Beauty Therapy

“Safe & Sound: Hygiene Best Practices to Ensure Client Health and Safety” – an opinion piece by Tersia Moldenhauer, experienced Beauty Therapist and Salon Owner

Hi — I’m Tersia, a qualified beauty therapist with over twenty years in salons. Keeping clients safe and comfortable is as important to me as creating beautiful results. Below are clear, practical hygiene and safety practices I follow for nails, lashes, waxing and basic facial equipment use.

Why hygiene matters

Clean workspaces and correct procedures protect clients from infections, cross-contamination and allergic reactions. They also protect your business from complaints or legal issues. Clients notice care: neat stations and visible cleaning routines build trust and encourage repeat bookings.

Before the appointment

I start every booking with a brief health screen to spot potential risks. I ask about recent illnesses, skin conditions, medications (like Accutane or blood thinners) and allergies. If a client has an active infection, contagious skin issue or recent cosmetic injections, I reschedule. I also give simple prep guidance — clean, product-free nails for nail services; for waxing, avoid recent sunburn or retinoids and ensure hair length is suitable. My visible setup includes washing hands for at least 20 seconds, laying out single-use items (gloves, wipes, strips) and preparing clean linens. This visible preparation reassures clients.

During the service

Hand hygiene and appropriate PPE are non-negotiable. I wash hands before and after each client and use alcohol-based rub between tasks when needed. Gloves are used for waxing and any procedure with potential contact with broken skin or bodily fluids; masks are used for close-face work like lash application or when operating facial equipment. Knowing what to dispose of and what to sterilize keeps infection risks low: single-use items (emery boards, wooden sticks, disposable mascara wands, wax strips) are discarded after one client, while reusable metal tools (nippers, cuticle pushers, tweezers) are pre-cleaned, run through an ultrasonic bath when needed, disinfected with a high-level chemical solution and discarded when required. Surfaces and high-touch items are wiped between clients with an appropriate hospital-grade disinfectant; during busy periods I make quick mid-day wipes of chairs, armrests, counters and payment devices.

• Products and formulations

  Patch testing is essential for adhesives, tints and new chemical products, especially when a client has a history of sensitivity. I store creams, dyes and liquids in closed containers, follow manufacturer shelf-life guidance and avoid double-dipping into jars by using spatulas or single-use portions.

• Waxing specifics

  Waxing begins with a careful skin assessment. I check for moles, lesions, recent peels or sunburn; compromised skin means I decline waxing and suggest alternatives or reschedule. Hygiene in waxing means never re-dipping applicators into the wax pot and discarding strips and sticks after a single use. After waxing I apply a soothing antiseptic or calming lotion and give clear aftercare advice to reduce the chance of irritation or folliculitis.

• Lashes and brows

  Eyelash extension work requires steady technique, good lighting and a comfortable client position. I use industry-recommended adhesives and store them closed when not in use. If a client has an active eye infection or irritated eyes, I delay treatment. Aftercare advice focuses on gentle cleansing with a lash-safe cleanser, avoiding oil-based removers that break down adhesives, and scheduling fills before excessive natural shedding occurs.

• Nail services

  Before any nail service I inspect cuticles and surrounding skin. If there are signs of infection or open wounds I decline service and refer the client to a healthcare professional. When using an e-file I choose the correct bit and speed to avoid heat and nail damage; dust extraction and masks reduce inhalation of nail dust. I avoid double-dipping into gel or acrylic pots and ensure brushes, containers and work surfaces are kept clean.

• Equipment used in facials or advanced treatments

  Any machine that touches skin — steamers, facial wands or handheld devices — is sanitized according to manufacturer instructions; disposable covers are used where available. I check cords and attachments for electrical safety before each use and never use equipment on broken skin unless cleared by a medical professional.

Record keeping and legal basics

Good documentation is part of professional care. I keep concise written notes on consultations, allergies, patch tests and contraindications. These records protect clients and serve as evidence of duty of care if issues arise.

Client aftercare and communication

I give short, practical aftercare instructions tailored to each treatment: avoid hot baths for 24 hours after waxing, don’t wet fresh gel nails for at least an hour, and avoid oil-based products around lash extensions. I advise clients to seek medical help if they experience increasing redness, swelling, fever, persistent pain or pus, and to report any concerns so we can advise and take appropriate action.

Quick checklist before each appointment

• Health screen completed
• Hands washed and PPE ready
• Single-use items prepared; reusable tools sterilized
• Work surface disinfected and fresh linens in place

Final note

Hygiene isn’t glamorous, but it’s the foundation of excellent beauty therapy. Visible, consistent practices protect clients, build trust and deliver better results. Making your clients health and safety a priority may just lead to repeat business, and a successful salon.