WHAT IS ESSENTIAL HYGIENE PRACTICE?

 

Proper nail salon hygiene is very important for the safety of both the nail technician and the client. There are different steps and levels in the decontamination process. The four main levels are Cleaning,  Sanitizing, Disinfecting and Sterilizing

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Cleaning / Sanitizing​

This level of decontamination requires the use of liquid soap and water. It is essential to thoroughly wash hard surfaces, tools, and both hands and feet before any service begins. At the start of each service, both the nail professional and the client should apply an alcohol-based skin sanitizer to their hands and feet.

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While hand sanitizers and cleaners are not a substitute for liquid soap and water, they are beneficial after washing and during treatments. These products typically come in gel form, containing alcohol that evaporates slowly, allowing for prolonged contact with the skin. However, they do not eliminate debris or dust. It is important to choose a reputable brand, as some manufacturers have faced penalties for producing ineffective products.

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Using soap and water is a crucial step that must be completed before proceeding to the next levels of decontamination. Every tool should be cleaned with liquid soap and water, utilizing a brush to remove all debris and oils that could interfere with the decontamination process.

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Disinfecting

General-purpose disinfectants will destroy a large number of pathogens. Perfectly adequate for the job. This can be used for hard surfaces but is not suitable for items such as pedicure bowls and not adequately clean metal tools.

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Disinfectants often claim to destroy 99.9% of all pathogens.

. It should also be suitable for what is being disinfected, i.e., metal tools. 

​The method will be ineffective if these are not followed exactly.

For nail services with no autoclave, this level is non-negotiable. It must be part of any hygiene routine for metal tools as it will not be good enough for any minor contact with bodily fluids.

A simple disinfectant will not do this job effectively.

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Ideally, everything except metal tools should be single-use only and discarded. A tool spray can be useful, certainly as a quick clean while working with the same client. Some files are washable. If there is no possibility of any contact with the skin, these can be scrubbed under running water to remove any debris. Then sprayed (or submerged) and allowed to dry.

At Nail'd.It! This is NOT an option! 

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Sterilizing​

This is the highest level of decontamination and is achieved using an autoclave.
Autoclaves are very similar to domestic pressure cookers but designed for the job. Therefore, they are more efficient. They use the steam from water heated under pressure that boils at a much higher temperature, usually 160 °C or above. This is enough to kill ALL pathogens, including spores. It is the destruction of spores that makes a big difference.

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Clean tools are placed in the autoclave, the cycle can be relatively short, around 15-20 minutes. . They are also quite expensive, and probably only larger salons can afford the investment.

The hospital-grade disinfectant is a suitable alternative for nail services.

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Another option is dry heat sterilizers. These can be effective and usually less expensive than autoclaves. They can reach a suitable temperature but take a lot longer, often more than 90 minutes, so can be costly on electricity. Cheaper versions may not be efficient and would be a second choice to autoclaves.

 

Now, go, enjoy a manicure and pedicure!

It is safe and self-care!​​

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IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that the use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment.

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