Salon professionals understand the importance of keeping beauty tools and grooming products properly sanitized. Beyond replacing them as needed, one of the best ways to reduce the spread of germs is not to share tools with others.
Nine beauty tools and products that shouldn’t be shared
Nail clippers
Clippers can easily make contact with the area beneath the nail, exposing them to dangerous bacteria and fungal spores. Never lend clippers, and thoroughly sanitize them after each use.
Razors
Razors don’t only skim off hairs. The blades can also pick up surface-level grime, dead skin cells, and even blood. Sharing razors is potentially hazardous.
Loofah
Many dermatologists and other beauty experts recommend tossing an old loofah, as it can become a haven for bacteria and mold. Sharing a loofah is one of the easiest ways to swap microscopic bodily germs.
Towels
Whether at the gym or crashing at a friend’s house, borrowing used towels or washcloths is a bad idea, as they can easily spread germs and bacteria. It’s best to wash all towels before sharing.
Makeup brushes
If makeup brushes have not been properly washed and sterilized, they could transfer germs to your skin, which could cause acne and other bacterial problems.
Lip balm or lipstick
Beauty products that come into contact with your mouth may transfer bacteria, fungal infections, or even viruses like herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1).
Mascara
Eyes are more vulnerable to certain types of bacterial infections than skin, and sharing mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow is an easy way to spread the germs that cause diseases like pink eye.
Jar products
Many beauty products packaged in jars, such as lip gloss, cheek tint, or eye cream, should never be shared. Germs can easily hop from host to host when multiple people share a single product.
Deodorant
Never share stick or roll-on deodorant with anybody. Not only is it gross, but it is also a quick way to transfer bacteria borne from sweat.
