Keeping your salon safe and professional starts with the right PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). Whether you're a hairdresser, beauty therapist or nail technician, having the right gear protects you, your team and your clients.
But what Salon PPE do you actually need? In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials, why they matter and how to get the best deals for your business.
Page Contents:
- What is Salon PPE?
- Why is Salon PPE Important?
- What PPE is Used in Salons?
- Get Trade Discount on Salon PPE
What is Salon PPE?
Salon PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is the essential gear used in salons to keep professionals and clients safe. This includes gloves, masks, aprons and even face shields to prevent exposure to chemicals and bacteria. It’s a simple but important way to maintain hygiene and professionalism at your hairdressers, beauty salon or nail salon.
Why is Salon PPE Important?
Salon PPE became a major focus during COVID-19, but it’s always been essential in salons.
To start with, we have to follow health and safety regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations. These laws require us to manage risks from chemicals, infections and workplace hazards — PPE plays a key role in that.
But beyond regulations, PPE also protects us from everyday risks:
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Stops Cross-Contamination
We’re in close contact with clients all day. Gloves, masks, and sanitising products help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
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Protects Against Chemicals
Hair dye, acetone and disinfectants can be harsh on the skin and lungs. PPE keeps us safe from irritation and long-term exposure.
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Prevents Reactions
Some products like perm solutions can cause allergic reactions. Patch testing is important for the client, but PPE also helps reduce exposure to you.
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Protects Our Clothes
No one wants stains or spills on their uniform. Aprons and capes keep us looking professional.
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Reassures Clients
A clean, professional salon makes clients feel safe and comfortable, encouraging repeat visits.
What PPE is Used in Salons?
Whether you work in a hair salon, a beauty salon or a nail salon, it’s clear that PPE is essential. Each of these working environments comes with a fair share of hazards, but if you have the correct equipment at hand, you can deal with issues before they arise.
PPE in Hairdressing Salons
We’ve all been there — you’re applying colour, and before you know it, bleach has seeped through your gloves, leaving your hands dry and irritated for days. Or maybe you’ve had hair clippings stick to your clothes all day because you forgot to put on an apron.
Whatever the scenario, the right PPE in a hair salon can make the difference.
Barbers & Hair Salon PPE Checklist:
✅ Gloves
Protect your hands from colour, bleach and other chemicals. Use nitrile or latex-free gloves to prevent allergies and always change them between clients.
✅ Aprons & Gowns
Hairdressing and barber aprons protect stylists from spills, while disposable salon gowns keep clients covered during services. Have spares ready for quick changes.
✅ Barbicide & Disinfectants
Soak combs, scissors and razors in Barbicide Solution after every use to kill bacteria and prevent infections. Use a Babicide Jar and make sure to change the solution daily.
✅ Disposable Towels
In our experience, disposable hairdressing towels are more hygienic than reusable ones, especially for colour treatments. Swap them out after every client to keep your workspace clean.
✅ Hairspray Sheilds
Nobody likes the choking feeling of hairspray, so when you’re dousing your client's updo or event hair, use a hairspray shield to protect their face.
PPE in a Beauty Salon
From waxing and facials to lash extensions and spray tans, hygiene is everything in a beauty salon. Ever had a client sneeze mid-treatment or struggled with sticky wax getting everywhere?
PPE prevents this mess, keeping both you and your clients safe.
Beauty Salon PPE Checklist:
✅ Gloves
Gloves are a must for waxing, facials and treatments involving bodily fluids or chemicals. Use nitrile gloves or latex-free gloves to avoid allergies, and change them between clients.
✅ Aprons & Tunics
A washable salon apron or disposable salon apron keeps your uniform clean from oils, wax and skincare products. Some therapists prefer lightweight tunics for comfort.
✅ Face Masks
Essential for close-contact treatments like facials, lash extensions and microblading. You can use disposable surgical masks or reusable salon face masks.
