Are Hairdressers Required to Clean Brushes Between Clients? The Guide to Salon Hygiene

According to cosmetology board regulations across many US states, licensed professionals are mandated to disinfect all non-porous tools, including brushes, after each use. This confirms that yes, hairdressers are required to clean brushes between clients to ensure safety and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This practice is a cornerstone of professional and responsible salon operation.

Quick Summary

Hairdressers are legally and professionally obligated to clean and disinfect brushes and other non-porous tools after every client. This critical, multi-step process includes removing debris, washing with soap, and immersing in an EPA-registered disinfectant to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and viruses, thereby protecting client health.

Key Points

• Legally Mandated: Most state cosmetology boards legally require hairdressers to disinfect tools, including brushes, after every client.

• Two-Step Process: Proper sanitation involves two steps: first, cleaning to remove debris, and second, disinfecting with an EPA-approved solution to kill germs.

• Health Protection: Unsanitized brushes can spread infections like ringworm and head lice, posing a serious health risk to clients.

• Observable Hygiene: Clients can look for signs of a compliant salon, such as visibly clean workstations, proper storage of tools, and the presence of disinfectant solution containers.

• Empower Yourself: Being aware of professional hygiene standards allows clients to make informed choices and feel confident in their salon's practices.

The Legal and Ethical Mandate for Salon Sanitation

For licensed cosmetology professionals, proper sanitation is not an optional courtesy—it is a strict legal requirement enforced by state boards. These regulations are designed to safeguard public health and build client trust. The mandate to clean and disinfect tools, particularly brushes, between every client is a foundational rule. Failure to comply can result in fines, license suspension, or even license revocation, underscoring the severity of this responsibility. Beyond the legal aspect, there is a fundamental ethical duty to provide a safe and hygienic service. Clients enter a salon expecting a clean environment, and neglecting basic tool sanitation is a direct breach of that trust.

The Critical Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting

Many people mistakenly use the terms cleaning and disinfecting interchangeably, but they are two distinct and equally important steps in the sanitation process.

• Cleaning: This is the first step and involves the physical removal of hair, product buildup, and other visible debris from the brushes. This is typically done with warm, soapy water and a small brush to reach between bristles.
• Disinfecting: This is the second, more crucial step. It involves using an EPA-registered bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal product to kill germs and pathogens that may remain on the cleaned surface. Disinfection cannot be effective without the prior cleaning step, as dirt and hair can block the disinfectant from reaching and killing microorganisms.

The Step-by-Step Sanitation Process for Hair Brushes

For professional hairdressers, the process of sanitizing brushes is a standard procedure performed between each client. This typically involves the following steps:

1. Remove Debris: Use a comb or brush cleaner to remove all visible hair and product from the brush bristles and handle.
2. Wash Thoroughly: Wash the brush with soap and warm water, scrubbing all surfaces. This removes oils and product buildup that can protect germs.
3. Rinse Clean: Rinse the brush completely under clean, running water to wash away all soap residue.
4. Dry Completely: Thoroughly dry the brush with a fresh, clean paper towel before proceeding to disinfection. Excess water can dilute the disinfectant, making it less effective.
5. Immerse in Disinfectant: Completely submerge the brush in an EPA-approved disinfectant solution, such as Barbicide, for the contact time specified by the manufacturer. This is often 10 minutes.
6. Rinse and Dry Again: After the required time, remove the brush from the solution, rinse with clean water, and dry it with a new paper towel.
7. Store Safely: Place the now-clean and disinfected brush in a clean, closed container labeled “Clean” to prevent re-contamination before its next use.

Health Risks of Improper Tool Sanitation

Ignoring the proper sanitation process for brushes and other tools poses significant health risks for both clients and salon professionals. Sharing uncleaned brushes can spread a variety of skin and scalp conditions, including:

• Ringworm: A fungal infection of the scalp that can cause itchy, circular rashes and hair loss.
• Head Lice: These tiny parasites can easily transfer from one person's hair to a shared tool and then to the next client.
• Bacterial Infections: Bacteria from scalp conditions or skin infections can be transferred, leading to secondary infections or worsening existing ones.
• Viral Infections: Viruses can potentially survive on surfaces, posing a risk of transmission.

A commitment to proper sanitation is the best defense against these risks, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for everyone in the salon.

How to Identify a Compliant Salon

Clients should be observant and confident in their salon's practices. Here is a simple comparison table to help identify a compliant salon versus a non-compliant one based on observable practices.

Feature	Compliant Salon	Non-Compliant Salon
Tool Handling	Stylists retrieve tools from a clean, covered container.	Tools are left out on the station, possibly with old hair still in them.
Disinfectant Container	A jar of blue Barbicide or other EPA-approved disinfectant is visible, and tools are immersed for the proper time.	No visible disinfectant solution, or tools are left in dirty liquid.
Brushes and Combs	Freshly cleaned brushes are used for each client.	The same brushes are used on multiple clients without a visible cleaning step.
General Cleanliness	The workstation is tidy, with no stray hair or product buildup.	The station appears messy and cluttered, indicating general poor hygiene practices.
Professionalism	Stylists are open about their cleaning procedures and can answer questions confidently.	Stylists may be evasive or dismissive when asked about sanitation.

By paying attention to these details, clients can ensure they are visiting an establishment that prioritizes their well-being. For more information on health and safety in the workplace, refer to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website.

Conclusion: Your Health is a Priority

In summary, the answer to the question, "Are hairdressers required to clean brushes between clients?" is an absolute yes. This practice is mandated by regulatory bodies to protect client health and safety. Understanding the difference between cleaning and disinfecting, and knowing what to look for in a professional salon, empowers you as a client. By choosing salons that adhere strictly to these sanitation standards, you are ensuring a safe and hygienic experience for your hair and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hairdressers required to clean brushes between clients by law?

Yes, in most places, state cosmetology and barbering boards legally require licensed professionals to clean and disinfect brushes and other tools after every single use on a client. These regulations are in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

What is the proper way for a hairdresser to clean brushes?

The proper process involves two key steps: first, physically removing all hair and debris (cleaning), and second, soaking the brush in an EPA-registered disinfectant solution for the specified contact time (disinfecting). Rinsing and drying are necessary after both the washing and disinfecting steps.

What happens if a hairdresser doesn't clean brushes between clients?

If a hairdresser fails to clean and disinfect their brushes, they risk spreading bacteria, fungi (like ringworm), and parasites (like head lice) from one client to another. This can also lead to fines or the loss of their professional license.

How can I tell if my hairdresser is cleaning their brushes correctly?

Look for visible signs of cleanliness. You should see your stylist pull a clean brush from a closed, covered container. A jar of disinfectant, like Barbicide, should be visible on their station with tools inside. The workstation itself should be free of stray hair and product buildup.

Is just wiping a brush clean enough?

No, simply wiping a brush is not enough. Wiping only removes visible dirt but does not kill the invisible microorganisms. Disinfection is the critical step that kills germs and is required by law for professional beauty tools.

Does it matter if the brush is only being used for a quick detangle?

Yes, it matters. Any tool that comes into contact with a client's hair or scalp must be cleaned and disinfected before being used on the next person, regardless of how brief the contact was. Germs can transfer instantly.

Can I request that my hairdresser clean the brushes in front of me?

It is not unreasonable to ask about a salon's hygiene practices. A professional and confident hairdresser will be happy to explain their sanitation procedures. While they may not perform the full process in front of you due to time constraints, their visible practices should reassure you.