The beauty industry is no stranger to UV, with UV-A gel manicure curing lights being a common sight at nail salons.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more beauty salons are looking to adopt a germ-killing wavelength of UV called UV-C. When used properly, it is very effective against person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 to protect staff and customers.
UV 101: UV CAN’s Intro to Ultraviolet Light
UV (ultraviolet) light is one among many types of electromagnetic radiation, for example, visible light, x-rays, and gamma rays. UV light has three types (or wavelengths):
- UV-C from 200nm (nanometers) to 280nm,
- UV-B from 280nm to 315nm, and
- UV-A from 325nm to 400nm.
UV-A and UV-B are the wavelengths that pass through our atmosphere; UV-A causing sun tanning and UV-B, sun burning. Our ozone layer stops UV-C from reaching us on earth. This is good news for us because UV-C is absorbed by DNA. However, using technology, we can use this property to our advantage to inactivate bacteria and viruses. UV-C radiation disrupts their DNA and makes them unable to replicate and multiply. If a cell is unable to multiply and reproduce to infect a host, it is considered dead.
This is why UV methods of disinfection are called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI): it reduces the number of viable microorganisms by deactivating them, whether it is applied to water, air, or surfaces.
Keeping reading below to learn more about our suggested UV-C equipment to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and other airborne diseases in nail salons:
COSMOS PORTABLE
- Cosmos Portable is a mobile plug-in heavy duty air purifier that purifies the air using ultraviolet-C germicidal lamps, fan, H13 HEPA filter, and carbon ionizer
- Best applications: Easily portable from room to room to purify the air of your salon, waiting area, large office, or other large space up to 1,000 sq ft
COSMOS WALL MOUNT
- Cosmos Wall Mount is a wall-mounted heavy duty air purifier that purifies the air using ultraviolet-C germicidal lamps, fan, H13 HEPA filter, and carbon ionizer
- Best applications: Install discreetly on the walls of your salon, waiting area, large office, or other large space up to 1,000 sq ft
ANEMONE
- Anemone is a compact and versatile UV-C LED disinfection case with attractive grey fabric
- 6 UV-C LEDS on the top and bottom (12 total) and removable elevated mesh shelf for 360 degree sanitization
- Best applications: quickly disinfect high touch items on your reception desk, manicure tables, or styling stations
ORCHID
- Orchid is a UV-C disinfection container capable of sanitizing a wide range of small personal items and small tools in a manner of minutes.
- Convenient heating function to warm spa towels
- Best applications: quickly disinfect high touch items on your reception desk, manicure tables, or styling stations
TULIP 2
- Tulip 2 is a tabletop, portable air purifier with a triple air filter (containing a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter), and germicidal UV-C light option
- The activated carbon filter helps reduce strong odors from cosmetic ingredients and products
- Best applications: For personal use on reception counters, manicure tables, pedicure stations, styling stations, small waiting areas, small office rooms, single occupant washroom, or other spaces up to 250 sq ft.
You can get a free consultation with UV CAN’s industry experts about how to best incorporate UV into existing disinfection and sanitization routine. Either email info@uv-can.com with the subject line, “Free Consultation” to start booking a time or call our office at 604-423-5599.