How to Ensure Product Safety in Your Beauty Salon
Clients entrust salon professionals with their health and beauty, expecting the highest standards in every treatment they receive. For salon owners, this means navigating a complex landscape of safety regulations and product standards to ensure every item on their shelves is safe and effective. While the challenge is significant, the reward is a loyal clientele and a stellar reputation for quality and care. We’re breaking down how to stay compliant with safety regulations and ensure the safety of products you stock and use.
The Regulation
Maintaining the safety of the products you stock in your beauty salon is crucial for the wellbeing of your clients and staff, as well as for the reputation of your business. In the UK, product safety is governed by stringent regulations that every salon owner must adhere to. The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR) require that all products are safe for use under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions. This necessitates rigorous risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards. Products must be labelled with the producer’s name, address, and batch information to allow for traceability. Any risks associated with the product must be communicated clearly to consumers.
Additionally, salons must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, which involve creating an inventory of all hazardous chemicals used in the salon, understanding their risks, and implementing appropriate handling and storage measures to minimise exposure. COSHH makes it a requirement to have Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every hazardous product they stock or use. These data sheets provide important information about the substances, including their hazards, safe handling, storage, and emergency measures in case of an accident.
Extract from the RevitaLash Material Safety Sheet
While not every single product might necessitate an SDS (e.g., non-hazardous products might not), it is crucial for salons to have SDS for any product that contains chemicals classified as hazardous under COSHH regulations. This helps ensure the safety of both staff and clients by providing essential information on how to manage and use these products safely. A brand should always be able to provide an SDS upon request for your records which will give you greater insight into the product.
These regulations and requirements are also relevant when creating a risk assessment. A written risk assessment is required if a beauty salon has five or more employees, the requirement results from the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. For salons with fewer than five employees, a written risk assessment is not legally required, but it is still considered good practice to document it for clarity and accountability.
Product Safely
Selecting reputable suppliers is critical, advises Lori Jacobus, President & Global CMO of Revitalash Cosmetics “It’s important to look for brands that prioritize safety and results, as well as borrowing from the credibility of physician formulated or physician-led brands. A brand that invests in independent laboratory research, and consumer research and studies, demonstrates that they have committed to both a safe and responsible formulation. Still, it also shows that they are committed to the overall customer experience, which keeps customers coming back.” Rigorous testing and independent research are some of the best ways a brand can showcase product efficacy and safety. Comprehensive testing should include in-house product testing before final formulation, ocular and skin sensitization testing, stability testing, and preservative efficacy testing. These tests help identify any potential risks associated with the products and ensure they are safe for use on clients.
You should ensure the brand complies with all relevant safety regulations and check if the products are labelled correctly with the producer’s name, address, and batch information for traceability. You can also look for brands that have reputable certifications from recognized bodies. Certifications from organizations like ISO (International Organization for Standardization) or certifications for organic and natural products can indicate adherence to high safety standards.
Consider brands that are transparent in their ingredients and ingredients sourcing. Brands should provide clear and detailed information about the ingredients in their products. This includes understanding where ingredients are sourced from and ensuring they meet high safety standards. Understanding the origin and safety of ingredients helps in assessing potential risks and ensuring overall product quality. Safe formulations are key to Revitalash, “Safety, responsible formulation, and a premium consumer experience are at the forefront of our product development efforts. We work with top chemists in the cosmetics industry to ensure excellence in formulation, and we guide responsible development by always using the best available ingredients which meet our highest standards for health and safety” notes Lori.
Examining consumer feedback and reviews can provide valuable insights into the safety and effectiveness of products. Positive reviews and feedback indicate that the products have been well-received and have not caused adverse effects and “a strong return policy demonstrates that the brand is confident in their product line, and further assures clients regarding their purchase decision” adds Lori.
Despite the best preventive measures, accidents and wrong investments can still occur. It is crucial to have comprehensive insurance coverage, including public liability, product liability, employer’s liability, and treatment liability insurance. This not only protects your business from potential claims but also provides peace of mind that you are covered in case of unforeseen incidents, even if products look authentic.
“Counterfeit products are a real threat to the industry and to the safety of consumers. Counterfeit products can look very authentic, but they can contain harmful ingredients. Salons should only buy their product directly from the manufacturer or approved distributors of the brand in their specific market or territory. We realize that in today’s economic environment, consumers are looking to realize savings wherever they can, but buyer beware; if the price is deeply discounted, it is most likely not authentic product.
Additionally, products that promise unobtainable benefits can pose risk for salons when it comes to client satisfaction. Consumers look to their salon as an expert in recommending products so it’s important to set realistic expectations for clients to build the trust necessary to ensure repeat visits - and repeat purchases too. A good rule to follow is if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!” comments Lori.
Regular risk assessments should be a staple of your salon’s safety protocol. Evaluate every aspect of your premises, from chemical storage areas to client and staff zones, identifying potential hazards like slippery floors, cluttered walkways, and improper chemical storage. Document these assessments and take corrective actions promptly. Establish clear and comprehensive health and safety policies tailored to your salon’s operations. These should cover sanitation practices for workstations and tools, proper use and storage of chemicals, electrical safety standards, and fire safety protocols. Ensure all staff members are thoroughly trained on these policies and understand their importance. Regularly review and update these procedures to keep pace with evolving regulations and best practices.
Storage
You should aim to establish clear and comprehensive health and safety policies tailored to your salon’s operations. These policies should encompass sanitation practices for workstations and tools, proper use and storage of chemicals, electrical safety standards, and fire safety protocols. Ensure all staff members are thoroughly trained on these procedures and understand their importance. Regularly review and update these policies to stay current with evolving regulations and best practices. Proper storage of chemicals and products is essential to maintaining their integrity and safety.
Store all products in a cool, dry, and dark place, ensuring they are properly labelled and sealed. When handling chemicals, use appropriate protective gear and ensure quick access to clean running water in case of spills or exposure. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and disposal - and if they are a reputable brand, this information should be readily available on the product and through their training - “Our packaging includes clear and precise directions for how to apply the product properly and safely. It also includes guidance as to who should not use the product, if applicable. We advise that if someone has a medical condition they should first inquire with their physician. We also place the education of our retail partners in high regard and educate resellers using print, digital and live education to teach them how to instruct the end-user on proper use and application” advises Lori.
Maintaining detailed records of all health and safety incidents, regardless of their severity, is equally important. Documentation should include the date, individuals involved, nature of the injury or damage, contributing factors, and actions taken. Keeping thorough records helps identify recurring issues and demonstrates to regulators your commitment to safety. This proactive approach not only enhances the safety of your salon but also builds trust with clients and regulatory bodies.
Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and proper product handling is crucial for maintaining the trust of your clients and the reputation of your beauty salon. By sourcing reputable products, adhering to GPSR and COSHH regulations, conducting thorough risk assessments, and maintaining accurate safety documentation, you can provide a safe and professional environment that fosters client loyalty and business success.