3 Tips for Taking Care of Your Implements

As a spa or salon professional, one of the most important investments you'll make in your business is the implements you use to perform your services. Be sure to protect your investment by taking care of your tools. Here are the three must-have tips for taking care of your implements:

1. Disinfect

Stainless steel implements can be safely soaked without rusting. All state boards have sterilization requirements for implements used on multiple clients. Only stainless steel will stand up to the rigors of this continuous sterilization process. Non-stainless implements must be removed from any sterilizing solution promptly and dried carefully to avoid rusting. Know your state’s laws on disinfecting and make sure you are using a system that complies with these laws.

Immersing implements in a glass jar is not recommended as it can dull the tips. Instead, use a tray system that allows implements to lie flat. Trays are generally made of plastic, which scratches. Over time, these scratches can breed bacteria in places the disinfecting solution cannot reach. It is a good idea to replace your plastic tray every three months.

Due to a mineral build up from your disinfecting liquid and local water, you may see spots on your stainless steel implements that look like rust. If this occurs, make a paste of baking soda and water, and rub it on the affected areas. Lubricating your implements once a week will prevent minerals from building up in the joint and will promote fluid motion of your tools.

2. Protect

An implement will not perform correctly if it's damaged. When an implement is dropped, it will most likely fall on its nose because of gravity. This usually causes the implement to bend and create a burr or flat spot on the tip, which isn't always noticeable to the untrained eye. The implement’s performance will be affected, as this burr will cause the tips to not match up correctly preventing them from cutting or tweezing.

Dropping an implement can also knock it out of alignment. This will cause the implement to stop working properly. It's also not a good idea to carry tools unprotected in a purse or bag.

3. Service

Have your implements serviced regularly to ensure top performance. Trained professionals will assess your tools and sharpen and / or realign them depending on their condition. You can typically find information about your implement manufacturer’s sharpening service by going to their web site. It's recommended that professionals replace their tools every six to 12 months.

It's great to have so many choices at your fingertips. Be sure to look for a trusted manufacturer who stands behind their tools by offering a lifetime guarantee. Your investment in quality tools will more than pay for itself down the road in satisfied customers and superior results.