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Whatever the type of business, the law states that every workplace must be a fully hygienic environment. This is extremely important in an establishment such as a hair or beauty salon that sees so many different people passing through every day. On top of heavy footfall, working in a salon environment also means that you are exposed to many different clients and performing treatments everywhere from their hair and scalp, to their fingernails and toenails, to their most intimate areas.

With all of this in mind, as a salon owner, it is imperative that excellent salon hygiene and good housekeeping within your business is at the forefront of your mind, not only for your staff but also for your visitors and clients to ensure that your business continues to run effectively and nobody's health is put at risk.

Why is it so important to maintain standards of hygiene in a beauty salon?

Maintaining high standards of hygiene in your salon is vital to prevent the risks of cross contamination. Whether it's from yourself, other clients or dirty tools, fungi, viruses, parasites and bacteria can easily spread if you don't do your bit to put a stop to them.

Tools such as combs, scissors, tweezers are prime candidates for cross contamination - plus, clients would probably feel a little grossed out if they knew you'd used the same scissors on all clients without cleaning them! Germs can easily spread between clients this way, and can cause infections that will make them very unlikely to come back to you.

The best thing to do is make hygiene a priority in the day-to-day running of your salon. You could have a salon hygiene checklist to remind the whole team of best practices and give training on the best ways to keep the salon clean.

Safe and hygienic working practices in a salon...Who is responsible for maintaining a hygienic salon?

It is the responsibility of everyone working within your salon business to practice basic hygiene at the very least. Ensure that all hygienic responsibilities, such as sterilising combs or keeping the floor clean after a client has had a haircut, or their nails filed have been delegated to your stylists, therapists or salon support staff. We recommend creating a daily duties checklist to assign tasks and to keep a record of when each job has been carried out and by whom. This includes all areas, from the salon floor, to the toilet, the kitchen, the reception area and everywhere in between. This will ensure that nothing can be forgotten whilst keeping your salon running efficiently.

Related: How Do I Pick The Right Employees For my Salon?

How do I keep salon furniture clean?

It goes without saying that your salon premises should be kept clean and hygienic at all times. Treatment areas with a high volume of daily use, such as beauty couches and chairs, should be thoroughly cleaned between each client and/or a new covering placed over the surface.

Most salon chairs are made from PVC or vinyl, making them easy to wipe down and clean with disinfectant. However, it is important to make sure you use the right cleaning products. It is worth noting that any disinfectant containing alcohol should be avoided as it is likely that it will react with the PVC or vinyl, making it brittle and eventually causing it to crack. Once you get a broken surface on any material, it is extremely difficult to disinfect it properly, resulting in an area where bacteria can harvest and multiply.

How do I avoid cross-contamination of equipment?

It is really important that any equipment is thoroughly cleaned between usage, and it is imperative that this procedure is not shortcutted. Tools that come into contact with multiple clients such as combs, brushes, rollers, clippers and nail tools should be repeatedly cleaned between usage and be kept in a clean and dry condition when they are not required.

If a client comes in who clearly has a bacterial or fungal infection, or even a wound on the area you are treating, it's often best to err on the side of caution and not treat them. Not only will they increase cross contamination risks, but you could also make the condition worse. However, be careful to not offend or embarrass the client - ask them if they can get advice from a doctor first, as you wouldn't like to cause them further harm.

We always recommend following the advice on the label of your chosen cleaning solution for any special requirements, though disinfectant and hot water is also effective in keeping tools sterile. Towels and other linen should also be washed regularly as stained, used towels not only look unsightly but could also harbour germs if left lying around damp.

How important is it to keep the salon floor clean?

With a heavy flow of footfall, the floor of your salon is a hive of activity and therefore needs to remain clean at all times. If fly away nail extensions have gone awol, or a buildup of hair has accumulated around your cutting area, for example, this needs to be cleared away quickly, not only to avoid accidents such as slips and trips but to also avoid bacteria spreading from location to location. At the end of each day, ensure that you undertake a thorough floor clean, ready for the next day!

How important is personal hygiene in a salon?

It is important that all salon staff understand the importance of personal hygiene when working in a hair or beauty salon. Firstly, it's important to maintain a professional image that ensures your client is confident in visiting you.

Secondly, poor personal hygiene can lead to the spread of bacteria - things like dirty nails and unwashed hands and clothes can harbours germs, which could potentially transfer to clients.
For some treatments, disposable gloves might be preferable to hand washing alone when it comes to very sensitive areas and treatments, such as eyelash application and dermaplaning.

