Your salon is a breeding ground for something other than new hair trends and beauty products—it may be the ideal environment for bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause infections. These harmful microorganisms can be easily spread from client to client or between clients and salon staff. As a salon owner, it’s your responsibility to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of infections and protect your staff and your clients.
Keep It Clean
Salon sanitation and hygiene are important if you want to limit the spread of infections at your salon. A salon that is dirty or messy breeds an ideal environment that’s conducive to the growth and spread of bacteria and germs.
But don’t worry—you can squash nasty germs and keep them from spreading just by maintaining a clean and tidy salon! Set a daily cleaning schedule and stick to it. Disinfect all surfaces, tools, and equipment regularly. This includes countertops, chairs, sinks, and even door handles. Also, make sure to sweep and mop the floors daily to keep them free of hair and debris.
Encourage Staff To Practice Good Hygiene
Your salon can be the cleanest and most spotless place on earth, but it will be all for naught if your staff aren’t practicing good hygiene. Make sure to train your employees on proper handwashing techniques and encourage them to wash their hands frequently throughout the day. This is especially important after handling money, using the restroom, and before and after tending to each client.
They should also wear clean, protective clothing, including smocks and aprons. If they have long hair, they should tie it back to prevent hair from falling onto clients or surfaces. And remind them to use disposable gloves when handling chemicals or performing tasks that involve contact with bodily fluids.
Use Disposable Tools
Reusing tools without proper cleaning and disinfection can also contribute to the spread of infections at your salon. To avoid this issue, consider using disposable tools whenever possible.
For example, disposable towels or capes can greatly reduce the risk of cross-contamination between clients. If you do use reusable tools such as combs or scissors, make sure to properly clean and disinfect them after each use.
Keep an Eye Out for Red Flags
Even with proper sanitation and hygiene practices in place, it’s important to be vigilant for any potential red flags that may indicate a client has an infection. This includes symptoms such as redness, swelling, or discharge around a cut or wound.
If you notice any of these signs, politely ask the client if they’re feeling well and suggest rescheduling their appointment if necessary. You should also keep a record of clients who have had recent infections so that you can take extra precautions when serving them.
Preventing the spread of infections at your salon is easier when everyone is on the same page! Make sure you set a good example and follow these practices yourself, as doing so will provide to your staff and clients how serious you are about maintaining a clean and safe environment. When everyone works together, you can reduce the risk of infections and create a healthy space for your staff to work and your clients to enjoy your services.