Tennessee Salon Health & Safety
Tennessee salons must meet state sanitation standards designed to protect clients from infection. This chapter covers disinfection, single-use items, and incident response.
Cleaning and disinfection
Reusable tools that contact skin must be cleaned to remove debris and then disinfected in an EPA-registered, hospital-level disinfectant used exactly per its label. Work surfaces and shared equipment are cleaned and disinfected between clients. Cleaning removes soil; disinfection kills the microorganisms that cause disease.
Single-use items and linens
Porous items such as nail files, buffers, and wooden sticks cannot be disinfected and must be discarded after one client. A clean towel or drape is provided for each client, and soiled linens are kept covered and separate from clean supplies. These habits stop cross-contamination.
Blood exposure and pedicure equipment
If a client bleeds, the practitioner stops, gloves up, gives first aid, disinfects contaminated surfaces and tools, and discards contaminated disposables safely. Pedicure foot spas must be drained, cleaned, and disinfected after every client to prevent bacterial infections.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board
- Exam vendor
- PSI (NIC-based national exam)
- Prelicensing education
- 1,500 hours
How many training hours does Tennessee require for a cosmetology license?
Tennessee requires 1,500 hours at a licensed school.
Who licenses cosmetologists in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board, within the Department of Commerce & Insurance, licenses cosmetologists. The NIC-based national exam is delivered by PSI.
Does Tennessee still require a practical exam?
Yes. Tennessee requires both a written exam and a hands-on practical exam.
Sources: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo/license/individual/cosmetologist.html, https://www.psiexams.com/test-takers/
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