Post COVID, clients will expect much more than just a clean Salon. They will expect a sanitized, disinfected environment. So, you must know some major distinctions between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting your salon to ensure your clients confidently come.

Keeping your Salon clean –

Cleaning means to remove and wipe off dust, smudges, spots, debris and organize things, so that the premise looks neat and tidy. For this you need soap, water, brushes, mops, brooms, dusters and wipes.

Sanitizing your salon:  

Sanitizers are chemicals which are used to decrease the microbe population from the surface they are used in. They are used on skin and surfaces that come to contact with it. The sanitization standard for contamination reduction of the contact surface is generally accepted as 99.9% reduction achieved in 30 seconds. At your Salon, you must sanitize all frequently touched surfaces, including stylist chairs, bathroom counters, door knobs, reception and the card processing machine between every client. All instruments and tools including trolleys, combs , brushes ,aprons , headbands should be sanitised. Stylists and skin therapists should wash their hands with soap and sanitize them before and after service.

Disinfecting your salon:

Disinfectants are different from Sanitizers. They are used on objects to kill the microbes – bacteria, viruses and fungi.  They shouldn’t be used on skin or any living tissue. Household disinfectants don’t have the ability to work at the level necessary for the salon environment and hence it is crucial to select a disinfectant that will eliminate all pathogens found there. Disinfectants created for use in hospitals and clinics have a very high kill rate (100%) and therefore ideal for salons. Common disinfectants include alcohols, Chlorine compounds, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, Hydrogen peroxide (bleach), Phenol, and thymol.

Sterilization–

Sterilization is process that eliminates or deactivates all forms of life including micro-organisms present in a specific surface. You can sterilise tools and implements by boiling in water at a high temperature, steaming in an airtight chamber or using dry heat in an oven. An autoclave can also be used to sterilise the equipment and supplies in the salon by using high pressure and hot steam. 

Following proper sanitation and disinfecting practices will promote your salon to your clients as a clean and safe environment.

Author : Sheela Iyer

For guidelines on best practices on Health & Hygiene for Salons               email :  sheela@fourthwave.co.in