HYGIENE & SAFETY in the nail space

Do you see hygiene and safety as integral parts of your role? Nigel Rouse, owner of disinfectants supplier, Mundo Professional, encourages pros to think about these areas as essential investments, rather than expenses. “Maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety gives clients confidence in a nail tech’s professionalism, and protects both parties’ health,” he notes.

Nigel Rouse

Poala Taylor-Riddick,

“Failing to maintain proper hygiene and safety in the nail space can result in serious consequences, including long-term health problems for techs and clients, damage to professional reputation, loss of business and even closure as a result of failed hygiene inspections,” shares owner of fume and dust extraction company, VODEX.

Paperwork & policy pointers

It’s vital to hold up-to-date paperwork that demonstrates your compliance with hygiene and safety standards. This is important for legal and insurance purposes.

Poala Taylor-Riddick notes that pros must maintain:

• A COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) risk assessment: “This documents your use of hazardous chemicals and how they are safely managed,” she notes. Read guidance on carrying out a COSHH assessment via www.hse.gov.uk/coshh.

• A general risk assessment: “This highlights potential hazards and the measures taken to minimise these risks,” says Poala.

• Cleaning and maintenance logs: “Record regular cleaning and equipment maintenance, including extraction system filter changes and tool sterilisation,” advises Poala.

• Training records: “Ensure you keep proof of hygiene, safety and first aid training for all staff, as well as employees’ up-to-date qualifications,” Poala details.

Toni Rodway

Toni Rodway, Glitterbels educator & owner of award-winning Dorset salon, The Painted Nail, adds that techs should maintain:

• Hygiene and safety policies: “These should outline areas including your business’ cleaning protocols, tool sterilisation procedures and hand hygiene standards,” she suggests.

• Client records: “It is important that a client record card is filled out at every appointment, to document any nail health There’s a lot to lose if you fail to implement proper hygiene and safety measures. Clients are increasingly aware of the risks of infection transmission and allergies, so what measures should you be adopting in the nail space? Let’s explore...

changes and recommendations given to the client, and so you are covered by your insurance,” Toni shares.

“Failing to maintain proper hygiene and safety in the nail space can result in serious consequences.”

Appointment process

Check out a breakdown of steps to prioritise hygiene and safety in the nail space.

Before an appointment

Adriana Tomas

“Pros and clients should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water and sanitise them prior to a manicure treatment,” says Toni Rodway. “The tech should perform a visual check of the client’s hands and nails for signs of infection or open wounds, and complete a client consultation form covering medical history and allergies.”

“If there are any visible signs of infection or nail/skin damage, the pro must advise against offering the service,” stresses Adriana Tomas, quality assurance and regulatory affairs officer at Andreia Professional.

“When sanitising hands or feet, an alcohol-based product should be used, such as Mundo Hand & Foot Spray, which contains 70% alcohol and costs approximately 14p per service when using the standard 250ml size,” says Nigel Rouse.

Mundo Hand & Foot Spray from £2.50 + VAT www.mundoproducts.co.uk

VODEX SalonAIR® 1002 £POA www.vodex.co.uk

“Don’t forget to prepare your workspace, by cleaning and disinfecting all areas and laying out appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment),” adds Poala Taylor-Riddick. “Also ensure you have an operational extraction unit in place to capture potentially harmful dust and vapours at the source. This must be switched on throughout any service involving filing, chemical application or dust creation, and filters should be replaced regularly.”

“If there are any visible signs of infection or nail/skin damage, the pro must advise against offering the service.”

During the treatment

“You should maintain strict levels of hygiene and safety throughout an appointment, by wearing gloves and changing these immediately if they become damaged or contaminated,” comments Toni Rodway. “Also use disposable items like files and buffers for each client, and be careful to avoid injury – and therefore the risk of infection, when using metal tools.”

“Disinfecting tools and surfaces after every client is key to preventing the spread of bacteria and fungi.”

After an appointment

“Following a treatment, safely remove and dispose of all PPE, as well as waste materials and single-use items,” notes Poala. This includes foot spa liners when carrying out pedicure services. “Disinfect all surfaces and reusable tools that have come into contact with the client, then update your cleaning and maintenance logs.”

Adriana Tomas adds: “Disinfecting tools and surfaces after every client is key to preventing the spread of bacteria and fungi.”

Footsie Pedicure Bath Liners from £35.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

Kit essentials

The GelBottle Inc SalonSafe™ Biocide Tool and Surface Disinfectant (1L) £12.95 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

Mundo Multi Surface Disinfectant Spray (Alcohol Free) £6.95 + VAT www.mundoproducts.co.uk

Cuccio Antibacterial Cleansing Spray (480ml) £6.99 + VAT www.cuccio.co.uk

Gelish VORTEX Portable & Rechargeable Nail Dust Collector £299.99 + VAT www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk

Halo Elite Half Moon Zebra Files in 100/180 grit – individually wrapped 50 pack £55 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk

Light Elegance LEpro Big Wipes £22 + VAT www.lightelegance.co.uk

Andreia Professional A.Duster Pro - Nail Dust Collector £59.99 + VAT www.salon-services.com / www.andreiaprofessional.com

