Nail Salon Sanitation 101 (2025)

Updated by Alyssa Bueno on December 12, 2024

Nail salon sanitation is crucial for every nail tech and business owner, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Nail clients are naturally cautious and prioritize their safety and the cleanliness of their favorite nail salons. As a nail salon owner or a nail tech, you want to ensure your nail salon is up to your state sanitation and protocols standards.

Remember your nail clients' concerns right now are their wellness and safety. Your nail salon should be a safe haven for them. Here are the essential things you should know about nail salon sanitation, whether you're a newbie or a professional in the field.

Importance of sanitation in nail care services:

State law demands that all nail salons adhere to particular sanitation measures, yet many inexpensive nail salons can provide lower prices because they flout these regulations.

It is better to stay safe than sorry; as someone who runs a nail business, you don't want your nail salon to have a damaged reputation for negligence or not following safety protocols. If you're going to effectively market yourself as a nail tech, you have to do your best to apply the proper sanitation.

Remember that sanitizing is now a part of your brand, not just a part of your nail salon operations routine. The rigorous sanitation protocols in your nail salon are also a great way to attract customers. If you're planning to open a nail salon and are still in the researching phase, you can read our business education blogs to help you out.

In nearly every state, nail salons are required to meet specific hygiene and licensing regulations. The salon owner must guarantee that these criteria are met in most states.

One of them is to use EPA-registered disinfectants; you must immerse them for at least 10 minutes, whereas the isopropanol and the ethyl alcohol require just 5 minutes. It would help if you used tongs or gloves that have been cleaned and sanitized before removing the nail tools from the disinfection solution.

Difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing:

Cleaning:

Removal of accumulated debris from surfaces and objects is the primary function of cleaning. The three main items that are used to physically clean surfaces and nail tools are soap, disinfectant, and water. If the germs aren't killed, this won't do much. A few have been removed, so fewer germs may potentially infect you.

Disinfecting:

Chemicals (disinfectants) kill germs on surfaces and objects during disinfecting. Bleach and alcohol solutions are two often used disinfectants. To get rid of the germs, you usually have to leave the disinfectant on the surfaces and items for a set amount of time.

We recommend our UV sterilization box that is perfect for disinfecting your nail tools and other items that you use daily at work. The UV light helps eradicate bacteria and germs that quickly spread on your things and nail products. Another iGel Beauty product we recommend is our hand sanitizer since it can help disinfect your hands while working or not. The hand sanitizer is easy to use and a must nowadays; even when you're not in the nail salon, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Sanitizing:

It is possible to sanitize by either cleaning or disinfecting, or both. Sanitizing means reducing the number of germs to a safe level. What you do to sterilize depends on what you require. You could be cleaning a floor using a mop, a chemical, and water. Dishes can be sanitized in the dishwasher. You could also be using an antibacterial wipe to clean your nail tools.

Nail tools/equipment you should sanitize:

Here are some of the nail tools you should sanitize after every use.

•Nail art tweezers•Nail lamps•Cuticle cleaner kit
•Brushes and tools•Drill bits•Buffer Kit
•Manicure bowls

Rule of thumb: Sanitize or disinfect the nail tools you use daily, during downtime, or on the weekends. You can also disinfect other nail tools that are in storage to make sure the nail salon is dust-free and squeaky clean.

How to properly sanitize nail tools:

STEP 1:

All reusable tools should be cleaned to ensure their safety.

STEP 2:

Using a clean towel, wipe the nail tools properly

STEP 3:

For a minimum of ten minutes, soak the nail tools in disinfectant.

STEP 4:

Place the nail tools in aUV sterilizer or an autoclave and keep them on your desk.

How can I clean and disinfect in a safe manner?

1. Keep the disinfectants and nail tools in the packaging they came in to avoid damage.

2. Only use cleaning and disinfecting products that state they are safe to use together if the labels say so. You can get seriously hurt or die if you mix certain items (such as chlorine bleach and ammonia cleaners).

3. Immediately get medical attention or follow the label's instructions if you ingest or inhale them or if they get on your skin.

4. Find out whether you need gloves or eye protection when using the products by reading the label.

5. Keep the nail tools and disinfectants out of the hands of children.

Nail salon sanitation checklist:

1. Clean the salon essentials or furniture after every use

All pedicure chairs, manicure tables, and nail tools in the salon must be cleaned after every customer. Additionally, bathrooms are an excellent indicator of cleanliness and sanitation. Therefore it's crucial to keep them in top condition. It might be a sign of good service if it appears to be in order and well-maintained. Ensure that the nail salon always has a newly refilled hand washing soap in the bathrooms.

2. Use an EPA- registered disinfectant

For at least 10 minutes, or as long as the manufacturer specifies, submerge in an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant. Be careful not to remove surfaces before the disinfectant has had a chance to do its job; if you do so, you risk spreading bacteria that haven't been wiped away. Use 70-90 percent alcohol or ethyl alcohol solutions to disinfect porous cleaning products, such as buffers, and let them sit for at least five minutes before cleaning.

3. Booking appointments should be made in advance

Book clients' appointments so that there is enough room for cleaning and no customers to cross paths - you might ask clients to wait in their cars until you text them to tell them it is safe to enter the salon.

4. Hands should always be washed

When working with clients, wash your hands before and after. Wash your client's hands before and after the procedure. Maintaining a clean and sanitary restroom at your nail business is essential. The salon should have access to hand sanitizers and rubbing alcohol for the clients and the nail salon employees.

5. Clean the nail salon on a regular basis

Mopping and sweeping the salon floor daily will keep it in tip-top shape. Use a disinfectant on the door handles and rails regularly. Additionally, you should sanitize your employee's communal places like the kitchen or the bathroom to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.

6. Declutter

Ensure that gloves are discarded and replaced with a new pair before each client's arrival. Take care not to litter the nail salon with disposable products and maintain cleanliness even if the nail salon is on a hectic schedule.

Nail salon sanitation is one of the most important aspects when working in a nail salon. Nail techs or nail salon owners should always prioritize sanitation and cleanliness in their workspaces and the welfare of their clients since it can affect their business. If you want to learn more about running a nail salon or being a nail tech, come and join our iGel Beauty Facebook community!