Disinfection of hairdressing tools: methods and techniques

The importance of disinfecting tools in barbershops cannot be overestimated. Ensuring the safety of customers and preserving the reputation of the salon are impossible without proper processing of tools. Sterility of tools is a guarantee that the procedure will be safe and the risks of infections are minimized. In this context, there are several basic methods and stages of disinfection, each of which has its own characteristics and rules for implementation.

Methods of disinfection of hairdressing tools

There are two main methods of disinfecting hairdressing tools – sterilization and chemical treatment, each of which has its own characteristics and is suitable for different types of tools. The choice of method depends on the material from which the tools are made, as well as on whether they can withstand high temperatures.

Sterilization is one of the most effective ways to process tools that come into direct contact with the client’s skin, such as scissors, razors or combs. This method involves treating the tools with high temperatures, which allows you to destroy all possible microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. The sterilization process is carried out using special equipment – autoclaves or sterilizers, which heat the tools to temperatures reaching 120-140 degrees Celsius. As a result of such treatment, all microorganisms on the surface of the tools die, and they become completely sterile. After sterilization, the tools can be safely used on clients without any risks to their health.

However, not all hairdressing tools can be exposed to high temperatures, so chemical treatment is used for heat-sensitive materials. This method involves the use of special disinfectant solutions that effectively destroy bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Chemicals are selected in such a way as not to damage the materials of the tools, in particular plastic or coatings, which can be damaged during heating. For effective chemical treatment, the tools are immersed in the solution for a certain time, which is determined by the manufacturer of the disinfectant. After that, the tools are necessarily rinsed of the remaining solution and dried.

Thus, the choice of disinfection method depends on the characteristics of the tools and their sensitivity to temperatures, which allows to ensure safety for both clients and the tools themselves.

Stages of processing of hairdresser’s tools

Proper disinfection of tools includes several stages, each of which is important for achieving the desired result. Skipping at least one of the stages can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and create risks for the health of clients.

1. Soaking in solution: at the first stage, the tools are immersed in a special disinfectant solution, which helps to destroy most microorganisms. This is an important stage, because it allows you to clean the surface of the tool from dirt and germs.
2. Rinsing and drying: After soaking, the tools are thoroughly rinsed to remove any remaining disinfectant solution and dried. This is necessary to avoid chemical residues on the tool, which can be harmful to the client.
3. Sterilization: After the tools have undergone initial processing, they are sterilized to destroy all possible pathogens. This stage is especially important for tools that are used directly on the client’s skin.
4. Storage in an ultraviolet lamp: After sterilization, the tools can be stored under ultraviolet lamps, which will further ensure their sterility and protection against re-contamination.

Compliance with all stages and methods of tool disinfection is an important aspect of any barbershop. This not only ensures the safety of clients, but also helps maintain the salon’s high reputation. Thoroughly cleaned and sterilized tools are a guarantee that clients will trust their masters and return to them again.