Inspections Guide for Barbering and Cosmetology

Department-Approved Disinfectants

• Fresh disinfectant solution must be prepared daily or more often as needed for immersion of implements. Rule: 83.101(a)(3)
• Disinfectant must be used in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendation or other guidance in the rules. Rule: 83.101(a)(4)
• Chlorine bleach solution, if used, must be mixed daily. Rule: 83.101(b)(2)
• Chlorine bleach must be kept in a closed covered container not exposed to sunlight. Rule: 83.101(b)(3)
• Chlorine bleach may not be stored near other chemicals or near flame. Rule: 83.101(b)(5)

General Requirements

• All practitioners shall clean their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer prior to performing any services. Rule: 83.102(a)
• All establishments, schools, and practitioners shall utilize clean and disinfected equipment, tools, implements, and supplies, and shall employ good hygiene habits while providing services. Rule: 83.102(a)
• Multi-use tools, implements, and other materials must be cleaned and disinfected before servicing each client. Rule: 83.102(c)
• A practitioner may not perform services on a client believed to have a contagious condition such as head lice, nits, ringworm, conjunctivitis; or inflamed, infected, broken, raised, or swollen skin or nail tissue; or an open wound or sore. Rule: 83.102(b)
• Single use supplies must be disposed of after each use. Rule: 83.102(d)
• Electrical equipment that cannot be immersed in liquid must be wiped clean and disinfected prior to each use on a client. Rule: 83.102(e)
• All cleaned and disinfected implements and materials must be stored in a clean, dry, debris-free environment, separate from soiled implements and materials, when not in use. Rule: 83.102(f)
• Shampoo bowls & manicure tables must be cleaned and disinfected prior to use for each client. Rule: 83.102(g)
• A container large enough to fully immerse all tools and implements with liquid disinfectant must be used to disinfect combs, brushes, scissors, or other similar equipment. Rule: 83.102(h)
• Floors must be thoroughly cleaned each day. All hair cuttings must be removed as soon as practicable. Rule: 83.102(i)
• All trash containers must be emptied daily and kept clean by washing or using plastic liners. Rule: 83.102(j)
• Clean towels must be used for each client.Towels must be washed in hot water and chlorine bleach. Rule: 83.102(l)
• Soiled towels must be removed after use on each client and properly deposited in a suitable receptacle. Rule: 83.102(m)
• Products must be labeled in compliance with OSHA requirements. Rule: 83.102(n)
• A sanitized towel or neck strip must be used with a cape, and a clean cape must be used for each client. Rule: 83.102(o)
• In the case of blood or body fluid contact on any surface, a disinfectant must be used to immediately clean up all visible blood or body fluids. If blood or body fluids contact any non-porous instrument, the instrument must be immediately cleaned and disinfected. Rule: 83.111(b)-(c)
• If blood or body fluid contacts any porous instrument, the instrument must be immediately double-bagged and discarded in a closed trash container or biohazard box. Rule: 83.111(d)

Haircutting, Styling, Shaving, and Treatment Services

• Practitioners must wash or sanitize their hands prior to providing any services on a client. Rule: 83.103(a)
• All equipment, implements, tools, and materials must be cleaned and disinfected prior to servicing each client. Rule: 83.103(b)
• All implements not intended for single-use, such as combs and picks, haircutting shears, razors, and perm rods, must be wiped cleaned and disinfected after each client. Rule: 83.103(c)
• All implements must be cleaned at end of day by manually scrubbing with soap and water or other adequate methods, and then disinfecting by complete immersion in a registered disinfectant or a chlorine bleach solution. Rule: 83.103(d)

Esthetician Services

• Practitioners must wash or sanitize their hands prior to performing any services on a client, and gloves must be worn when performing an extraction. Rule: 83.104(a)
• All equipment, implements, tools, and materials must be cleaned and disinfected after servicing each client. Rule: 83.104(b)
• Facial chairs and beds, including the headrests, must be made of or covered in a non-porous material and must be cleaned and disinfected after providing services to each client. Rule: 83.104(c)
• Multi-use implements, such as metal tweezers and comedone extractors, must be cleaned and disinfected after each client. Rule: 83.104(d)
• Single-use items, including cotton pads, gauze, wooden applicators, gloves, tissues, thread, wipes, lancets, and fabric strips, must be discarded in a trash receptacle after use. Rule: 83.104(e)
• Disposable and terry cloth towels, hair caps, headbands, brushes, gowns, makeup brushes, spatulas that contact skin or products from multi-use containers, sponges, and other items used for a similar purpose must be replaced with clean items for each client. Rule: 83.104(f)
• Items subject to possible cross contamination must be used in a manner that does not contaminate the remaining product; applicators must not be re-dipped in product. Rule: 83.104(g)

