Hygiene Regulations for Beauty Studios: What Applies in Switzerland

If you run a beauty studio or nail salon in Switzerland, you must comply with strict hygiene regulations. These rules protect both clients and staff from infections and diseases. The legal framework is established by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV), working together with cantonal authorities.

Hygiene Plan and Hygiene Concept: The Foundation for Every Studio

Every beauty and nail studio in Switzerland needs a written hygiene concept. This document describes all measures taken to maintain hygiene standards in the business. A solid hygiene plan covers the following areas:

• Cleaning schedule: When and how are work surfaces, equipment, and premises cleaned?
• Disinfection protocol: Which disinfectants are used and at what intervals?
• Sterilization procedures: How are reusable instruments sterilized?
• Waste disposal: How are contaminated materials handled?
• Staff training: How do you ensure all employees know and follow the hygiene rules?

This plan must be available for inspection at the studio at all times and needs to be updated regularly. It is the first thing cantonal inspectors will ask to see.

Hygiene Regulations for Beauty Studios

In beauty studios where direct skin contact occurs, particularly strict requirements apply. All instruments that come into contact with the skin must be disinfected or disposed of after each client.

• Use disposable materials: Cotton pads, sponges, microbrushes, and similar items must only be used once.
• Disinfection between clients: Treatment beds, work surfaces, and reusable tools must be thoroughly disinfected between every appointment.
• Hand hygiene: Thorough hand washing and disinfection before and after every treatment is mandatory. Disposable gloves are required for more invasive procedures.
• Product hygiene: Creams and lotions must only be removed from containers with clean spatulas, never directly with fingers.

Special Requirements for Nail Studios

Nail studios face additional requirements because sharp and filing instruments are frequently used:

• Autoclave for metal tools: Reusable metal instruments such as cuticle pushers, scissors, and nippers must be sterilized in an autoclave (steam sterilizer). Simple disinfection is not sufficient for these tools.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Nail technicians should wear disposable gloves, safety glasses, and face masks when needed, especially when working with acrylic or gel products.
• Dust extraction: Filing artificial and natural nails produces fine dust that can be harmful to health. A professional dust extraction system at the workstation is therefore essential to protect the respiratory health of both staff and clients.
• Drill bits and attachments: Electric nail file bits must also be cleaned and disinfected after every use.

Cantonal Health Inspections

In Switzerland, enforcement of hygiene regulations lies with the cantonal health authorities. This means that requirements can vary slightly from one canton to another. However, the following applies across the board:

• Unannounced inspections by cantonal food safety or health inspectors are possible at any time.
• Deficiencies can lead to formal orders, fines, or in extreme cases, closure of the business.
• It is advisable to check with your local municipality or canton about specific requirements before opening a studio.

Some cantons also require proof of hygiene training or completion of a relevant course before granting a business permit.

Conclusion: Hygiene Is Not Optional

Clean working conditions are not just a legal obligation but also a key quality indicator that builds trust with your clients. Anyone planning to open a beauty or nail studio should familiarize themselves with hygiene regulations early on and implement them consistently from day one.

Learn more about starting your business in our detailed guides for beauty and nail studio professionals.