The Manicure Company Brush Cleaner £6.48 + VAT www.themanicurecompany.com

CND CoolBlue™ Hand Cleanser £10.45 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

Katie Barnes Nail Tool & E-file Bit Disinfection Tray £18.99 inc VAT www.katiebarnesacademy.com

Glitterbels Sanitiser Spray £8.95 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

The GelBottle Inc SalonSafe™ Antibacterial Disinfecting Cleaning Wipes £13.95 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

Lilly Beau Dust Collector £108.33 + VAT www.lillybeau.co.uk

Aston & Fincher Pro Lint-Free Nail Wipes on Roll (2 x 500) £3.95 + VAT www.astonandfincher.co.uk

NSI Biodegradable Black Nitrile Gloves £9.95 + VAT www.nsinails.co.uk

Chemical considerations

Katie Clark

“When using professional-only products, it’s important to read the instructions for their use and where appropriate, complete training and consult Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS),” says Nigel Rouse. “This ensures products are used and stored in line with manufacturers’ recommendations.” Poala Taylor-Riddick adds: “Ensure MSDS are up-to-date and easily accessible in your nail space to refer to.”

“Make sure to use the same brand of gel product and lamp in services, to ensure that the gel cures correctly and achieves its intended durability, shine and wear time,” advises Adriana Tomas. “Each gel product is formulated to work with specific wavelengths and intensity levels, which branded lamps are designed to deliver precisely. Matching the system and lamp ensures an even, thorough cure and helps avoid issues like lifting, chipping and undercuring, resulting in safer treatments.”

“Chemicals should be stored in labelled containers away from heat and direct sunlight, with lids screwed tight to avoid evaporation and spills,” adds Toni Rodway. “Dispose of chemicals safely. Don’t pour them down the sink; instead, follow local regulations and use a designated hazardous waste container if required. Also consider PPE, for example face masks to prevent inhalation of dust and fumes, protective eyewear when there’s a splash risk – such as during mixing or decanting, and gloves to protect skin from coming into contact with chemicals,” Toni continues.

Katie Clark, founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education, shares her advice for choosing appropriate nitrile gloves in an online article for Scratch. She writes: “Glove thickness is usually given in the unit mil. A thickness of 6-8mil is suitable for the nail trade. A thickness of 7.5mil offers 60 minutes’ usage and chemical resistance. It is critical that gloves are changed at or before the chemical resistance time expires, otherwise the protection will become redundant. When you seek gloves with a thickness greater than 8mil, dexterity and comfort are affected, making it difficult to perform particular tasks. If a glove has a thickness less than 7.5mil, you should double up gloves or replace sooner than every 60 minutes.

“Another element to consider when purchasing nitrile gloves is the EU Chemical Resistance specification,” Katie continues. Scan to check out her explanation of the different specifications.

Black DG-Maxim Nitrile Gloves £16.99 inc VAT www.katiebarnesacademy.com

Mobile musts

Stela Angelova

“Maintaining a clean and safe environment leads to customer satisfaction and loyalty, and reflects a commitment to client care, wellbeing and professional ethics,” say Stela Angelova of Stella A. – Nail Artist,

Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2024 & finalist for 2025. “Clear communication with clients about hygiene and safety measures is crucial to ensure their trust and cooperation.”

Gemma Riley

“Being a mobile tech requires extra preparation, organisation and commitment in terms of hygiene and safety, to ensure you and your clients feel confident and comfortable, regardless of location,” says Gemma Riley of Gemma Riley Nail Artist, Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year finalist 2025. “After using metal tools, I spray them with Willow’s Spray & Go 2-in-1 to remove debris, and soak them in a diluted jar of BARBICIDE® between clients. I also use Willow Spray & Go to wipe down surfaces that clients have come into contact with.”

BARBICIDE® Manicure Jar £POA. Available via wholesalers nationwide.

Willow Spray & Go 2-in-1 £8.95 + VAT www.willowacademy.com

Jade Thornhill

“I find it helpful to carry a sanitised set of tools for each client I visit in a day, as sanitisation on the go can be challenging,” notes Jade Thornhill of Nails By Jade, fellow Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year finalist 2025. “I also transport a clean set of towels for each client, which are put into a separate bag after use, and I change the dust filters of my extraction unit between appointments to avoid bringing dust into clients’ homes.”

VODEX SalonAIR® Mobile from £900 inc VAT www.vodex.co.uk

Angela Gaffney

“I recommend that mobile techs carry sanitising wipes to use on their equipment and areas where they’ve been working,” comments Angela Gaffney, OPI educator & Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year finalist 2025. “This is fast and effective on the go. Carrying bin liners is also handy. I fold up my couch roll containing any dust and nail clippings and pop it into a liner, so everything is contained and can be disposed of later.”

Clare Woodcock

Scratch Stars Mobile Nailist of the Year 2023 & finalist for 2025, Clare Woodcock of The Nail Club, adds: “Carry protective coverings to place spillable products on, in order to avoid accidents in clients’ homes. Also be careful of trip hazards like cables from equipment, especially in a room where pets and children are present.”