Health Board Inspections: What They Really Mean for Your Safety in the Beauty Industry

Health Board Inspections: What They Really Mean for Your Safety in the Beauty Industry When it comes to personal service settings like salons and spas, one thing is for sure: the local health board has to inspect the business before it opens its doors. This ensures that proper sanitary procedures are in place and that the business is adhering to guidelines meant to protect your health. But here's the kicker—not every "pass" means you're in the clear. Just because a business has been inspected doesn’t mean it's operating at the highest standards every day. In fact, you, as the client, can look up any personal service setting and see the infractions listed—both critical and non-critical. So, what does that mean for you? A quick search on your local health board’s website can give you access to inspection reports, breaking down critical infractions (those that pose immediate health risks) and non-critical ones (less severe but still concerning). This transparency is empowering, but you have to know what to look for. A business might pass inspection but still have infractions that could impact your safety. For example, a critical infraction could involve improper sanitation of tools—like reusing a microblade without sterilization (yikes!). A non-critical infraction might be something like not having the right paper towel supply in the hand-washing area. While one may seem less alarming than the other, both show a lack of attention to detail. As a consumer, it is your right to know what's happening behind the scenes. When you enter a beauty business, you should feel safe knowing that proper sanitation procedures are in place. The health board reports are a great start, but don’t stop there. It's also your right to ask questions. Ask about the type of disinfectants they use—is it hospital-grade? Are they properly sterilizing reusable tools, or do they stick to single-use items? (Hint: Single-use tools, like nail files and buffers, should never be reused between clients.) Do they have linens for each treatment? These might seem like small details, but they make a huge difference in keeping you safe. It's not about being difficult or distrusting—it's about ensuring that your health is in the right hands. If a business seems hesitant or defensive when you ask about their sanitation practices, that’s a red flag. A reputable beauty professional will be happy to show you they’re on top of their game. In the end, passing an inspection doesn’t always guarantee perfection, but it does mean the business is being watched. The more informed and proactive you are, the safer you’ll be when you walk into your next beauty treatment. If a business isn't having Health Board Inspections as yourself why not, that's a major red flag. So, don’t be afraid to click on that inspection link and do a little digging. Your health and safety are worth it.