Most Lash Techs Don’t Sanitize Properly & Clients Have No Idea

The lash industry has grown massively over the past decade, with thousands of new technicians offering services every year. But behind the glamorous Instagram photos & luxurious salon vibes lies a serious problem that almost no client ever thinks about: sanitation.

The truth? Most lash techs don’t sanitize their tools properly & clients have absolutely no idea.

 

Why Sanitation Matters

When you get eyelash extensions, tweezers come dangerously close to your eyes, lash brushes touch your lashes & adhesive fumes linger near your skin. Without proper sterilization, these tools can carry bacteria, viruses, or even fungal spores. The result? Redness, eye infections, swollen lids, allergic reactions, & in extreme cases, long-term eye damage.

 

The Reality in Many Salons

Unfortunately, many lash techs skip steps to save time or simply because they were never properly trained in sanitation. Some common shortcuts include:

• Reusing disposable lash brushes
• Not disinfecting tweezers between clients
• Touching lashes with unwashed, not disinfected hands
• Using the same pillow for multiple clients

These shortcuts may seem small, but they create a breeding ground for bacteria. Clients rarely question what happens behind the scenes, assuming that if the salon looks “clean” it must be safe.

 

What Proper Sanitation Looks Like

True sanitation is not optional, it is a professional responsibility. A lash tech should:

• Use hospital-grade disinfectants or sterilizers for tweezers
• Provide disposable lash brushes for every client
• Wash hands thoroughly before & after each appointment
• Change pillow covers, towels, & bed sheets between clients
• Follow strict hygiene protocols for adhesive storage & disposal

 

What Clients Can Do

Clients deserve transparency. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

• Don’t be afraid to ask your lash tech how they sanitize their tools
• Pay attention to whether a new lash brush is used just for you
• Notice if your tech washes or disinfects their hands before starting
• Remember: a clean salon doesn’t always mean proper sanitation

 

Final Thoughts

The lash industry is booming, but hygiene should never be sacrificed for speed or aesthetics. Sanitation is not about luxury, it is about safety. The next time you book a lash appointment, look beyond the pretty salon decor & Instagram photos. Your health & your eyes depend on it.