You can't operate a beauty salon without certain equipment. Styling chairs, manicure tables, and shampoo bowls are all obvious must-haves for any full-service beauty salon. One accessory that is often overlooked by salon owners and employees is gloves.
Gloves are a necessity in the beauty industry for protecting stylists and clients. There are several types of glove options on the market, but not all styles work for every beauty service.
Keep reading to find our list of the best gloves for nail techs and hair stylists.
1. Vinyl Gloves
White Vinyl gloves are amongst the most popular option in many salons. Their beaded cuffs provide a comfortable and close fit. In addition, since they're latex-free, vinyl gloves are an excellent choice for the one to size percent of the world with a latex allergy.
Many hair stylists prefer using Black Vinyl as hair dyeing gloves as they hide stains and give a professional look.
Vinyl gloves are not ideal for nail technicians as they have poor resistance to acetone.
2. Latex Gloves
Latex gloves are popular as they're durable, flexible, and comfortable. They have excellent tear and puncture resistance, making them great for busy hair stylists and nail techs. They also provide excellent chemical resistance, making them the best gloves to use with acetone.
Latex can cause allergies and should be avoided if clients or salon employees have sensitivities. If latex allergies are a concern, nitrile gloves are the next best option.
3. Nitrile Gloves
nitrile gloves are more durable and heavier-duty than both latex and vinyl gloves. They are form-fitting and come in powder-free and lightly powdered varieties for easy donning. Disposable nitrile gloves are latex free and have high puncture resistance.
They are a great choice for beauty salons as they're also resistant to many chemicals. But, if you're wondering, "Are nitrile gloves acetone resistant?" they aren't. They can withstand other chemicals but can quickly degrade when exposed to acetone.
Why Wear Gloves, Anyway?
Gloves are a necessary expenditure for beauty salon employees.
Hair stylists come into contact with potentially harmful chemicals daily on the job. Chemicals like ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or phenylenediamine can cause skin irritation and chemical burns.
Both hair stylists and nail techs find properly fitting gloves provide enhanced dexterity and tactile sensitivity. This gives them a firmer grip on the tools they need to use on their clients.
The key to ensuring your gloves work for you is choosing the right size. Ill-fitting gloves will not provide the protection you need.
Get the Best Gloves For Your Beauty Salon
The best gloves for your beauty salon depend upon what services you offer. Nail techs need acetone-resistant gloves, so latex is the clear winner. If you're a stylist working with chemicals, vinyl or nitrile might work best for you.
Check out our blog for more info on finding the perfect fit for your needs.