Salon Safety Glossary

A conversation before your treatment about your health, goals and any past reactions, so your professional can plan a safe treatment that suits you.

A form you fill in or update before treatment covering your health, medication, allergies and recent treatments. Keeping it up to date protects you.

A health condition or circumstance that means a treatment should be avoided, delayed or adapted, such as an infection in the area, recent sunburn or certain medication.

A small amount of product applied to the skin before treatment to check for an allergic reaction, often at least 24 to 48 hours ahead. It is common for hair colour, lash and brow tints, lash adhesive and some skin treatments. You may also hear it called a skin test or allergy alert test.

A quick check of how your skin feels heat, cold or touch before some treatments, such as waxing or electrical treatments.

Agreeing to a treatment once you understand what it involves, the likely results and any risks. You should always have the chance to ask questions first.

Removing visible dirt, hair and residue from surfaces and tools. It is the first step before disinfecting or sterilising.

Using a professional disinfectant to kill most germs on cleaned surfaces and tools.

Destroying all germs, including spores, usually in a piece of equipment called an autoclave. It is used for metal tools that may come into contact with broken skin.

Items such as files, buffers, needles, lancets, applicators and spatulas used for one client and then thrown away. Needles and lancets should be opened in front of you.

Putting a used applicator back into a product pot, such as wax or lip gloss. Good practice uses a fresh applicator every time.

Germs passing from one person, tool or surface to another. Clean hands, fresh linen and proper tool care prevent it.

Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks and aprons, worn by professionals to protect you and themselves.

A secure container for safely disposing of used needles and blades.

An unwanted reaction during or after treatment, such as redness, swelling, irritation or an allergic response. Tell your professional straight away, and see a pharmacist or doctor if it does not settle.

The body's response to an ingredient it is sensitive to, which can cause itching, redness, swelling or a rash. Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing, needs urgent medical help.

The advice you are given to follow after your treatment so it heals well and lasts as long as possible. Written aftercare is a sign of good practice.

Some treatments need the professional or premises to be licensed or registered with a local authority, state board or regulator. What is required depends on where you live.

Professional cover that protects you and your practitioner if something goes wrong. It is reasonable to ask whether they are insured for the treatment you are booking.

The training a professional has completed. Ask what training they hold for your specific treatment, especially for advanced or skin piercing services.