You may think working in a nail salon is all glitz and glamour, but there is plenty for nail technicians to consider beyond their next appointment. Salons pose several health and safety risks, from chemical fumes to allergies, infection, and trip hazards. Salons must take proper precautions to ensure the safety of staff and customers.
Here, we run through key safety and hygiene considerations to ensure your salon is a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone.
Contents
Infection risk
Chemical hazards
HEMA allergies
Other hazards
Infection risk
Good salon hygiene is important for keeping both staff and customers safe. Poor hand hygiene, contamination and improper cleaning of tools and work surfaces can spread bacteria and viruses. Fortunately, it’s easy to prevent. Everyone in the salon should be committed to good hygiene practices and understand what’s acceptable to keep everybody safe.
Whether it’s just you in the salon or you work with a big team, these simple hygiene rules will ensure your space is clean, and nobody’s health is at risk:
- Wash your hands before and after every client, as well as after eating, drinking, using the bathroom, handling money or taking breaks.
- Wear gloves at all times while working and dispose of them after every client.
- Any cuts or wounds should be covered with a waterproof plaster.
- Properly dispose of any single-use tools after each client.
Sanitise your workstation after each client
All worktops should be sanitised after each client. VINA Antibacterial Disinfectant Spray kills 99.9% of bacteria, including MRSA, salmonella, flu, and more. It also comes in various scents to keep your salon clean and fresh. You could also use a table mat for additional protection.
Deal with injuries immediately
Even with great care and proper technique, nicks and cuts are not uncommon in a salon environment. It’s best to deal with these as soon as possible, and Infa-lab Magic Touch Liquid Skin Protector is great to have on hand. It stops blood flow quickly and sanitises the area to prevent infection. The sooner any bleeding is stopped, the less it will contaminate your tools and workspace.
Shop salon hygiene essentials at TNBL
Chemical hazards
Many salon products contain hazardous chemicals that must be handled with care. As a beauty professional, you must manage your exposure to these chemicals and fumes to avoid skin irritation, breathing problems, and allergies.
- Ventilate the salon properly to reduce the build-up of harmful fumes.
- Store chemicals safely and away from clients. Ensure bottles are closed securely when not in use.
- Always clean spillages straight away.
- Wear gloves at all times for hygiene and to protect your hands from irritating chemicals.
- Read all labels carefully to identify any chemicals you need to treat with care.
- Always dispose of products properly as instructed by the manufacturer.
- Wear a face mask where necessary. These can be especially helpful when buffing nails with an electric file.
Shop face masks and gloves at TNBL
HEMA allergies
Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, or HEMA, is a common ingredient in gel polish. Misusing products containing HEMA can lead to allergic reactions, eczema, inflammation, and severe skin irritation.
HEMA doesn’t irritate everyone, and with proper application and care, it shouldn’t cause your clients any problems. However, if you are working with a client with a known HEMA allergy, you must ensure you do not use any products containing the ingredient.
VINA HEMA-free Builder Gel
Upcoming TPO ban
In September 2025, the ingredient Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, or TPO, will be banned in Europe. TPO is commonly used in nail products like hard gels, builder gels, and top and base coats. Many brands have already removed TPO from their formulations, and you can find some of them in our HEMA and TPO free collection.
HEMA and TPO free Nail Products at TNBL
Other hazards
Trip hazards
Nail lamps, lighting, electric drills, and other essential tools can mean many wires are lying around the salon. Rogue wires pose a trip hazard to staff, customers, and equipment. Ensure cables are neatly tucked away to prevent trips and maintain a tidy salon.
Ergonomic risk
Many beauty professionals adopt poor posture while providing client services. Leaning over a desk to focus on nails can strain the back and arms, leading to painful joints, sore muscles, and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Try to maintain a good posture. Sit up straight and keep your arms supported.
- Use an adjustable chair with good back support.
- Keep feet flat on the floor or on a footrest to prevent strain on the thighs.
- Use an armrest to prop up the customer’s hands while you work to avoid too much leaning.
Elevated Nail Armrest
Salon safety and hygiene at The Nail & Beauty Link
At The Nail & Beauty Link, we have an extensive range of products to keep your salon clean, safe and hygienic. From sanitisers and disinfectants to keep your workspace spick and span, dust collectors to keep harmful dust out of the air and an extensive furniture collection to store everything neatly and keep you and your clients comfortable. Browse our full range and find everything you need for a safe salon.
Read next
How to buff nails correctly
Gel vs Acrylic: Which is better?
How to remove gel nail polish
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