It goes without saying that it is your duty to ensure that your staff keep themselves clean when undertaking treatments from client to client. Simple practices such as ensuring hands are clean and uniforms are free of any nail shavings or hair are all basic things to help your salon stay hygienic.

Keeping on top of salon hygiene isn't tasking and is a serious practice to ensure that your salon complies with the necessary regulations. It also ensures that your business not only looks more appealing but builds trust with your clients as a salon that pays attention to detail.

What salon hygiene products should I have?

Do you have everything you need in your salon to maintain safe and hygienic working practices? Check you have the following, and see our full salon hygiene range for more...

Disinfectant for tools

Disinfectant jar

Disposable gloves

Hand soap and sanitiser

Clean towels and paper towels

Antibacterial surface cleaner

Beauty couch roll or clean covers

Head over to our FACEBOOK and TWITTER pages for more useful #SALONMANAGEMENT hints and tips on setting up a salon. Other posts in the Salon Management series: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OPENING YOUR OWN SALON | HOW TO BUILD LOYALTY WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS

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The Importance Of Hygiene In A Salon | Salons Direct

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Whatever the type of business, the law states that every workplace must be a fully hygienic environment. This is extremely important in an establishment such as a hair or beauty salon that sees so many different people passing through every day.

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how to WASH YOUR HAIR properly (client demo: malia PART 2)

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Shower Routine | Haircare, Feminine Hygiene + KP Body Care

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Haircare Routine | Washing Hair Once a Week- Long Hair Wash + Blow Dry Tips for Greasy Damaged Hair

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We connect with people in the salon through communication, and we communicate with our clients through conversation.

Here are some tips for effective communication to help build trust with your clients.
1. Speak with clarity.
Clarity is power. When you speak with clarity people understand what you are saying to them and the message you are trying to convey.
2. Speak with compassion.
When you speak with compassion, people know you truly care about them, have empathy for them and have their best interests at heart. This one is very important and sometimes overlooked.
3. Speak with conviction.
When you speak with conviction, people believe what you are saying to them and are prepared to go along with it. It may be a change of haircut or colour or to purchase retail products you have recommended to them.
4. Speak with confidence.
When you speak with confidence about what you are saying to them, people are inspired and more likely to be moved to action by your words.

In today's world, communication skills are vital. To me they go hand in hand. Learn to discipline yourself to talk only 20% of the time and listen attentively for 80% of the time. Maintain eye contact with people because it shows respect, and the greatest gift you can give your clients is the gift of your attention. Remember also that questions are more important than answers. Try asking open ended questions that engage them and get them talking (instead of you!). Show enthusiasm for what you do - it shows, and passion sells in more ways than one.

It's not about just being a gifted hair cutter or colourist today (although those skills are important), but people are looking for the whole package. Work hard to maintain your loyal bond with your clients.

And remember: If you want to impress in the salon, talk. If you want to influence, listen!

Charles Marcus is a highly sought after business educator and motivational speaker both within and outside of the salon and beauty industry. For more info visit his website at www.cmarcus.com.
Copyright 2012: Charles Marcus. The Empowerment International Group Inc.

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4 Tips For Effective Communication in the Salon

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We connect with people in the salon through communication, and we communicate with our clients through conversation. Here are some tips for effective communication to help build trust with your clients. 1. Speak with clarity. Clarity is power. When you speak with clarity people understand what you are saying to them and the message you are trying to convey.

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Effective Communication with Clients - Next Step Beauty

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Customer Care Many organisations have a customer care statement, which outlines the standards of service customers can expect. Clients want to enjoy their visit to the beauty salon and they are paying for a service. It is important that during each visit they are made to fell relaxed and comfortable…

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Effective Communication with Clients

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Consideration of COSHH in hairdressing is essential for health and safety. If you work in a hairdressers or beauty salon then you will be working with hazardous substances on a daily basis. You may not realise that the products you use have the potential to cause ill health, but even the most ordinary of substances, including shampoo and water, can cause damage to your skin overtime.

If you are the owner of a hair or beauty salon then you also have a duty to look after the health and safety of your staff and your customers, so precautions must be taken where hazardous substances are being used. But how can you ensure that you stay safe at work? Use our guide to COSHH in hairdressing to find out more.

Our COVID-19 Essentials: Close Contact Working course provides close contact workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to reduce the spread of infection and illness in their workplace. It will enable you to follow practical steps that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep everyone safe.

What Does COSHH Mean?

