Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

To Scrub or Not To Scrub

Research on handwashing techniques in hospitals has found that the traditional surgical scrub, where people take a brush or sponge and vigorously wash all the way up the arm, are not only unnecessary, but even counter-productive.

by Staff
November 1, 2000
1 min to read


For those techs who opt for hand sanitizers rather than soap and water, there’s good news from Elaine Larson, R. N., Ph.D., and professor of pharmaceutical and therapeutic research at the Columbia University School of Nursing in New York. She has conducted in-depth research on handwashing techniques and habits in hospitals and has found that handwashing techniques such as the traditional surgical scrub, where people take a brush or sponge and vigorously wash all the way up the arm, are not only unnecessary, but even counter-productive.

“It makes theoretical sense that if you scrub it’s cleaner, but many bacteria on the skin live in the crevices and glands. The more you scrub, the more bacteria you loosen that then drop out,” she says. Hence, Larson recommends abandoning the traditional surgical scrub in favor of de-germing agents such as alcohol-based waterless hand sanitizers. “You actually get the same or better antibacterial activity with a 10-second application,” she says.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Wellness

Ad Loading...
Wellness|Articles|Aug 5, 2025

Spa Day, Safe Day: Stop Fungal Infections in Their Tracks

As a spa or salon professional, your clients expect more than just beauty—they expect safety, hygiene, and peace of mind. Fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot and Nail Fungus are more common than you think, especially in environments where tools and footbaths are reused without proper sanitation. This blog covers how to stop these issues before they start, using proven infection prevention strategies for salons and spas.

Wellness|Articles|Mar 31, 2025

Protecting Your Clients From Viral Infections

Clients come to you to feel their best—not leave with a viral souvenir. Warts and cold sores can spread fast in busy salons, but a few smart habits make all the difference. Let’s talk about what’s really lurking in your salon (and how to kick it to the curb).

Ad Loading...
Wellness|Articles|Jul 3, 2024

Standing Stretches for Physical Longevity

Hairdressing is a physically taxing career integrating simple stretches into your daily routine can reduce the strain repetitive motion puts on your body, help you stay flexible and strong and eventually prolong your career.

Ad Loading...