Lash Extension Cleaning and Disinfecting Practices

Proper cleaning and disinfecting practices?

What a snooze.

No one likes to talk about this because – let’s be honest – its boring AF.

Guess what?

Even though it’s boring, it is crucial to your business!

As a client – I want to know that the tweezers you are using on my eyes haven’t been touching someone else’s eyes without being properly disinfected before you use them on me! You’re playing health and safety Russian Roulette when you skip, or disregard the recommended cleaning and disinfecting practices. If you’re a service provider who is charging $40 for a full Volume Extension Set – you’re probably not following the correct health and safety guidelines because you can’t afford to!

In most places our industry is not regulated. That does not mean we shouldn’t hold ourselves to the highest standards. Let’s not start off this year with a lawsuit or a client with who ends up with an infection. There is good news! If you haven’t been as vigilant as you should were here to help. We’ve done some digging for you.

Disclaimer:

Lash Line accepts no responsibility or liability for the following suggestions. Lash Line follows the standards and recommended practices set by NALA, and the Government of Alberta’s disinfectant guidelines. Consult with your local health agency for a list of Health and Safety requirements for Personal Beauty Services.

 

• It is your responsibility as a service provider to make sure you are aware and have educated yourself with all Health and Safety requirements set forth by your local municipality. These guidelines must be followed all times. Failure to do so could result in accident or injury for you and/or your client.
• It is important to do your part to stop the spread of infection.
• Wear disposable gloves when preforming a service on a client. Gloves must be removed and changed after every client, if they have become compromised, or soiled. Masks should be worn for the duration of the service and should cover your nose and mouth.
• Wash your hands often. Hands should be washed or sanitized before and after every service. Hands should be washed or sanitized after touching a surface and before you resume the service on your client.
• Wipe all surfaces with a disinfectant after each client (bottles, tubes, trays, door handles, treatment bed, sink and taps, countertops, lamp, etc.)
• Sterilize or disinfect all tools according to your local health authorities’ guidelines.
• These steps MUST be repeated between each client.

 

Definitions

• Decontamination:

  the neutralization or removal of dangerous substances, radioactivity, or germs from an area, object, or person
  
  

• Sanitation:

  the development and application of sanitary measures for the sake of cleanliness, protecting health, etc.
  
  

• Sterilization:
  

  the destruction of all living microorganisms, as pathogenic or saprophytic bacteria, vegetative forms, and spores.

 

• Disinfection:

  the act or process of cleansing or purifying a room, wound, item of clothing, etc., of germs that cause disease
• Sterilization is required for any tool or instrument that has made contact with sterile body tissue or cavity. These tools may have punctured the skin, or made contact with the puncture site. This includes but is not limited to: microblading needles, piercing needles, razor blades, micro needling tools, tattoo needles, lancets. These tools are required to be sterile upon use. If they are multi use, they must be sterilized between clients. If these items are single use, they must be pre-sterilized. After use, all of these tools or instruments must be disposed of in a sharp’s container.

 There are 3 Levels of Disinfection:

• High Level Disinfectants:

  High level disinfectants are required (at minimum) for tools deemed as “semi-critical”. Sterilization is preferred for “semi-critical’ tools. These are tools that make contact with mucous membranes, bodily fluid, and non intact skin. These tools do not puncture the skin or enter the puncture site. These tools include but are not limited to: cuticle clippers, scissors, under eye gel pads, silicone lash lift rods or shields, hair removal tweezers, any eyelash extension tools.
  
  

• Intermediate Level Disinfectants:

  Intermediate level disinfectants are required for some tools deemed "semi-critical" or “non-critical”. These are tools that touch intact skin, have not touched mucous membranes, or have no direct contact with your client. These include but are not limited to: some spa tools, doorknobs or handles, massage or treatment bed, light switches, taps, armrests, combs, chairs.
  
  

• Low Level Disinfectants:

  Low level disinfectants should be used for tools that are deemed "non critical". These tools only make contact with intact skin. These include but are not limited to: doorknobs or handles, massage or treatment bed, light switches, taps, armrests, combs, chairs.

Consult your local health authority for a list of acceptable disinfectants in your area.

 We know this isn’t the most interesting topic, but it doesn’t make it any less important! We hope that by sharing our knowledge we can help to stop the spread of infection. Your clients should be confident that as a service provider you are practicing the highest standards in disinfecting to keep them safe, happy, and returning for years to come!