3.1 Cleaning and disinfecting of tools and equipment procedures

After every hair styling client, the tools and equipment used must be cleaned and disinfected before they are used again. Combs, brushes, rollers, clips and heated tools touch the hair and scalp and can carry bacteria, fungi (such as the fungus that causes ringworm of the scalp), viruses and head lice from one client to the next. Infection control in the salon follows three levels: cleaning removes visible dirt and most micro-organisms, disinfection destroys most harmful micro-organisms on non-living surfaces, and sterilisation destroys all micro-organisms including bacterial spores. Example: a salon in Isinya keeps two sets of combs and brushes for each station, so one set is soaking in disinfectant while the other is in use.

Levels of decontamination

• Cleaning (sanitising): Washing with warm water and detergent to remove hair, product and dirt. It must always come first, because disinfectant does not work on surfaces covered with oil or product.
• Disinfection: Using a chemical disinfectant, for the contact time on its label, to destroy most bacteria, viruses and fungi on tools and surfaces. It does not kill all bacterial spores.
• Sterilisation: Destroying all micro-organisms, including spores, usually with steam under pressure in an autoclave (for example 121 °C for 15 to 20 minutes, or 134 °C for 3 to 4 minutes, as the manufacturer directs). Used for metal tools that may contact blood, such as tweezers and some cutting tools.

Common salon disinfectants

Procedure for combs, brushes, rollers and clips

1. Wear PPE: Put on gloves (and goggles when mixing concentrates) to protect skin and eyes from chemicals.
2. Remove hair: Pull hair from brushes, combs and rollers with a comb or fingers and put it in the bin.
3. Wash: Scrub in warm water and detergent with a small brush, getting between bristles and teeth.
4. Rinse and dry: Rinse in clean water and shake or pat dry so the disinfectant is not diluted.
5. Immerse: Place the items fully under the surface of correctly diluted disinfectant in a covered jar or container for the full contact time on the label.
6. Rinse: Remove with tongs or gloved hands and rinse if the label says so.
7. Dry: Air-dry on a clean towel or rack.
8. Store: Keep in a clean, closed, labelled container or drawer until next use.

Procedure for heated tools and electrical equipment

1. Switch off and unplug: Never clean a tool that is plugged in or hot.
2. Cool: Let flat irons, tongs and pressing combs cool fully.
3. Remove residue: Wipe plates and barrels with a damp cloth to remove product build-up; use a recommended cleaner for baked-on product.
4. Disinfect: Wipe the surfaces that touched the hair with 70% alcohol or a disinfectant wipe; never immerse electrical tools in liquid.
5. Check: Inspect cables, plugs and switches for damage and report faults; damaged tools are taken out of use.
6. Clean dryers: Remove and clean the air filter of hand dryers and hood dryers to prevent overheating.
7. Store: Coil cables loosely and store tools on heat-resistant stands or hooks.

Safety with disinfectants

• Follow the label: Use the dilution and contact time the manufacturer gives; stronger is not better and can damage tools and skin.
• Never mix chemicals: Bleach mixed with ammonia-based products or acids gives off toxic gases.
• Label containers: Every diluted solution is labelled with its name and the date it was mixed.
• Change solutions: Replace immersion solutions daily, or sooner if cloudy or contaminated.
• Safety data sheets: Keep the safety data sheet of each chemical and follow its first aid and storage advice.
• Blood exposure: If a tool contacts blood, it is cleaned and disinfected with a disinfectant effective against blood-borne viruses, or sterilised, before reuse.