Just My Opinion: Sanitation Routines Need to Be Stepped Up

Concerns over salon sanitization and reducing cross-contamination are not the only things that are growing around here. Recorded occurrences of service-related ailments and scrutiny from state boards are on the rise and rightly so. Perhaps this is not the popular opinion, but we are m this business to provide service to our clients. Client safety, as well as the safety of the professional working in the salon, is of the utmost importance.

Just as we have recently seen an increase in security in our country, the monitoring of safety in the salon is our responsibility. After all, we need to ensure the best possible experience for all professional beauty services.

I am not saying that we all need to become germaphobes, but standardizing a few basic procedures will dramatically increase the probability that there will be no cross-contamination in your salon. Sanitizing implements properly, washing hands between clients, using disposable items, and offering clean surfaces and towels will help you and your clients operate safely in the salon.

Always follow your local, state, and federal laws. This not only gives you peace of mind, but also does so for your clients. Perhaps posting your salon’s policy on sanitation will raise the standards and expectations of the clients who visit your salon.

Educate your clients on proper nail care between appointments. You do not have to treat a client who refuses to seek medical help on a persistent or reoccurring nail disorder. There is no reason to put yourself and others in your salon at risk. It’s OK to say no to a client —not argumentatively, of course, but some people are not aware of the importance of treating their nail and skin ailments.

A client who is a repeat offender of sanitation policies should be asked to refrain from visiting your salon until she learns the importance of a safe salon environment and respects the rights of others not to be exposed to her germs. These policies are not only good for the client and the salon, but are also good for our entire beautiful industry.

Marc Spilo is president of Spilo Worldwide, Los Angeles.