Temporary Hair Removal Services

• Practitioners must clean the areas of the client's body on which the service is to be administered. Rule: 83.105(b)
• After each use, all wax, products, or single use items that have been in contact with a client’s skin must be disposed. Rule: 83.105(c)
• Wax pots must be cleaned and disinfected; applicators may not be left standing in wax, and wax may not be reused under any circumstances. Rule: 83.105(d)
• All multi-use items must be properly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized or sanitized prior to each service. Rule: 83.105(e)

Manicure and Pedicure Services

• Practitioners must clean the areas of the client's body on which the mani or pedi service is to be administered. Rule: 83.106(b)
• All metal manicure and pedicure tools must be properly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized or sanitized prior to each service. Rule: 83.106(c)
• After each client, the following implements must be cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized or sanitized: metal pusher and files, cuticle nipper and scissors, metal tweezers, finger and toe nail clippers, and electric drill bits. Rule: 83.106(d)
• Manicure or pedicure tools not requiring sterilization must be cleaned and disinfected, and buffer blocks or porous nail files must be disposed of after contact with broken skin or unhealth skin or nails. Rule: 83.106(f)
• Cloth towels, finger bowls, and spatulas that contact the skin or skin products from multi-use containers must be replaced with new or clean articles for each client. Rule: 83.106(g)

Electric Drill Bits

• Only electric files, drills, or machines specifically designed and manufactured for use in the processional nail industry may be used in an establishment. Rule: 83.107(a)
• Drill bits must be cleaned after each use with a brush, ultrasonic cleaner, or by immersion in acetone for 5 to 10 minutes. Rule: 83.107(b)(1-3)
• After Cleaning, drill bits must be immediately disinfected by complete immersion in an appropriate disinfectant between clients, then sterilized. Rule: 83.107(c)

Foot Spas, Foot Basins, and Spa Liners

• Records of cleaning and disinfecting must be made available upon request by a client or a department representative, and must be retained for inspection for at least 60 days. Rule: 83.108(l)
• A foot spa, foot basin, or jet for which documentation is not maintained must be removed from service and not used again until it has been cleaned and disinfected and the records have been properly updated. The record must indicate the date of removal from service. Rule: 83.108(m)
• Foot spa and foot basin chairs must be cleaned and disinfected after service is provided to each client, and made out of or covered in a non-porous material that can be disinfected. Rule: 83.108(n)

Whirlpool Foot Spa

• Each whirlpool foot spa must be cleaned and disinfected in the following manner after each client:
  • All water must be drained and all debris removed from the spa basin;
  • The spa basin must be cleaned with soap or detergent and water;
  • The spa basin must be disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant with demonstrated bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity, which must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions; and
  • The spa basin must be wiped dry with a clean towel.
  Rule: 83.108(b)
• At the end of each day, each whirlpool foot spa must be cleaned and disinfected in the following manner:
  • The screen and any other removable parts must be removed, all debris trapped behind the screen must be removed, and the screen, inlet, and any other removable parts must be washed with soap or detergent and water.
  • Before replacing the screen, one of the following procedures must be performed:
    • The screen and any other removable parts must be washed with a high-level disinfection chlorine bleach solution; or
    • The screen and any other removable parts must be totally immersed in an EPA-registered disinfectant with demonstrated bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity, which must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • The spa system must be flushed with soap and warm water for at least ten minutes, after which the spa must be rinsed and drained.
  Rule: 83.108(c)
• Every other week (bi-weekly), each whirlpool foot spa must also be cleaned and disinfected in the following manner:
  • The spa basin must be filled completely with a high-level disinfection chlorine bleach solution.
  • The spa system must be flushed for 5 to 10 minutes with the high-level chlorine bleach solution or an EPA-registered disinfectant with demonstrated bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity, which must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and allowed to sit for 6 to 10 hours.
  • The spa system must be drained and flushed with water before use on a client.
  Rule: 83.108(d)
• A record must be kept on a department-approved form, at or near the time of cleaning and disinfecting, indicating:
  • The date and time of each cleaning and disinfecting;
  • Whether it was a daily or bi-weekly cleaning; and
  • Whether the foot spa was not used during any individual work day.
  Rule: 83.108(e)

