Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Cosmetologists and Estheticians

Table of Contents:

• What are Bloodborne Pathogens?
• What are the OSHA Requirements for Cosmetologists and Estheticians?
• FAQs About Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• How to Practice Safety Every Day in The Beauty Industry?
• Why Bloodborne Pathogens Training Is Essential for Beauty Professionals

You’re in the middle of a facial treatment when your client mentions a recent cold sore. Or you’re giving a manicure and accidentally nick someone’s cuticle. In these moments, it’s not just about beauty but about safety.

Starting July 1, 2025, Oregon mandates that all cosmetology professionals, including estheticians, nail technicians, and hair designers, complete annual bloodborne pathogens (BBP) training as part of their license renewal process. This training ensures that professionals are equipped to handle situations where exposure to bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV could occur.

This guide will walk you through what BBP training involves, why it’s essential for your practice, and how to stay compliant with the new requirements.

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens are harmful germs found in blood and certain body fluids. They can cause serious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV). These diseases can spread when infected blood enters the body of another person.

In salons or spas, this can occur through small cuts from razors or scissors, improper use of uncleaned tools, or exposure to open wounds. It can also occur accidentally during procedures such as microblading or microneedling.

That’s why cosmetologists and estheticians must learn how to keep themselves and their clients safe.

Why Bloodborne Pathogens Training Is Important for Beauty Professionals

Cosmetologists and estheticians often use sharp tools like razors, needles, or tweezers that can cause small cuts or skin abrasions. These tiny injuries can expose both the client and the professional to dangerous viruses like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. According to the CDC, about 5.7 million people in the U.S. are living with hepatitis B or C, which shows how serious the risk can be.

With proper training, beauty professionals learn how to stay safe by using gloves, disinfecting tools, and handling sharps correctly. This not only protects them but also keeps their clients safe.For example, in Texas, health and safety training, which includes infection control, is part of the license requirement for cosmetologists and estheticians. Staying informed and trained shows professionalism, builds trust with clients, and helps prevent the spread of harmful diseases in salons and spas.

What are the OSHA Requirements for Cosmetologists and Estheticians?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that sets safety rules for workplaces. According to OSHA, if you may come into contact with blood or body fluids as part of your job, you must receive Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training. The training requirements for cosmetologists and estheticians include:

• Annual BBP Training

OSHA says that workers who may come into contact with blood must take bloodborne pathogens training every year. This training teaches how to stay safe and protect others from infections like HIV and Hepatitis. Taking the course yearly keeps you updated on the best safety practices and shows you are serious about health and hygiene at work.

• Exposure Control Plan

Every workplace, including salons and spas, should have a written Exposure Control Plan. This plan explains what to do if someone is exposed to blood or body fluids. It includes safe work practices, protective equipment, and emergency steps. Knowing this plan helps keep you, your team, and your clients safe from infections if an accident happens.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes gloves, goggles, masks, and face shields. These items protect you when you handle tools, touch skin, or clean up spills. PPE is very important when working with anything that might involve blood. Always wear the right gear during treatments to prevent the spread of harmful germs and keep everyone safe.

• Proper Disposal of Sharps and Waste

Used needles, razors, or any sharp tools that touch blood must be thrown away safely in special sharps containers. Soiled gloves, tissues, and other waste should go in biohazard bags. This prevents cuts, infections, and accidents. Following the right disposal steps helps protect you, your coworkers, and your clients from dangerous germs and injuries.

Commonly Asked Questions on Bloodborne Pathogens Training

• Is this training only necessary for medical professionals?

No, this training is not just for doctors or nurses. Beauty professionals like cosmetologists and estheticians also need it. You work with sharp tools and close contact, which can lead to exposure. This training helps you stay safe and protect your clients from serious infections.

• Can I be held liable if a client contracts an infection?

Yes, you can be held responsible if a client gets an infection due to unsafe practices. Bloodborne pathogens training teaches you the right safety steps to follow. When you follow these steps, you lower the risk and protect both yourself and your business from legal trouble.

• How often do I need to renew my certification?

Most certifications need to be renewed every year. This keeps you updated on the latest safety rules and best practices. 

How to Practice Safety Every Day in The Beauty Industry?

If you work in a salon or healthcare setting, it’s important to make safety a regular part of your day. Set reminders to disinfect tools, keep gloves nearby, and check your work area for cleanliness. These small habits keep your salon safe, your clients healthy, and your services professional every day. Other simple ways to implement safety include

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after helping each client, even if you wore gloves. It takes just 20 seconds and helps remove germs that can make people sick.
• Throw away sharp items like razors or lancets after using them once. Put them in a special sharps container to keep everyone safe from injury and infection.
• Wear clean disposable gloves when touching blood, open skin, or body fluids. Throw the gloves away after each use to help stop the spread of germs.

Why Bloodborne Pathogens Training Is Essential for Beauty Professionals

Keeping yourself and your clients safe should always come first in the beauty world. You work with tools that can break the skin, so there’s always a risk of spreading serious infections like HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. The bloodborne pathogens training teaches you how to protect yourself and your clients through proper hygiene, using PPE, safe tool handling, and correct waste disposal. 

OSHA also requires an Exposure Control Plan in every salon. By staying informed and following safety steps daily, like wearing gloves, disinfecting tools, and washing hands, you build trust with clients and keep your salon safe.