Nail salon hygiene is the foundation of every treatment – whether you look after clients in your own salon or do your gel nails at home. Clean hands, disinfected tools and a tidy workspace protect you and your clients and also help gel and shellac adhere better. In this guide you'll learn what to clean and disinfect when, and which products help you do it.

Why hygiene in the nail salon matters so much

During manicures and nail modelling you work very close to skin and nail. Tools, surfaces and towels go from client to client – without a clear routine, germs can easily be passed on.

• Protection for everyone: Clean routines protect your clients, yourself and your team.
• Trust: Clients pay close attention to whether tools are freshly prepared and the table is clean.
• Better adhesion: Oil, dust and residue on the nail are a common cause of lifting – clean, degreased nails are the basis for long wear.
• Less filing dust: A clean workspace is more pleasant for your airways and your clients.

Cleaning, disinfecting, sterilising – the difference

These three terms are often mixed up. For your everyday salon work the order matters: clean first, then disinfect – because dust and gel residue can impair the effect of a disinfectant.

Step 1: Hand hygiene – for you and your client

Hands are the most important route of transmission. That's why every treatment starts with clean hands – on both sides of the table.

• Before every client: Wash your hands, dry them well and then disinfect them. The BNC hand sanitiser with papaya scent is a gel that's used without water: apply a sufficient amount, rub it thoroughly into hands and fingers and let it dry without rinsing.
• Your client too: Ask your client to wash or disinfect her hands before the treatment.
• Disposable gloves: Change them for every client and immediately if they're damaged.
• Protection from filing dust: A face mask helps when filing and drilling, e.g. the washable BNC scuba fabric mask in pink (washable at 70 °C on a gentle cycle in a laundry bag).
• Preparing the nail surface: Before applying gel, clean and degrease the natural nail with BNC Cleaner Clear. Which liquid to use when is explained in Cleaner, primer, nail prep & remover: what do I need when?

Step 2: Cleaning and disinfecting tools

Every tool you use on more than one client is reprocessed after each treatment. Always follow the instructions of your disinfectant, especially the contact time.

Metal instruments

• First remove residue from instruments such as the BNC cuticle nipper, scissors and pushers.
• Then disinfect them, e.g. with BNC Hydro-Sept disinfectant spray, which is suitable for surfaces and tools.
• Store them dry and protected in a closed box – not lying open on the table.

Drill bits

• After use, brush out dust and material build-up with the BNC nylon bit cleaning brush – its gentle nylon bristles are suitable for coated bits.
• Then disinfect and store dry. Which bit is meant for what is explained in Nail drill bits explained. You'll find matching accessories under Nail drills and bits.

Files and buffers

• Paper files and buffers can hardly be disinfected reliably. So use them only once per client or give them to her after the treatment.
• Practical for salons: keep enough robust files such as the BNC professional file white in stock. More choice is available under Files & buffers.

Brushes

• Clean gel brushes of gel residue with cleaner after work and store them closed and protected from light.
• Never dip a used brush into a fresh pot – that keeps your material clean. You'll find more tips in our article on storing nail products.

Step 3: Workspace and surfaces

• Remove filing dust first: With the BNC dust brush with bamboo handle you remove dust from nails, hands and the nail table.
• Disinfect surfaces: Wipe the table, hand rest and lamp housing after every client. The Hydro-Sept disinfectant cleaner in the 1-litre bottle is applied and needs to act for a short time.
• Fresh textiles: Use a fresh towel for every client and wash used towels hot.
• Keep products closed: Only open pots and bottles while you're using them.
• Ventilate: Let fresh air in regularly, especially when working with liquids and acrylic.

You'll find all hygiene products at a glance in the Hygiene & disinfection category.

Hygiene checklist for every treatment

Before

• Workspace wiped down, fresh towel laid out
• Reprocessed tools and a new file ready
• Your own hands washed and disinfected, your client's too
• Take a quick look at your client's nails: if there's redness, swelling or unusual discolouration, don't treat – recommend seeking medical advice instead

During

• Wear gloves and change them when needed
• Brush away filing dust regularly
• Close products right after use

After

• Dispose of single-use items or give them to your client
• Clean, disinfect and store tools in a closed container
• Disinfect table, hand rest and lamp, put the towel in the wash

Unfamiliar terms? Check our nail design glossary.

FAQ: Nail salon hygiene

How often do I need to disinfect tools in the nail salon?

After every client. Tools are cleaned first and then disinfected according to the disinfectant manufacturer's instructions – including the contact time.

Can I disinfect paper files?

Paper files and buffers can hardly be disinfected reliably. The most hygienic option is to use them only once per client or to give her the file to take home.

Does cleaner replace a surface disinfectant?

No. Cleaner is meant for the nail surface: it degreases the natural nail and removes the sticky layer after curing. For the table, lamp and tools, use a disinfectant for surfaces and accessories.

Do I need hygiene when I do my gel nails at home?

Yes, a simple routine is worth it at home too: wash your hands, keep tools clean, replace files regularly and store products closed.

What's the best way to get rid of filing dust?

Regularly remove the dust from nails, hands and table with a dust brush, ventilate in between and wear a face mask while filing.

What do I do if my client's nail looks inflamed?

Then you don't treat it. Kindly explain to your client why and recommend that she has it checked by a doctor.