Lash Salon Hygiene: How to Sterilize Your Workspace & Tools

In order to be a successful lash artist, it is extremely important to keep your hands and workstation sanitized, as well as all your lash supplies properly decontaminated, to avoid the spreading of any germs or eye infections.

Because every state has different laws regarding decontamination, it's important to know your local health department's rules and regulations. In order to make sure you are following all of your state decontamination laws, it is also very important to understand the differences between cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing.

1) Cleaning: Using warm water and soap; eliminating surface particles.

2) Sanitizing: Using Alcohol; which eliminates or reduces bacteria.

3) Disinfecting: Using Barbicide or Germicides; this method reduces bacteria to a safe level.

4) Sterilizing: Using high heat; kills all living organisms on non-porous, hard surfaces.

As a lash artist, you will mostly need to concern yourself with knowing the proper methods of sanitizing and disinfecting. Listed below are instructions for sanitizing and disinfecting your work station, your lash supplies, and even yourself, to stop the spreading of germs or possible infections.

Dispose of everything that is non-reusable. (Eye pads, micro-brushes, lash wand, etc. *We recommend sending the lash wand home with the client for their own maintenance.)

Clean workstation with a disinfectant wipe. (This includes anything that you or your tools touched during the service.)

Wash hands thoroughly in between each client with warm water and soap for 30 seconds.

Keep hand sanitizer at your station for use during service. (Apply at least a dime-sized amount of hand sanitizer to the palm of one hand. Rub hands together for 30 seconds, for product to be effective.

*Reusable tools much be cleaned properly before disinfection. Any surface debris will reduce the effect of the disinfectant, and can cause cross-contamination.

Disinfecting steps:

Clean reusable tool with warm watcher and soap.

Use fresh disinfectant, and follow the instructions on the disinfectant.

Remove reusable tool after recommended time. Rinse the equipment in clean water to remove residue.

Dry the tool with a clean, lint-free cloth, or allow to air dry. Cover tool with a clean cloth, or store in a closed container.

Wash your lash bed fitted sheet regularly so clients have a fresh place to relax.

Remember lash artist: the eye is very delicate and sensitive part of the body. It is extremely important that you keep your work station clean, and that you take the time to sanitize and disinfect all tools used between clients.

We recommend giving yourself at least 10-15 min between each lash service. This way you have time to properly clean and tidy your lash bed, organize and sanitize everything at your work station, disinfect all your tools, and thoroughly wash your hands before your next client arrives. We have also found that it can be helpful to have a second set of tweezers on hand, for use when the other set is in the disinfectant.

Don't forget to look up your local laws and regulations regarding decontamination, as they vary from state to state. Following these laws will keep your clients safe, and reduce the spreading of germs and/or serious eye infections.

HAPPY LASHING, LASH SISTERS!!

XOXO, JULIE @ THE LASH PROFESSIONAL