Salon Hygiene Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before You Sit Down

A great haircut isn't worth a skin infection. Salon hygiene is one of the most overlooked things customers check — right up until something goes wrong. Poorly cleaned tools can spread fungal infections, folliculitis and worse.

The good news: you can judge a salon's hygiene in the first few minutes. Here's your 10-point checklist.

1. Clean, Sanitised Tools

Combs, scissors and clippers should be visibly clean and ideally sanitised between clients — in a UV steriliser cabinet, disinfectant jar (Barbicide-style blue liquid) or fresh from an autoclave. If tools come straight from the last customer's station, that's a red flag.

2. Fresh Towels for Every Client

You should get a clean towel, not one pulled from a shared pile. Damp, reused towels are a breeding ground for bacteria.

3. Disposable or Sanitised Blades

For shaves and razor work, blades should be single-use and opened in front of you. Never accept a reused razor blade.

4. Clean Wash Basins

Hair-washing stations should be rinsed and wiped between clients, not clogged with the previous customer's hair.

5. Tidy, Organised Stations

A cluttered station with product spills and hair everywhere signals a salon that cuts corners. Clean stations reflect a clean process.

6. Staff Who Wash Their Hands

Simple but telling. Staff should wash or sanitise their hands between clients, especially before facials and threading.

7. Proper Waste Disposal

Used cotton, wax strips and hair clippings should go straight into a covered bin, not pile up on the floor or counter.

8. Fresh Wax and Clean Applicators

For waxing, watch for double-dipping — putting a used applicator back into the wax pot. This spreads bacteria between clients. Good salons use a fresh stick each time.

9. Clean, Well-Maintained Space

Check the floors, mirrors and, crucially, the washroom. A dirty washroom usually means shortcuts elsewhere too.

10. Sensible Ventilation and Lighting

Good airflow matters, especially where chemicals like colour, keratin and nail products are used. A stuffy, fume-filled room is both unpleasant and unhealthy.

What to Do If a Salon Fails the Check

You're never obligated to stay. If tools look dirty or a razor is reused, politely leave — your health comes first. It's also worth leaving an honest review afterwards so others know.

Hygiene Is Easier to Judge Before You Book

Many salons show their space in their photo gallery, and verified reviews often mention cleanliness directly. On GetSalons you can scan a salon's photos and read genuine customer reviews before you go — and pair this with our pre-booking questions for total peace of mind.

Browse clean, well-reviewed top-rated salons near you and book with confidence.