Disclaimer: Please check your state board requirements for the most up-to-date sanitation guidelines. This blog is not a complete guide to sanitation and may not cover all the regulations in your area. For state-specific information, refer to your state's cosmetology or aesthetics board
Keeping a clean and hygienic environment is crucial for any beauty professional, but especially for lash artists. After all, you're working in close proximity to your clients' eyes, and proper sanitation helps prevent infections and keeps those peepers healthy.
Why Sanitation is Non-Negotiable
Contaminated tools and surfaces can harbor bacteria and other nasties that can easily get transferred to your clients' eyes during a lash application. This can lead to a range of unpleasant outcomes, from mild irritation to serious eye infections. Not only is this bad for your clients' well-being, but it can also damage your reputation as a lash artist.
Creating a Clean Routine
- Handwashing: This one's a no-brainer. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds before and after each appointment, and anytime you touch your face or non-sanitized surfaces.
- Tool Time: Don't be a one-and-done kind of artist! Clean and disinfect your reusable tools (tweezers, applicators, etc.) after every single client. This usually involves a three-step process: washing with soap and water, submerging them in a disinfectant solution, and then letting them air dry completely.
- Disposables: Consider incorporating disposable items like mascara wands and eye patches into your routine. This eliminates the need for disinfection and saves you precious time.
- Wiping it Down: Don't forget about your workspace! Regularly wipe down surfaces like your lash station, treatment chair, and doorknobs with a disinfectant solution.
- Client Care: Lightly cleanse your client's lashes with a lash cleanser before application to remove any makeup or oils that might interfere with the adhesive.
Bonus Tips
- Double Up: Keep a spare set of disinfected tools on hand to minimize downtime between clients.
- Label: Clearly label your disinfectant solutions with their expiry dates to ensure you're using effective products. As well as labeling soiled and disinfected tools so there is no confusion to what is clean or contaminated.
- Safety First: Always wear gloves when handling disinfectants and avoid contact with your eyes.
- Acrylic Storage: Invest in acrylic storage containers for your tools. Acrylic is clear, so you can easily see what's inside, and it's super durable and easy to clean! Disinfect in between clients and they're ready to be reused. This saves you money on disposable storage and keeps your lash station organized.
By following these simple sanitation tips, you can create a safe and healthy environment for your clients and ensure your lash business thrives!
Remember, a little extra effort goes a long way in building trust and keeping those lashes looking fabulous.
