What is the primary function of disinfection in a salon environment?

The primary function of disinfection in a salon environment is to kill most microorganisms. Disinfection involves the use of chemical agents to destroy or deactivate harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause infections or diseases. This process is essential in a salon setting, where various tools and surfaces are used on multiple clients, potentially exposing them to pathogens.

By focusing on eliminating most microorganisms, disinfection helps maintain a safe and hygienic environment for both clients and technicians. It is particularly important because while cleaning removes dirt and debris, disinfection specifically targets and inactivates pathogens that could lead to infections.

In this context, cleaning equipment and sterilizing tools are important practices, but they play different roles. Cleaning primarily reduces visible dirt and contamination, while sterilization aims to eliminate all forms of microbial life, which may not always be feasible in a regular salon setting. Preventing infection is the ultimate goal of many salon hygiene practices, including disinfection, but the specific action of disinfection is centered on killing microorganisms.