COSHH stands for the ' Control of Substances Hazardous to Health '. The COSHH Regulations requires all employers to ensure that they are sufficiently controlling harmful substances in the workplace. This means that any dangerous substances need to be identified and precautions should be taken to ensure that workers know how to use and handle them safely.

In 2015/16, there were 14,000 estimated new cases of breathing or lung problems caused by work, and the most common type of reported skin disease was contact dermatitis. Hairdressers and
beauticians are two of the occupations most at risk, so it is essential that a COSHH plan is in place where you work.

Which Substances are Hazardous in a Hairdresser's?

Hazardous substances can take many forms, whether they are liquids, dusts, vapours, gases or fumes, and have the potential to exist in every workplace in the UK. It is important that you use a risk assessment to identify which hazardous substances are in your workplace so that you can use them safely.
In a hair salon, hazardous substances are likely to include:

Aerosols.

Shampoos and conditioners.

Hair dye.

Hairspray.

Henna products.

Cleaning chemicals and disinfectants.

What Effects do Hazardous Substances Have on Health?

Hazardous substances can have a variety of ill health effects on those who have exposure to them, some more severe than others. In a hair salon, the effects are likely to include:

Skin irritation or dermatitis from direct contact with the substance.

Asthma from exposure to dusts or vapours.

Infection from bacteria.

However, it is not just direct contact with the shampoo, dye or hairspray that can cause the problem.
The main routes of entry for hazardous substances are:

Inhalation - for example, breathing in hairspray.

Skin absorption - for example, if a chemical splashes onto an open wound.

Injection - for example, coming into contact with contaminated sharp objects.

Direct contact - for example, splashes or vapours in the eyes or on the skin.

Ingestion - for example, swallowing chemicals or eating contaminated food.

Hair Salon Health and Safety

If you own a hair salon then you are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of your staff members, customers and anyone else who visits the premises. Not only does this mean considering COSHH in hairdressing, but you'll also need to carry out a risk assessment for:

Fire safety.

Legionella and legionnaires' disease, if your premises has a man-made water system. Legionella bacteria are covered by COSHH as they fall under the category of 'biological agents'

Manual handling, if staff members are required to carry loads.

Lone working, if employees are ever working in the salon alone.

Infection prevention and control.

Slips, trips and falls.

Electrical safety, if you use equipment such as hair straighteners or hairdryers.

Hairdressing Health and Safety: Chemical Labelling

If a product is dangerous to your health, then the manufacturer has a legal requirement to ensure that it is labelled with appropriate hazard symbols, warnings, health and safety advice and any personal protective equipment (PPE) that must be worn when handling it.

The GB CLP hazard pictograms are red and white, so look out for them on any products that you use. Remember to check whether the warning label on a product says 'may cause sensitisation by skin contact' or 'can cause allergic reactions' so that you can adopt the necessary precautions.

Cleaning a Hairdressing Premises Safely

All equipment and surfaces need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to help maintain them and to help prevent the spread of infection through contamination. Unsafe or unhygienic practices can affect the health of both the customer and the worker. However, cleaning chemicals are also a hazardous substance, and so need to be used with care in order to promote health and safety in your hair salon.

You should:

Keep the work area clean and tidy.

Disinfect shower heads once a week.

Clean up spills straight away (clean-as-you-go).

Wash out all equipment after use and dispose of any waste safely.

Thoroughly clean all equipment at the end of each day.

Prepare only as much solution as you will need for immediate use.

For equipment that comes into contact with skin, clean it before and after each use.

To clean equipment, use hot soapy water before disinfecting or sterilising it, to remove any residue that may prevent the disinfectant from working. A fresh disinfection solution should be prepared each day and the container should be thoroughly cleaned before refilling.

The most effective way of sterilising equipment is to use a bench-top steriliser. Hairdresser suppliers will be able to provide you with details on this.

COSHH in Hairdressing: Controlling Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a type of eczema that occurs when your skin comes into direct contact with an irritant. The irritant damages the outer layer of the skin, causing redness, itching, burning or stinging and can lead to your skin becoming blistered, dry and cracked.

It is reported that up to 70% of hairdressers suffer from work-related skin damage, such as dermatitis, at some point throughout their career. Skin damage like this is unsightly, unpleasant and unprofessional looking but it can be prevented.

What Causes Dermatitis in a Hair Salon?

Dermatitis can affect all parts of the body, but it most commonly affects the hands. People that work with irritants in their job, or those whose work involves a lot of water, are more at risk of suffering from dermatitis than others - which is why hairdressers need to be extra careful. When dermatitis is brought on by work activities, it is known as occupational dermatitis.

