Salon Sterilization

Salon Sterilization practices are very important as the risk of infection is too great to take chances.  If one were to get an infection at a nail salon, they could potentially expose themselves and others to harmful things such as nail fungus, bacterial infections, plantar’s warts and even herpes. This is why Salon Sterilization requires the use of sterilizer pouches when cleaning instruments in an autoclave.

Nail Salons should always stock pouches as a clean and sterile environment is best achieved in this manner. In order to ensure proper sterilization practices are followed, be sure to ask the right questions. You should inspect the area, and make sure the facility meets extremely high levels of cleanliness. When using instruments on your finger and toenails, be sure to watch the beautician open the sterilization pouch chair side so there are no doubts the hygiene standards of your salon.

Some Salon Sterilization Techniques include the use of UV sterilizers, which look like toaster ovens, to sterilize their instruments. One should note that these types of machines will NOT kill bacteria. The best way to sterilize salon tools is in an Autoclave Sterilizer. This process requires sterilization pouches to achieve a sterile environment.

Another great way to achieve salon sterilization is by using a special type of disinfectant labeled “tuberculocidal.” In case you don’t know, this liquid is the blue-colored water in glass jars usually stored at stations. Of course, if you’re really concerned about sterilization, it is best to ask your nail technician for more information.

Some important things to note about infection control at salons:

Be sure the salon uses sterilization pouches.  This is evidence that the salon owner takes infection control serious and cleanliness is important to them. These pouches should feature:

• Easy to close and peel open.
• Self-sealing.
• Has both internal and external Indicators.
• Safe for use in any steam Autoclave Sterilizer.
• Contains medical-grade, virgin, non-recycled kraft paper.
• Lead-free inks.
• Clear film easy removable for rapid instrument access.
• 200 pouches per box.

Don’t Get Those Cuticles Cut – Your cuticles naturally protect your nail bed from bacteria. Since that’s their purpose, it’s best they be left alone or pushed back with an orange stick with its tip covered in a piece of cotton.

Salon Visits Should Never Be Painful – If your manicure or pedicure hurts, make sure to tell the technician. At no time should the procedure hurt or sting.

Bring Your Own Tools to the Salon – it’s a great idea to purchase your own nail tools, both steel instruments (clean them with hydrogen peroxide) and non-metal tools. Files, buffers, nail brushes and orange sticks are made of porous materials, which more easily harbor bacteria. Since wood products can’t be sterilized, these tools should be used only once.

Beware These Tools at Your Salon – Don’t allow unsterilized credo blades, razors, callus graters and cuticle cutters to be used during a visit. Again, these can cut skin allowing bacteria to enter. Be sure the technician opens the sterilization pouches with instruments inside in plain eye sight.