Final answer:
The most likely process a salon uses to sterilize metal tools is an autoclave or low-intensity ultraviolet light. Flame sterilization is another alternative, typically using a Bunsen burner or alcohol flaming.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely process used by a salon to sterilize all metal tools is by using an autoclave. An autoclave is a machine that uses steam at high pressure and temperature to kill all microorganisms on items placed within it. However, metal tools can also be sterilized using low-intensity ultraviolet (UV) light, which disrupts the DNA of microbes and prevents them from multiplying.
Additionally, metal tools such as inoculating loops and needles may be passed through a flame, commonly a Bunsen burner, or dipped in alcohol followed by flaming to quickly evaporate the alcohol and sterilize the tools.