In a hair salon, occupational dermatitis is likely to be caused by:

Frequent contact with water.

Contact with the chemicals in hairdressing products, e.g. shampoo, bleach or hair colour.

Contact with cleaning chemicals or detergents.

If your work involves a lot of contact with water, then you are more at risk of developing dermatitis. For example, if you wash the hair of 10+ customers throughout the day. The other main cause is contact with the chemicals in hairdressing products when you're shampooing, dyeing, bleaching or cleaning up afterwards.
There are many ways in which your hands may come into contact with water and chemical products. For example:

Washing or colouring hair with bare hands.

Handling equipment left to soak in cleaning chemicals.

Touching contaminated surfaces or clothing.

Splashing chemicals onto your skin when mixing or handling them.

Aerosols, such as hairspray, settling on your skin.

How to Prevent Dermatitis in a Hair Salon

Although dermatitis is an unpleasant condition to have, the good news is that it's easily preventable.
There are a few simple things you can do to help prevent occupational dermatitis:

Wear disposable, non-latex gloves for shampooing, colouring and bleaching etc.

Dry your hands thoroughly with a disposable paper towel.

Moisturize your hands as often as possible with fragrance-free moisturiser. Make sure that you moisturise all of your hands, wrists and fingers.

Wear a new pair of gloves for every customer.

Check your skin regularly for early signs of skin problems.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that skin creams are paraffin-based or aqueous moisturising creams. These should be in a form that can be used without cross-contamination between users, so ensure each worker has their own supply. Skin creams are important as they help to remove contamination from the skin and replace lost oils.

The HSE also provides a dermatitis myths fact sheet that you can download and display in the workplace.

Checking for Dermatitis

You should check your skin for signs of damage every day - look out for areas of soreness, redness or dryness on your hands, wrists and arms. Consider displaying the HSE picture sheet in your workplace to encourage everyone to do this regularly.

PPE for Hairdressers

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is recommended as a hair salon health and safety measure where all other control measures are insufficient to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. Protective gloves help to keep water and hair products off your skin and thus prevent dermatitis.

The HSE recommends that the gloves you use at work are single use, all-round smooth, powder-free, non-latex gloves, ideally around 300mm length (top to tail). These are available in different sizes and it is important to use the size that fits properly. Choose long-length gloves with folded cuffs to prevent water running down your arm where possible.

You should throw away single-use gloves every time they are taken off - instil a 'new customer new gloves' mantra in the workplace to make sure people comply with this. This is important because the gloves will be contaminated with products and water and may lead to dermatitis if re-used.

You should be sure to always dry your hands thoroughly after any wet work, even when you are simply washing your hands with soap and water. You can download High Speed Training's infographic on how to safely put on and take off gloves here.

COSHH in Hairdressing: Asthma

When you come into contact with something that irritates your lungs, known as a trigger or respiratory sensitiser, your airways become narrow, tight and inflamed. This sensation is known as asthma and can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing and coughing and a tight chest.

Asthma can be brought on by certain work activities, including those involved in hairdressing. When asthma is caused by work, it is known as occupational asthma.
Things in a hair salon likely to cause occupational asthma include:

Hair products.

Cleaning chemicals.

Hairspray.

Fumes from solvents and cleaners.

Dust from latex.

Henna products.

How to Prevent Asthma in a Hair Salon

Preventing asthma from developing or worsening whilst at work is a necessary step to take. Tips include:

Keep the workplace well ventilated. Have an open door or window where possible to get clean air flowing through.

Avoid using dusty products, such as henna powder, and choose pastes or solutions instead.

Wear a face mask and stand well back when using hairspray as some products can make existing asthma worse.

Some types of hairdressing products are known to cause problems and so may be labelled 'may cause sensitisation by inhalation' or 'can cause allergic reactions'. Check the label of any products that you use to decide upon the necessary precautions.

When to See a Doctor

If you think that you or a colleague has developed dermatitis or asthma as a result of exposure to hazardous substances at work, then it is essential that you see a doctor straight away. A doctor can then give a diagnosis of whether the symptoms being experienced are related to the products you are using and will advise on whether work activity should continue or whether changes need to be made.

Further Resources:

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Consideration of COSHH in hairdressing is essential for health and safety. If you work in a hairdressers or beauty salon then you will be working with hazardous substances on a daily basis. You may not realise that the products you use have the potential to cause ill health, but even the most ordinary of substances, including shampoo and water, can cause damage to your skin overtime.