If you're getting a service that involves tools touching your skin, nails, or body (such as at a nail salon, tattoo studio, piercing studio, or medical spa), there are several good signs that equipment is being properly cleaned and sterilized between clients.
Look for these practices:
- Single-use items are discarded after each client. Things like needles, razor blades, wooden cuticle sticks, pumice bars, and some files or buffers should be thrown away immediately after use.
- Reusable metal tools are sterilized. Clippers, scissors, tweezers, and similar instruments should be cleaned first and then sterilized, often in an autoclave rather than just wiped down or soaked in disinfectant.
- Tools are stored properly after sterilization. Sterile instruments are often kept in sealed pouches until they're opened in front of you or stored in a clean, covered container if appropriate for the setting.
- Surfaces are disinfected between clients. Chairs, tables, armrests, and other frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant.
- Technicians wash their hands or use hand sanitizer and put on fresh gloves when the procedure calls for them. Gloves should be changed between clients and whenever they become contaminated.
- Clean and used tools are kept separate. There should be a clear workflow that prevents cross-contamination.
- The facility appears clean and organized. Dirty towels, overflowing trash, or tools sitting in standing water can be warning signs.
Some questions you can ask if you're unsure include:
- "How do you sterilize your reusable instruments?"
- "Are these tools freshly sterilized?"
- "Can I see the sealed sterilization pouch before you open it?"
- "Which items are single-use?"
Be cautious if you notice any of the following:
- Tools are simply rinsed or wiped with alcohol between clients and presented as "sterile."
- Reusable tools are taken directly from a drawer without any indication they've been sterilized.
- Staff seem reluctant to explain their cleaning procedures.
- Gloves aren't changed between clients or hand hygiene is skipped.
The exact sterilization requirements vary depending on the type of service. If you tell me whether you're asking about a nail salon, tattoo or piercing studio, barber shop, dental office, medical spa, or another setting, I can give more specific guidance.
