What is the recommended handwashing technique and duration in a salon?

• A. Wet hands, apply soap, lather for at least 20 seconds, scrub all surfaces, rinse, dry with a clean disposable towel.
• B. Rinse with water only for 5 seconds.
• C. Wash hands with hot water only for 10 seconds.
• D. Only dry hands with a towel without washing.

Answer: (A)

Proper handwashing in a salon is about effectively removing oils and microbes to prevent cross-contamination. The best approach is to wet the hands, apply soap, and lather for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing all surfaces—palms, backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails—then rinse well and dry with a clean disposable towel. Use the towel to turn off the faucet to avoid recontaminating clean hands. This sequence ensures microbes are dislodged and carried away with the rinse, and drying with a disposable towel minimizes moisture that can harbor organisms and reduces the chance of recontamination. Rinsing with water alone, washing with hot water only, or drying without washing do not effectively remove oils and microbes, leaving hands unclean and capable of spreading them to clients and surfaces.