Health & Safety in Brow Lamination


As a brow artist, you play a crucial role in protecting both your clients and yourself by upholding the highest standards of health, safety, and hygiene. Professionalism, cleanliness, and correct working practices are not only essential for legal compliance but also for client trust, satisfaction, and long-term business success.

1. Professional Conduct & Image

• Personal Hygiene & Presentation: Always present yourself in a way that reflects your professionalism. This includes clean clothing, neat appearance, and fresh breath. Avoid heavy perfumes and the smell of smoke, as these may be unpleasant for clients.
• Client Perception: Remember, clients often judge the quality of your service by how professional you look and how clean your workspace appears.
  
  
  
  

2. Workplace Hygiene & Codes of Practice

Working in close contact with clients means there is always a risk of cross-infection. High standards of hygiene significantly reduce complications and increase client confidence.

3. Ergonomics & Safe Work Environment

Your working environment affects both treatment quality and your long-term health. Poor posture and unsuitable equipment can lead to back, neck, and wrist strain.

Recommended Setup:

• An adjustable treatment couch with a smooth, wipeable surface.
• A comfortable, adjustable seat to support good posture.
• A daylight lamp to reduce shadows and eye strain.
• Work at a height that prevents excessive bending or leaning.
• Ensure the treatment room is well-lit, ventilated, and easy to clean.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE helps prevent cross-contamination and protects both therapist and client.

• Wear disposable gloves when waxing, tweezing, or whenever there’s a chance of exposure to blood or skin contact.
• Use latex-free gloves to avoid triggering allergic reactions.
• Keep masks and aprons available if required by your local health authority or if preferred for extra hygiene.
  
  

5. Tool cleaning Step-by-Step Process

Step 1 - Clean in Warm Soapy Water

• Mix warm water with detergent (not just soap).
• Scrub tools thoroughly to remove product and debris.
• Rinse under warm running water.
• Dry with a clean lint-free cloth or allow to air dry.
  
  

Why detergent? Viruses and bacteria are surrounded by a protective fatty layer. In order to break it down, you need detergent - which is specifically designed to dissolve fat. Normal soap isn't as effective for this purpose. That's why warm water with detergent is the best way to prepare tools before disinfection.

Step 2 - Disinfectant Soak

• Use a salon-approved disinfectant such as Barbicide (EPA-registered).
• Prepare and dilute according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Each disinfectant has different timings for effectiveness - always check the label. (Usually 10 - 30 minutes)
• Barbicide is stronger than alcohol and kills bacteria, fungi, and many viruses.
• Remove and rinse before use or storing in uv steriliser, to keep disinfected tools from being re-contaminated.
• Change solution daily

(The Barbicide official website offers a free certification course, which you can complete and print as proof of your training. It’s a great way to demonstrate professionalism and reassure clients that you’re fully qualified in safe and proper sanitation - an excellent addition to any salon.)

Step 3 - UV sanitiser

• Store dry tools in a UV sanitiser until next use, or over night.
• Use a clean paper towel at the bottom of the drawer.
• UV light kills surface bacteria and reduces microbial load.
  
  
  

Optional Step 4 - Sterilisation (Autoclave)

• At the end of the day, place tools into an autoclave.
• Autoclaves use high-pressure steam to completely sterilise tools, killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
• This is the gold standard of tool hygiene and recommended by health authorities.
• However, it is mainly intended for tools that are used in invasive treatments that come into contact with blood.

Timing Tip: Always allow at least 10-15 minutes between clients to clean and disinfect your tools properly. Don’t rush this process - your reputation and your client’s safety depend on it.

Key Takeaway: Cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitising are three distinct steps that work together. By following them consistently (and always checking manufacturer guidelines), you minimise infection risk, stay compliant with health regulations, and reassure your clients that their safety is your priority.

6.First Aid Awareness

7. Staying Globally Compliant

Because health and safety regulations vary worldwide, you must:

• Research local council, state, or government requirements before offering treatments.
• Keep updated on changes to hygiene and workplace safety laws in your area.
• Follow product manufacturer guidelines for safe use, patch testing, and storage.
• Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemical products used in your salon.
  
  
  

Key Takeaway:

Health and safety are the foundation of professional brow lamination. By keeping your workspace clean, protecting yourself and your clients with PPE, and being prepared for emergencies, you not only safeguard client wellbeing but also enhance your reputation and build long-term trust.