Salon hygiene: 5 things you should never, ever, ever do (and what to do instead)

Let’s talk about the unspoken ick.

Salon hygiene might not be glamorous, but it’s absolutely essential—both for your clients’ safety and your professional reputation. No matter how amazing your nail art is, crappy hygiene is an instant red flag. Clients notice, and word spreads fast.

So, here are 5 things you should never, ever, ever do in your salon (and what to do instead).

1. Never reuse single-use tools. Ever.

❌ "It still looks clean..." Stop right there. If it’s single-use (like wooden cuticle sticks, nail files, or buffer blocks), it’s meant to be thrown away after each client. No exceptions. Storing these things in envelopes, bags or boxes for future use is also a bad idea as bacteria will thrive.

✅ Instead: Use fresh single-use tools every time. I give my clients their file at the end of each appointment, and what they do with it is up to them. Keep a little ‘used tools’ tub near your station for disinfect-able tools so nothing sneaks back into circulation. Follow your disinfectant brand's instructions to the letter, and reduce the risk of spreading infection (or rusting your tools).

2. Never skip handwashing or sanitizing.

❌ "I’ll just dive in—my hands look clean!" Nope. Bacteria and viruses don’t care if your hands look clean. And clients will clock your every move, especially after money handling, nose blowing or phone scrolling.

✅ Instead: Wash your hands or use a good quality hand sanitiser before and after each client—and offer the same to them. It’s a simple ritual that shows you take hygiene seriously.

3. Never ignore your workstation.

❌ "I’ll clean up later…" Cluttered, dusty, product-splattered stations don’t just look unprofessional—they’re breeding grounds for germs.

✅ Instead: Wipe down your desk between every client. Dust, disinfect, and keep things tidy. Bonus: A fresh station helps you feel more in control too.

4. Never reuse towels or couch roll “just this once.”

❌ "I only dried my hands on it… no one saw..." Even if it was just your hands, towels and couch roll can hold onto bacteria, dust, oils, and product residue—and yes, clients do notice if something looks reused.

✅ Instead: Use fresh towels or couch roll for every client, no exceptions. Pop used ones straight into a laundry basket or bin, and have plenty of backups ready to go. Hygiene isn’t about what people see—it’s about what you know is clean.

5. Never wear the same gloves all day.

❌ "I’ve got gloves on—I'm safe!" Gloves are great—but they don’t make you invincible. If you wear the same pair across multiple treatments or clients, you're just spreading germs in style.

✅ Instead: Change gloves between clients (and during, if they get damaged, or if you're doing multiple treatments on the same person). And yes—still wash your hands before and after.

Final thought:

Cleanliness is confidence. When clients see your standards are spotless, they trust you more. It’s not just about hygiene—it’s about professionalism. Want to stand out? Be the tech who always, always gets it right.

✨ Want more insider tips to raise your salon game? Join Nail Your Career – Access All Areas for templates, checklists, and bite-sized lessons to keep you top of your game (and your hygiene sparkling).