As lash professionals it is our responsibility to not only care about our clients leaving feeling beautiful, but providing a safe and clean environment while they are with us.
Providing this environment starts with knowing how to keep our tools clean and germ-free. This process provides a safe, sanitary service that won't leave our clients vulnerable to eye infections.
Between sanitizing, disinfecting, and UV sterilizing, which is the best method for protecting our clients? If you'd like to know which one is best for your clients, read on to find out.
To sanitize lash tools is to clean them with detergent and water. This removes visible debris and most fungi, bacteria, and viruses, but it doesn't kill all the pathogens.
When it comes to our implements, it's clear that this level of cleaning isn't enough to provide a safe service to our clients.
Before the instruments are safe to use, any remaining pathogens need to be removed. Tools need to be immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant with virucidal, fungicidal, and bactericidal properties.
It's important to sanitize before disinfecting. If you place dirty implements straight into the disinfectant solution, the bacteria and debris will affect the active ingredients and render them useless.
To use the sanitize and disinfect method of cleaning eyelash extension tools, these are the steps you'll need to follow. Avoid recontaminating your tweezers in-between stages.
Use soap and water to scrub and remove all visible dirt and debris.
Remove all soapy residue by rinsing tools under lukewarm running water. Dry all instruments with a clean, disposable towel.
Soak your eyelash extension tools in a hospital-grade disinfectant that has been prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure that the tools are fully emerged and stay under for the amount of time specified.
To avoid recontamination, use clean tongs or wear gloves to lift the tools out of the disinfectant. Then, use a disposable or clean towel to dry the tools. Or let them air dry between two clean towels.
Store your tools in a sanitized drawer or non-airtight container. Avoid storing them in airtight containers as this encourages bacterial growth.
UV light has been a go-to sterilization method in medical fields for many years. UV light sterilizers kill 99.9% of bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals.
The benefits of using UV are worth considering
Lash tools such as mascara wands, scissors, mirrors, tweezers, jade stones, and even the eyelashes themselves can be disinfected under UV light.
Along with keeping up with new eyelash extension trends, caring for our tools and keeping them germ-free is all part of offering the best service to our lash studio clients. Taking care of our tools means taking care of our clients!
For more information on further training in the beauty industry, contact us today.
