What is cross-contamination?

Cross-contamination is the transfer of infectious material — such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi — from one surface, tool, or person to another. For example, using the same un-disinfected implement on two clients, or touching a clean tool with a contaminated glove, can spread infection. Preventing cross-contamination is central to salon safety: it requires disinfecting multi-use tools between clients, discarding single-use items, washing hands, and avoiding 'double-dipping' products. Recognizing when and how cross-contamination occurs is a key exam skill.