Creating uniquely beautiful appearances, uplifting the mood not only of clients but also of passers-by who admire the results of professionals’ work, being true artists of their craft, and improving one’s financial well-being—these are only some of the many goals pursued in modern beauty studios, hair salons, spa centers, cosmetic salons, and clinics.

However, none of these goals can be achieved without ensuring complete infectious safety for both clients and staff. How can one establish guaranteed sanitary and epidemiological conditions in their establishment? This is not easy, but it is entirely possible.

It is important to remember that people of all types and backgrounds seek beauty services. Unfortunately, some of them may be carriers of serious infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis viruses, tuberculosis, and various purulent or fungal skin conditions. Many cosmetic procedures involve breaking the skin, and contamination of instruments with skin particles, hair, or blood, which creates the risk of transmitting infectious microorganisms.

A whole range of sanitary and hygienic measures is needed to ensure the safety of services in the beauty industry. This includes the proper selection and use of disinfectants, antiseptics, and chemical sterilizing agents. Modern disinfectants must be reliable, with high antimicrobial activity and capable of destroying a wide range of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They must also be safe for both staff and clients under recommended usage, environmentally friendly by decomposing into harmless byproducts, and non-damaging to the instruments and surfaces when used at the appropriate concentrations for the required time.

In addition, disinfectants and their working solutions should be easy to rinse off, quick in action, economical, and affordable. It is widely recognized that no ideal disinfectant exists. The main task is to choose the most appropriate product for each specific situation.

Disinfection refers to the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms along the pathways from the source of infection to a healthy individual. Sterilization refers to the destruction of all types and forms of microorganisms, including spores, on environmental objects such as instruments that may damage the skin or mucous membranes during contact.

Disinfection measures in cosmetology, in terms of importance and implementation, do not differ from those in medicine. Procedures such as manicures, pedicures, cosmetic treatments, hairdressing, and tattooing are similar to medical procedures in that they may breach the integrity of the skin or mucous membranes.

Only sterile instruments should be used for procedures that break the skin or mucosa. The correct sequence for processing such instruments is disinfection, pre-sterilization cleaning, and sterilization. This sequence must be followed strictly. Many modern disinfectants have effective cleaning properties, so disinfection and washing (pre-sterilization cleaning) can be performed in the same working solution. In this case, the sequence is: disinfection, followed by pre-sterilization cleaning in the same solution after the required exposure time, and then sterilization.

Instruments that do not directly contact the skin or mucosa still require disinfection and cleaning. When using modern products, these processes can be combined into a single step in the same working solution. Disinfection must always come before cleaning, as it prevents staff from becoming infected during handling.

Sanitary hygiene in the premises is also critical. It matters greatly under what conditions services are provided and procedures are performed. Simply cleaning and tidying up is not sufficient to prevent infectious diseases. There is no guarantee that tiny droplets of blood haven’t landed on a surface during a procedure, and even a single drop may contain enough microorganisms to spread infection. Therefore, all surfaces—especially furniture and equipment—must be regularly disinfected. The frequency of disinfection depends on the type of surface. Non-critical surfaces like floors, ceilings, doors, and bathroom fixtures are disinfected daily at the beginning or end of the work shift. Critical or working surfaces such as massage tables, chairs, armrests, tanning beds, pedicure tubs, manicure tables, and other surfaces that come into direct contact with clients or where procedures are performed must be disinfected and cleaned after every client.

The hands of the professional are the most important tool in their work and also the primary route of microbial transmission. A significant percentage of healthcare-associated infections globally are transmitted via hands. The same risks apply in the beauty industry. Human skin hosts a large number of microorganisms. Even after thorough washing, microbes remain. Therefore, hand hygiene is one of the most important measures for interrupting the chain of infectious disease transmission. Taking care of the skin of the palms, hands, and forearms is a professional duty. Microtraumas, small cuts, and cracks are potential reservoirs for pathogens.

Skin microflora can be divided into two main types: resident (permanent) and transient (temporary) flora. Resident flora consists of microorganisms that permanently inhabit and reproduce on the skin. While they are generally non-pathogenic, they can cause infection if they enter a wound. This type of microflora cannot be completely removed even with antiseptic procedures, although its quantity can be significantly reduced. Complete sterilization of the skin is neither possible nor advisable, as the natural microflora prevents colonization by more harmful microorganisms.

Transient flora includes microorganisms that temporarily contaminate the hands, including disease-causing agents. They usually survive on the skin for less than 24 hours and are easily removed by proper handwashing with bactericidal soap or by using antiseptics. While they remain on the skin, these microbes can be transmitted to clients during contact or contaminate objects. For this reason, staff hands are considered a major factor in infection transmission.

There are several methods of hand treatment. Antiseptic or hygienic handwashing involves cleaning with water and antimicrobial soap after contamination. It targets transient microorganisms and is performed after using the restroom, before handling food, or when hands are visibly soiled. Hygienic hand antisepsis involves rubbing an alcohol-based antiseptic into the skin without water. This is the most commonly used method in beauty establishments and should be done before starting the workday, before and after each client, before handling sterile instruments or materials, and after contact with contaminated materials like blood.

The proper technique for hygienic hand antisepsis includes pouring at least 3 ml of antiseptic into a dry palm and rubbing it vigorously into the skin of the hands and wrists for 30 seconds. The standard technique includes several steps: palm to palm, palm over the back of the opposite hand, palm to palm with interlaced fingers, backs of fingers to opposing palms, rotational rubbing of thumbs, and rotational rubbing of fingertips in the palm. Each stage is repeated several times. Hands must remain wet throughout the procedure and dry completely afterward.

Hygienic antisepsis with modern preparations takes only 30 seconds, but these seconds provide crucial protection—for you, your health, your clients, and your loved ones.

Surgical hand antisepsis is required before surgical or equivalent procedures, such as piercings or tattooing. The process includes washing hands, wrists, and forearms with antibacterial soap, drying with a disposable towel, applying antiseptic in portions (1.5–3 ml) and rubbing thoroughly, starting with the hands and forearms and working up to the elbows. Hands should be kept above the level of the elbows, and the antiseptic should be allowed to dry completely before putting on gloves. During the entire process, the skin must remain moist with antiseptic, and gloves must only be worn on dry hands.

Disinfecting the skin of the hands remains one of the most important issues even today. Hands must be washed and disinfected very carefully and frequently. However, frequent contact with soaps and disinfectants increases the risk of skin damage. Proper selection and use of products are essential.

Clients’ skin and mucous membranes are also colonized with microorganisms. Performing procedures on skin that has not been properly disinfected carries a risk of introducing infection. Even sterile instruments can transmit infection if the client’s skin is not adequately prepped. Areas rich in sebaceous glands require especially thorough disinfection—up to 10 minutes.

Modern clients are informed, demanding, and often capable of inspecting cleanliness and hygiene just as thoroughly as a health inspector—and they are right to do so. The solution is to build a preventive system that eliminates infection risks for clients, staff, and their families, expands the base of satisfied customers, and ultimately brings financial benefit and profit.

This text is adapted from the journal "Chief Medical Nurse". Let me know if you'd like it in a printable format, training booklet, or any other adaptation.