Non-Whirlpool Foot Basin

• Each foot basin must be cleaned and disinfected in the following manner after each client:
  • All water must be drained and all debris removed from the foot basin;
  • The inside surfaces must be scrubbed and cleaned of all visible residues with a clean brush, soap or detergent, and water;
  • The foot basin must be disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant with demonstrated bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity, which must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions; and
  • The foot basin must be rinsed, emptied, and wiped dry with a clean towel.
  Rule: 83.108(f)
• A record must be kept on a department-approved form, at or near the time of cleaning and disinfecting, of the date indicating:
  • The date and time of each cleaning and disinfecting
  • Whether the foot spa was not used during any individual work day
  Rule: 83.108(g)

Spa Liners & Portable Whirlpool Jets

• Disposable spa liners and portable whirlpool jets may be used in providing spa services to clients, provided that:
  • After use upon a client, the heat-sealed tab must be pulled allowing the water to empty directly into the plumbing system
  • The spa liner must be discarded in a covered trash receptacle
  • The portable whirlpool jet must be completely immersed for 5 to 10 minutes in an EPA-registered disinfectant with demonstrated bacterial, fungicidal, and virucidal activity, which must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions
  • The jet must be rinsed with warm water and drained
  • All surfaces of the spa basin and footrest must be wiped with EPA-registered disinfectant wipes.
  Note: A "spa liner" is defined as a plastic liner designed to be placed within a whirlpool foot spa and discarded after a single use and which is equipped with a single "non-adhesive" heat-sealed drain tab which, when pulled, allows water to empty directly into a whirlpool foot spa drain Rule: 83.108(j)
• A record must be kept on a department-approved form of the date indicating:
  • The date and time each spa liner was used and discarded
  • The date and time each jet was used and disinfected
  • Whether the jet was not used during any individual work day
  Rule: 83.108(k)

Hair Weaving

• Practitioners must wash their hands with soap and water, or use a liquid hand sanitizer, prior to performing any services on a client. Rule: 83.110(a)
• All equipment, implements, tools, and materials must be properly cleaned and disinfected prior to servicing each client. Rule: 83.110(b)
• Hair extensions, tracks, needles, and thread must be stored in a bag or covered container until ready to use; no unrelated items may be stored in the same bag or container. Rule: 83.110(c)
• Needles, combs, and hair clips must be sprayed with a disinfectant before use. Rule: 83.110(d)

Eyelash Extension Application Services

• Practitioners must wash their hands with soap and water, or use a liquid hand sanitizer, prior to performing any services on a client. Rule: 83.115(a)
• Equipment, implements, and materials must be properly cleaned and disinfected prior to providing services. Rule: 83.115(b)
• Chairs and beds, including headrests, must be cleaned and disinfected after providing services to each client, and must be made of or covered in a non-porous material that can be disinfected. Rule: 83.115(c)
• After each client, tweezers, nasal aspirator, electrical eyelash dryer, and other items used for a similar purpose must be cleaned and disinfected. Rule: 83.115(d)
• Single-use items must be discarded in a trash receptacle after use, including disposable gloves, tissues, disposables wipes, fabric strips, surgical tape, eye pads, extensions, cotton swabs, face mask, brushes, extension pads, and other items used for a similar purpose. Rule: 83.115(e)
• Disposable and terry cloth towels, hair caps, head bands, brushes, gowns, and spatulas that contact skin or products from multi-use containers must be replaced with clean items for each client. Rule: 83.115(f)
• A practitioner must use only properly-labeled, semi-permanent glue and semi-permanent glue remover, which must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Rule: 83.115(g)
• Extensions must be stored in a sealed bag or covered container, and must be kept in a clean, dry, debris-free storage area. Rule: 83.115(h)

