Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/317565
>>> 2014 NAILS CAREER HANDBOOK | 75 COMMON VIOLATION: Multi-use implements and tools not properly cleaned and disinfected prior to use on a client THE FIX: There are two kinds of tools commonly used in nail salons: non-porous (made of hard materials like metal, plastic, or glass) and porous (items of absorbent materials like cloth or wood). Non-porous items are generally multi-use, but in between uses you must both clean and disinfect them. To clean, wash with soap and water to remove all visible debris. To disinfect, immerse the cleaned item for 10 minutes in a state board-approved disinfectant. Always keep the disinfectant solution covered to prevent contamination, and change disinfectant at least once per week or when it is visibly cloudy or dirty. If you fnd yourself running out of implements before you can disinfect the dirty ones or you don't have a spare if you drop one on the foor, it's time to go implement shopping. COMMON VIOLATION: Re-using one-use items, like nail fles THE FIX: So what about those porous items, like nail fles, manicure sticks, wax sticks, cotton, paper towels, and bufer blocks? Because there's no known way to fully clean and disinfect those, you've got to trash them (preferably in a covered bin). Do this immediately before you get them confused with your clean ones. Is throwing them away costing too much money? Try cutting the fles and bufers in half or in smaller pieces (before use), then you only have to throw away the part you used. Or buddy up with a neighboring salon to get bulk discounts on these products from your supplier. COMMON VIOLATION: Failing to wash your hands or having your client wash her hands before the service THE FIX: This is one we've seen too many salons guilty of. The manicure or pedicure soak as the frst step of the service does not count as hand washing. To ask your clients to wash their hands without ofending them or implying that their hands are dirty, simply ofer them a clean nail brush and say that soap, water, and the nail brush will help ensure their nail color will adhere better. Walk over to the sink with them and let them see that you're washing your hands too, which is also a great time to make small talk. COMMON VIOLATION: Unlabeled containers THE FIX: Though it might be supremely obvious to you as to what is in the container, to comply with the regulations in many states you must label everything. Don't let the state board cite you for failing to label something simple like cotton balls (perhaps they thought you were keeping cotton ball-textured marshmallows at your workstation?) or your spray can of water. On the plus side, this could be a great excuse to spend $20 on a label maker.