The Three Steps: Clean, Disinfect, Sterilize
- Clean — scrub tools with soap and warm water.
- Disinfect — place lash tools in disinfectant solution for 10 minutes. Use disinfectant wipes on surfaces like tables and door knobs.
- Sterilize — an extra step: place tools in an autoclave or UV light.
Your disinfectant must be effective against it all.
It should kill viruses, fungi, bacteria, and be tuberculocidal. See the full Disinfectant Reference Guide for products and contact times.
Mixing & Using Barbicide Concentrate
- 2 oz (¼ cup) of Barbicide to 32 oz of water.
- Pour the water first, then the Barbicide.
Disinfect Before & Between Every Service
- Wash hands with soap and warm water for 30 seconds.
- Disinfect tweezers before and between every service.
- Disinfect the lash chair, station, and anything touched at your station during service.
Don't Cross-Contaminate
- Lash strips should be properly prepared or stored so a used strip never ends up on a different client.
- Cut strips if needed to minimize wasting product.
Lash Tech Hygiene
- Clean hands and fingernails — scrub with a nail brush, soap, and water before and between services. Keep nails maintained (manicures bi-weekly).
- Wear a mask.
- Cough or sneeze away from your client, and wash hands afterward.
- Shower daily; wear clean clothes and dry undergarments at all times.
- Cancel appointments when you're sick or contagious.
Why a Clean Station Matters
A clean station reflects a healthy work environment, gains client trust, prevents the spread of diseases and infections, and makes for a smoother workplace.
Other expectations
- Non-porous flooring.
- Clean, dry storage of tools and products; airtight, sealed packaging.
- No non-service animals in the salon.
- If you're home-based, have a door separating your service room.
Sanitation, Done the Oregon Way
Proper sanitation is a core part of Lash Lab training — learned hands-on, the way the state expects it.
See Why Students Choose Ms. Hood →