Personal Hygiene
What the exam tests
Personal hygiene is examined as a daily professional habit, not a private matter. Questions test hand hygiene, clean uniform and PPE, safe handling of cuts, and the link between therapist hygiene and client infection risk in a salon.
Core rules and concepts
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after every client, after toilet use, after handling waste, and whenever hands are visibly soiled. Use alcohol-based rub only when hands are not visibly dirty.
- Keep nails short, clean and filed; avoid long artificial nails and chipped polish because they trap dirt and can scratch clients.
- Tie back long hair, wear a clean uniform daily, use closed non-slip shoes, and keep a fresh towel or apron for each client.
- Cover cuts with a waterproof dressing; wear gloves when contact with blood, body fluids or broken skin is possible.
- Bathe daily, use deodorant, brush teeth, and avoid strong perfume or smoke odour that can distress clients.
Worked example
A therapist notices a small cut on her finger before a manicure. Reasoned action: stop, cover the cut with a waterproof dressing, wear a fresh pair of gloves, and avoid direct contact with the client's blood or broken skin. If blood contaminates a tool, follow the salon exposure and disinfection procedure. The correct principle is barrier protection first, not hiding the cut under nail polish.
Traps that cost marks
Do not say perfume masks poor hygiene. Do not wear rings or watches during treatments. Do not share towels, files or gloves. Do not work with fever, vomiting or an infected skin lesion where you may contaminate clients.