✅ Bed Covers & Towels
Protect your salon bed with plastic bed covers, you’ll also want a mixture of disposable salon towels and washable salon towels for hygiene and to add a touch of luxury.
✅ Sticky Feet & Hair Nets
Sticky feet pads prevent tan from staining soles during spray tans, while salon hair nets keep products out of the hair for treatments using oils.
✅ Hand Sanitiser & Disinfectants
Sanitise hands and tools before and after every client. We find beauty therapists prefer using Disicide Solution for tools for sanitising tweezers, beauty scissors and workstations.
PPE in Nail Salons
Unlike hair and beauty salons, nail salons come with their own unique risks — fine dust from filing, strong chemical fumes and prolonged close contact with clients' hands and feet. We've heard countless stories from nail techs who struggle with sore throats and irritated skin after a long day in the salon.
But many of these issues can be resolved with the correct PPE.
Nail Salon PPE Checklist:
✅ Gloves
Essential for pedicures, acrylics and treatments using strong chemicals like acetone. Our nitrile pink salon gloves prevent irritation and should be changed between clients.
✅ Nail Dust Extractor & Face Masks
A well-ventilated space along with a nail dust extractor and a nail salon respirator mask are a must for nail techs, helping filter out fine nail dust and strong fumes.
✅ Aprons or Tunics
Shields clothing from dust, polish and acetone spills. Choose washable fabric aprons or disposable aprons for hygiene.
✅ Table Covers & Towels
Use fresh, small disposable towels for each client to maintain hygiene and prevent dust buildup.
✅ Hand Sanitiser & Tool Disinfectants
Always provide clients with hand sanitiser before nail treatments. All metal tools (clippers, cuticle pushers, nippers) must be disinfected after every use with nail tool sterilisers.
✅ Toe Separators
For pedicure hygiene and to prevent smudging after polish application, always use nail salon toe separators.
Get Trade Discount on Salon PPE
By now, you should know exactly what salon PPE you need to keep your business safe, professional and compliant. But stocking up on gloves, aprons, disinfectants and disposable supplies can add up — especially when you’re running a busy salon!
That’s why we offer exclusive trade discounts for salon professionals. When you sign up for a trade account, you get access to:
🤑 Exclusive Discounts – Save money on essential PPE and other salon supplies.
🛒 Bulk Buying Options – Stock up on everything you need at lower prices.
🚚 Fast, Reliable Delivery – Keep your salon fully stocked without delays.
Sign up today and start saving on the PPE that keeps you and your clients safe.
Create a Trade Account
FAQs
What is the UK law around PPE in Salons?
UK law requires salons to protect staff and clients from health hazards under The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and COSHH regulations. This means providing appropriate PPE and making sure it’s used correctly. Employers need to train staff on PPE use, replace damaged equipment and maintain strict hygiene standards to stay compliant.
What’s the best way to store Salon PPE?
Salon PPE should be kept in a clean, dry, and organised space to prevent contamination. Store disposable items like gloves and masks in sealed containers, and hang aprons or gowns to avoid dust buildup. Keep disinfectants and sanitisers in their original packaging and ensure they’re easily accessible for daily use.
How should I dispose of Salon PPE?
Used gloves, masks, disposable towels, and wipes should go in a lined bin and be disposed of daily. Any sharps, like needles for aesthetic treatments, must be placed in a yellow sharps bin to meet UK health regulations. Always check local waste disposal guidelines for handling contaminated PPE.
How often should I stock up on Salon PPE?
It depends on your salon’s daily use, but it’s best to restock PPE regularly to avoid running out. High-use items like gloves, masks, and disinfectants should be ordered in bulk for cost savings. Keep track of inventory and set reminders to reorder before supplies get too low.
Should I ask my clients to wear PPE?
In most cases, clients don’t need PPE, but for certain treatments—like aesthetic procedures, facials, or spray tans—hair nets, sticky feet, or disposable masks can improve hygiene. If your salon follows specific safety policies, it’s best to explain the benefits so clients feel comfortable and reassured.