When opening your salon post-lockdown, we know it’s important to you to have the best hygiene processes in place. So, while you might not usually go to the extent of sterilising your tools normally, the increased need to keep your salon as clean as possible might make you consider it.
But, choosing the right salon sterilising equipment can seem difficult. There are a few different types available, many of which can be found at suspiciously discounted prices.
So, how can you be sure you are buying a legitimate and effective salon steriliser?
To help you out, we’ve put together a guide with information from leading steriliser manufacturer, Ceriotti, so you can buy yours with confidence…
What are the Different Types of Salon Sterilisers?
There are three main types of sterilisation that are used in salon equipment:
- UV light
- Moist heat
- Dry heat
UV Salon Sterilisers
The use of UV light has become one of the most popular methods of sterilisation in salons, mainly because of how affordable the equipment can be.
UV sterilisers work just as their name suggests – they use UV-C wavelengths to destroy all microorganisms exposed to the rays of light. UV-C rays have enough energy to scramble the DNA and RNA of both bacteria and viruses, plus any other mould, fungus or yeast, that is present on your tools.
When buying a UV steriliser, be sure it uses UV-C rays. In many countries, UV-C sterilisation is actually a required sanitary protocol. You should be aware that UVA and UVB rays are not powerful enough to sterilise, so don’t buy one unless it can verify the UV-C wavelengths used.
Ceriotti sterilisers, for example, feature only top quality UV-C bulbs which carry the CE and EN certifications and markings. If you buy a steriliser that is not authentic, you run the risk of it not only being ineffective at sterilising your tools, but it could also be unsafe. Always check the origin of the product, who is manufacturing it and who is selling it to ensure it is an authentic UV-C steriliser.
Moist Heat Sterilisers
Also known as autoclaves, moist heat sterilisers use pressurised steam to destroy all microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, on your tools. They work by first creating a vacuum inside, then quickly pumping in boiling steam that exceeds 100°C which can completely sterilise the contents in about 20 minutes.
Autoclaves are incredibly effective and efficient, and have been a very popular sterilisation method for years in medical settings, as well as barber shops and hair and beauty salons. You can put almost any type of metal tool in an autoclave, though the steam can sometimes cause corrosion. Non-metallic tools might also become damaged by the moisture used in an autoclave, so always check before you use one.
Dry Heat Sterilisers
The third most popular method of sterilisation in salons is the use of dry heat. Like UV sterilisers, these are popular as there is no moisture to potentially damage tools. Dry heat sterilisers work by generating extremely high temperatures, sometimes with the use of glass, ceramic or quartz beads. Once hot enough, all microorganisms on your tools should be completely destroyed.
The Best Sterilising Equipment for Salons…
Atom UV-C Steriliser
This compact UV light steriliser is perfect for use on every nail, brow and hair station in your salon. There’s no need to worry about moisture or high temperatures damaging any equipment either – just drop your tools in after each client to ensure they are completely sterile.
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GX7 Quartz Steriliser
Another perfect nail salon steriliser, the GX7 Quartz can sterilise tools in just 10 seconds using dry heat. Once it is up to temperature, place your nail scissors, metal files or tweezers inside for the required time and you are ready for your next client – though you won’t be able to fit combs or brushes in it.
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Skinmate 100 Autoclave Steriliser
This Skinmate autoclave uses 125°C steam to completely sterilise equipment in just 20 minutes. Recommended for use by health authorities, it also has a 9 litre capacity which can fit a wide range of hair, nail and beauty tools inside.
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Germix 2 UV-C Sterilising Unit
The Germix 2 UV-C Steriliser is very handy, thanks to its two drawers. This means that you can keep all your tools on a rotation, allowing you to sterilise everything you need without keeping clients waiting. The UV-C lamps do not create high heat or any moisture, so you can drop any equipment or tools into the drawers without worrying about damage.
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Sanity Security Dry Heat Steriliser
If you are looking for a dry heat steriliser, this unit is a great option. As it doesn’t use steam, you can be sure that your metal tools won’t corrode, while any infectious microorganisms are safely destroyed. The perfect size for nail tools and smaller hair combs and scissors, this is a good addition to your salon hygiene process.
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You can find more salon sterilisers and PPE online at Salons Direct.
More from the Salons Direct blog…
How to Reopen Your Salon or Barber Shop Post-Lockdown | A Guide to Using PPE in Your Salon | How to Use Perspex Hygiene Screens in Your Salon
