Clean isn't the same as safe.
Infection control is part of every service. Learn what can be transmitted, how SOAK reduces risk, and the exact decontamination workflow expected at the bar.
Know what you're preventing.
Bacteria
Bacteria are everywhere and multiply rapidly — a single bacterium can grow into millions within hours.
Some are harmless, but pathogenic bacteria cause infection.
Signs around nails:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pus
Viruses
Viruses attach to healthy cells and reproduce.
Unlike bacteria, viruses are always harmful.
Examples include:
- Influenza
- Chickenpox
- HIV
Your role is to minimise any possibility of transfer.
Fungi
Fungal infections are highly contagious and can survive for long periods.
They can spread via tools, surfaces and floors.
Common signs:
- Discolouration — yellow, green, black or brown
- Nail separation
- Nail deformation
SOAK standard: All tools exposed to fungus must be properly sterilised or disposed of.
Parasites
Parasites live off a host and can cause infection.
Remember: While some microorganisms are beneficial, preventing harmful transmission is essential in your role.
Built into every service.
Clean hands properly before and after every service.
Keep workstations clean, well-lit and dust-free.
Dust extraction must be cleaned weekly at minimum.
No food or drink at workstations.
Use disposable items wherever possible.
Preventing contamination isn't a separate cleaning task. It's part of every service you perform.
Three levels. All required.
Sanitation
Sanitation reduces — but does not eliminate — microorganisms.
Includes:
- Washing tools with soap and water
- Hand washing or sanitiser
Sanitation is mandatory before disinfection.
Disinfection
This eliminates most microorganisms — bacteria, fungi and viruses, but not spores.
SOAK protocol — BeautyGiene:
BeautyGiene is a TGA-approved, hospital-grade hard-surface disinfectant that kills 99% of germs including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis and Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
- Mix BeautyGiene and water at a dilution rate of 1:4
- Spray onto surfaces or beauty utensils
- Let stand for 10 minutes
- Wipe or rinse with water and allow to dry
Sterilisation
This is the highest level — complete elimination of all microorganisms.
Runyes Autoclave — Class B — provides 100% assurance of sterilisation of used instruments and annihilation of bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores.
- After utensils are scrubbed, disinfected, dried and packed into a sterilisation pouch, turn the autoclave on
- Ensure it is filled with distilled water
- Place bagged tools on the tray rack — one bag per rack
- Close the door and fasten the handle
- Select 134°C and the wrapped-tool icon, then press start
- When complete, “ED” displays and the autoclave beeps three times
- Open the door and remove items
Your standard workflow.
Wash or sanitise hands before and after every service.
Dispose of all single-use items after each client — files, buffers, wipes, arbor bands, etc.
Scrub all metal implements thoroughly with soap, hot water and a brush. Focus on hinges and grooves.
Rinse tools and fully dry them.
Place tools in BeautyGiene for 10 minutes.
Rinse, dry and pack tools into an autoclave pouch.
Fold the autoclave pouch on the dotted line.
Clean surfaces with BeautyGiene spray and paper towel.