Prohibited Products and Practices

• Practitioners may not use any of the following substances or products in performing barbering or cosmetology services
  • Methyl Methacrylate Liquid monomers (MMA)
  • Razor-type callus shavers designed and intended to cut growths of skin such as corns and calluses. (Example: Credo Blade)
  • Alum or other astringents in stick or lump form. (Alum or other astringents in powder or liquid form are acceptable)
  • Fumigants such as formalin (formaldehyde) tablets or liquid
  Rule: 83.112(a)
• Practitioners may not possess a prohibited product on licensed premises. Rule: 83.112(b)
• Practitioners may not use any product, preparation, or procedure that comes into contact with or penetrates the dermis layer of the skin. Rule: 83.112(c)
• Practitioners may not use any product that is banned or deemed to be poisonous or unsafe by the FDA or other local, state, or federal government agency. Rule: 83.113(a)

Establishments and Schools

• Establishments and schools must keep floors, walls, ceilings, shelves, furniture, furnishings, & fixtures clean and in good repair, and must repair or fill in any cracks, holes, or similar disrepair to create a smooth, washable surface. Rule: 83.114(a)
• All floors in areas where services are performed, including restrooms and areas where chemicals are mixed or where water may splash, must be made of a material which is not porous or absorbent and is easily washable. Rule: 83.114(b)
• Plumbing fixtures must be kept clean and free from cracks & similar disrepair that cannot be readily accessible for cleaning. Rule: 83.114(c)
• Establishments and schools must have suitable plumbing that provides hot and cold running water at all times, and is connected for drainage of sewage and potable water in areas where work is performed and supplies dispensed. Rule: 83.114(d)
• Every establishment and school must provide at least one restroom located on or near the licensed premises. Rule: 83.114(e)
• Chemical supplies may not be stored in the restroom. Rule: 83.114(e)
• Food or beverages may not be prepared on licensed premises for sale, although prepackaged food or beverages may be sold to or consumed by clients. Rule: 83.114(f)
• Licensed premises must eliminate strong odors through adequate ventilation, such as exhaust fans or air filtration. Rule: 83.114(g)
• Licensed premises must not be used for living or sleeping purposes, or any other purpose that would tend to make the premises unsanitary, unsafe, or endanger the health or safety of the public. Rule: 83.114(h)
• An establishment or school that is attached to a residence must have an entrance that is separate and distinct from the residential entrance, and any door between the licensed premises and the residence must be closed during business hours. Rule: 83.114(h)
• Only service animals may be permitted in an establishment or school, provided that a covered aquarium maintained in sanitary conditions are also allowed.
  Note: Emotional support animals are NOT service animals Rule: 83.114(i)

Employees, Contractors, and Renters

• Establishments that lease space to independent contractors or mini-establishments must maintain a list of all renters including license numbers and expiration dates of licenses. The list must be made available to an inspector upon request. Rule: 83.71(c) and 83.50(b)
• Mini-establishments must maintain the names, license types, license numbers, and license expiration dates of each person working in the mini-establishment. Rule: 83.71(e)
• The establishment owner, manager, or their representative must provide the inspector with required information for all independent contractors and mini-establishment licensees. Rule:  83.50(b)

Student Records

• A school must maintain an attendance record showing the students' daily attendance. Statute 1603.2309(a)
• Schools must maintain a monthly progress report for each student attending the school. The report must certify the daily attendance record of each student and the number of hours earned by each student during the previous month. These reports are typically entered into SHEARS. Statute: 1603.2311(a)
• When a student completes a course of instruction, the school must notify TDLR that the student has completed the required number of hours and is eligible to take the appropriate exam Statute: 1603.2311(b)
• Student records must be maintained for 48 months from student’s completion or withdrawal Rule: 83.72(k)

For Clock Hour Schools

Schools using a time clock to track student hours must post signage near the time clock that states the following:

• Each student must clock themselves in/out. No student may allow another person to clock in or out their behalf.
• No credit may be given for any times written in, except in a documented case of time clock failure or other situations approved by the department.
• If a student is at lunch, whether in or out of the facility, they must clock out.
• Students leaving the facility for any reason, including smoke breaks, must clock out, except when (1) an instructional area on a campus is located outside the approved facility, (2) that area is approved by the department, and (3) students are under the supervision of a licensed instructor.

Rule: 83.72(i)

For Credit Hour Schools

Schools following credit hours must, at the end of the course or module, submit a module completion form containing the following:

1. Student name Permit number
2. Module Start Date
3. Module End Date
4. Total number of credits per module
5. Grade
6. Place for Instructors Signature and Date

Rule: 83.72(m)

Mobile Establishments

• A mobile establishment must keep all required records within the unit for one year from the date the record was made. Rule: 83.78(c)