As Coronavirus is finally in the rearview, it's interesting to think about how the pandemic changed the world and how we look at germs and hygiene.
As we all know, returning to ‘normal’ (at least, not as we knew it!) is unlikely, and we will forever now be weary about sharing space and air with other people!
Beauty professionals especially must create a clean and safe working environment to minimise the risk of harm to both their clients and themselves. No one wants to go to a beauty salon post-covid and pick up something nasty like a bad cold, cough, or worse!
But how exactly should beauty pros create a sterile working environment in a post-Covid world?
Top Tips For Maintaining a Sterile Beauty Environment
We recently spoke with Antonia Hawke, creator of The Pro Hygiene Collection. A professional makeup artist herself, Antonia created the collection of specially designed hygiene and sanitising products specifically for our industry. Not only are they easy to use, they are also scientifically proven to kill off bacteria and germs.
We asked Antonia, the so-called ‘queen of hygiene’, for her top tips.
1. First impressions count
Making sure that your kit is clean and 100% sanitised will go a long way towards reassuring clients that you take their health seriously and have done your due diligence to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 or any other germs and diseases.
2. Create a hygiene ritual
Before and after every session, use effective cleaning products to sanitise, clean, and wipe all tools and products. Antonia advises doing this in front of your clients to ensure they KNOW you are hygienic and recognise the importance of their health and safety.
3. Practice good hand hygiene
80% of all germs are transferred by hand. Now especially, hand hygiene is essential. Wash your hands (including your wrists, around your nails and between your fingers) with antimicrobial soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an effective hand sanitising gel (like the one from The Pro Hygiene Collection). “Be sure to remove jewellery and watches to ensure all areas can be fully cleaned and sanitised, ” Antonia says.
4. Decant products where possible
It’s always a good idea to decant products into clean palettes, tissues, or on to clean hands so that you’re not tempted to double dip back into the original container.
5. Keep brushes and applicators clean
Cleaning your brushes between clients and each day's end is essential. Antonia also advises artists never to blow onto their brushes and applicators, but gently tap away any excess product instead.
Using an Antibacterial Makeup Spray is a must, and can be used to quickly and effectively sanitise your tools.
6. Don’t double dip
‘Double dipping’ means reloading the same mascara wand or makeup applicator by dipping it into the tube of product more than once. This can result in cross-contamination of both products and customers. A great tip Antonia has for makeup artists is to cut off the mascara wands and lip and eyeliner applicators included in the packaging upon purchase to remind you to use a disposable.
7. Don’t forget your pencils
Makeup pencils also need your attention! Sharpen them between clients, and be sure to clean your sharpener each time as well.
8. Avoid latex sponges
These can cause potential allergic reactions in some clients, so use latex-free sponges instead.
9. Respect the shelf life of your products
If it doesn’t look or smell right, bin it!
10. Get Insured!
On a separate note, Antonia also advises artists to make sure they are insured, not just for public liability, but for kit, money, and legal too. (It is a requirement for all Make Me Bridal Pro Artists to have up-to-date insurance.)
Using these guidelines, getting back to work can be a much easier and safer process than it may initially seem. And remember, we’re all in this together!
