As a lash artist, beauty professional of beauty school student, proper sanitation is essential for protecting your clients and staying compliant with state regulations. One key part of this is understanding the difference between high-level and low-level disinfectants—and when to use each.
What Are High-Level Disinfectants?
High-level disinfectants are powerful solutions that kill all microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even tuberculosis-causing bacteria (tuberculocides). These disinfectants are required for semi-critical tools, such as lash tweezers or scissors, which come into contact with mucous membranes (like the eyes) but don’t penetrate the skin.
Examples: Barbicide Plus, CaviCide, or other EPA-approved high-level disinfectants with tuberculocidal properties.
Use: Always soak metal tools like tweezers in a high-level disinfectant after each client to eliminate all potential pathogens and ensure compliance with Oregon state sanitation laws.
What Are Low-Level Disinfectants?
Low-level disinfectants kill most bacteria, some fungi, and certain viruses but do not eliminate tuberculosis-causing bacteria or bacterial spores. These disinfectants are ideal for cleaning non-critical surfaces, like countertops, lash beds, and chairs, which only come into contact with intact skin.
Examples: Lysol wipes, alcohol-based sprays, or EPA-registered surface disinfectants.
Use: Wipe down all surfaces and non-critical tools between clients to maintain a hygienic workspace.
Lash artist using instruments that she will clean and disinfect directly after her lash service.
Why This Matters for Lash Artists and other Esthetician Services
Client Safety: Lash tools come into contact with the eyes, a sensitive area prone to infection. High-level disinfectants with tuberculocidal properties ensure tools are thoroughly sanitized to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria or diseases like conjunctivitis.
Legal Compliance: In Oregon, state regulations require lash artists to use high-level disinfectants with tuberculocidal properties for semi-critical tools to meet health and safety standards.
Professionalism: A sanitized workspace shows clients you prioritize their health, helping to build trust and credibility for your business.
Best Practices for Professionals
Use high-level disinfectants for tools like tweezers, scissors, and reusable lash palettes. Follow manufacturer instructions for soaking times and tool preparation.
Clean with low-level disinfectants between clients to disinfect surfaces, chairs, and other non-critical items.
Follow proper disposal practices: Always discard single-use items (eye pads, mascara wands) after each client.
Stay compliant with state laws: Ensure all cleaning solutions are EPA-approved and meet Oregon’s requirements for lash artists.
By using high-level disinfectants with tuberculocidal properties for your tools and low-level disinfectants for surfaces, you ensure client safety, comply with Oregon regulations, and maintain a professional workspace. Proper sanitation isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about delivering the highest quality of care to every client.
Other Key Practices in proper Salon Sanitation:
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Always wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after working with each client. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable, but prioritize handwashing as the most effective method.
Disinfect Tools After Every Client: Use a high-level disinfectant (tuberculocidal in Oregon) to clean all reusable tools like tweezers, scissors, and lash palettes. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper soaking times and rinsing.
Replace Single-Use Items: Dispose of single-use items like mascara wands, eye pads, cotton swabs, and tape after each client. Never reuse disposable materials, even on the same client.
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Wipe down all surfaces, including your workstation, lash bed, and client chair, with an EPA-approved disinfectant between clients. Don’t forget high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and trays.
Maintain Proper Ventilation: Ensure your salon is well-ventilated to reduce airborne contaminants. This is especially important when working with adhesives and other products that release fumes. Use an air purifier if necessary.
Store Tools and Products Properly: Keep sanitized tools in a clean, closed container until they’re ready to be used. Store products like adhesives, lash trays, and cleansers in their original containers to prevent contamination.
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