid kit that complies with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.

Appearance of the practitioner

A practitioner should ensure that they look well presented at all times as they will be working in close contact with a client, and it is important that a professional image is observed.

They should:

• Wear clean, freshly laundered and ironed uniform each day.
• Wear clean, flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Have short, clean, manicured nails.
• Have a fresh breath.
• Wear antiperspirant.
• Apply modest makeup for a natural look or have a clean well presented skin.
• Wear hair up and away from the face.
• Wear minimal jewellery.

Professional Ethics and Standards of Practice

They should:

• Maintain the highest possible standards of professional conduct.
• Always be courteous and show respect for clients, colleagues and other professionals.
• Never gossip or criticise another therapist, salon or brand.
• Never talk across a client to another member of staff.
• Not to engage in conversations about politics, religion or race that may cause offence.
• Maintain a good reputation by setting an example of good conduct in all your communication with clients, team members and visitors to the business.
• Ensure to make the treatment or service special for every client.
• Respect client confidentiality.
• Explain the treatment to the client and answer any questions and queries prior to carrying out the treatment.
• Treat all clients in a professional manner at all times regardless of their race, colour, religion, sexual orientation or ability.
• Not to treat minors or clients with limited mental capacities, such as those with Alzheimer’s or dementia without prior written consent from a parent or carer.

Practising good ethics is essential for the reputation of the business and the welfare of the clients. The following is an example of standards and ethics for practitioners:

• Conduct yourself in a professional, honest and ethical manner.
• Promote professionalism
• Establish a treatment plan with your client and evaluate the outcome at the end of every session.
• Truthfully represent your credentials, qualifications and education, experience, training and competence relevant to practice.
• Maintain the confidentiality of the client.
• Take a full medical history of the client and ensure that they are suitable for treatment and the treatment is the best solution for their concerns.
• Give full aftercare advice.

Precautions Taken in the Salon to Prevent Contamination and Cross-Infection

Hands

Wash with soap/disinfectant and warm water before and after each client—dry hands with a paper towel or blower.

Surfaces

Wipe over with disinfectants, e.g. Alcohol, Surgical spirits.

Treatment of Wounds

If the skin bruises or bleeds after the insertion of a needle, a small pad of dry cotton wool should be used over the area to cover it and apply pressure until the bleeding stops. Apply aftercare solution to the area and work in a different area. The same applies to extractions or any other form of skin piercing. Use disinfectant to clean area.

Disposal

Sharp metal instruments, e.g. Scalpels, should be placed in a sharps box after use. When the box is about 3/4 full, it may be disposed of by special arrangement. Usually collected by local health office and incinerated at a local hospital.

Metal Instruments

Sterilised before and after each client in Autoclave or in Glass bead steriliser, and wipe with Chlorhexidine Gluconate or Methylated spirits.

Skin Preparation

Do not use sharp or pointed instruments on or at least near areas of a client’s skin that are obviously diseased, infected or inflamed. Except in facial treatments during the extracting phase (a tile with a lancet and cotton wool dampened with methylated spirits and an antiseptic solution containing Chlorhexidine Gluconate must be prepared, hands should be washed before and after extractions and finger cots or gloves must be used).

Cuts on your Hands

Cover existing wounds with a waterproof dressing, wash fresh cuts and encourage bleeding under running water and then cover with a waterproof dressing. Clean with an antiseptic. Always have a box of plasters/waterproof dressing available. No salon should be without a first aid kit.

Needles

Do not test needles on yourself. Needles should only be used once and must not be used on more than one client.

Creams

Tubes are better than jars. Always use a spatula to obtain creams from containers. Never use fingers and always close a container after use. Excess product must not be returned to containers.

Blood

Anything that has come into contact with blood must be disposed of in the correct manner. Pay attention to the following: Hands, lancets, tweezers, surface, disposal gloves, bin liners, cotton wool or gauze and needles)

Colds/Flu/COVID 19

Wear a surgical mask. Wash your hands regularly, especially after sneezing or blowing the nose. Also, wash hands in general after touching other surface areas. General advice – stay at home when feeling ill or send employees home if they develop cold/flu symptoms at work.

Waste Bins

Bin liners. Emptied regularly. Bins should have lids.

Gloves

Surgical gloves can be used, e.g. epilation or, to prevent contamination. Used always when performing any procedure that breaks the skin and any action that may come into touch with blood.

Instruments

Must be cleaned, sanitised and sterilised or where appropriate disposable tools should be used.

Antiseptics and Disinfectants

Antiseptic

A diluted disinfectant that is safe to apply to the skin. Its’ task is to slow down multiplication, growth and in some cases may destroy/kill micro-organisms if the strength of the solution is correct, e.g. some soaps (hands), alcohol and hydrogen peroxide etc.

Disinfectant

A chemical agent which destroys or kills all micro-organisms. Safe to apply on surfaces but too toxic to be applied directly onto the skin, e.g. Quaternary Ammonium compound/Quats, formalin, ethyl or grain alcohol.

Storage

• Make sure you receive a copy of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from your suppliers.
• All staff must be trained on the use of products and equipment.
• Training manuals and information leaflets should be accessible to all staff.
• Store your products correctly by following the guidance on the MSDS.
• Carry out a risk assessment on each product or COSHH report if required.
• Keep products in original containers where possible and ensure any decanted products are fully labelled in smaller, purpose-built containers.
• Keep all flammable products out of direct sunlight and at room temperature or below.
• Mobile therapists must make suitable travel arrangements to avoid spillage and ensure safe working practice and be professional in appearance.