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Keeping It Clean: Essential Barber Shop Sanitisation Tips
In today’s barbering world, sanitisation is more critical than ever. As cases of ringworm increase, clients are worried. This contagious fungal infection spreads easily through dirty tools. Ringworm causes an itchy, red rash that is not only uncomfortable but also unsightly.
We spoke with Dean Gleeson, Wahl Educator and Founder of MENGO, a men’s hairdresser in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, to get his perspective on recent media coverage and the importance of maintaining hygiene in barber shops. Here’s what he had to say:
“When it comes to hair, our goal is always to make clients look and feel their best using high-quality tools and products. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is the cleanliness of the tools and even the shop itself. While hair salons are associated with beauty, they can also become breeding grounds for bacteria and cross-contamination. That’s why hygiene is something I never compromise on. Every day, I strip down my workstation, clean surfaces with antibacterial spray, and meticulously sanitise my tools. Combs are soaked overnight in Barbicide, clippers are brushed, oiled, and cleaned with antibacterial spray after every client, and my chair is wiped down with antibacterial wipes. Hand sanitisers are also readily available throughout the salon. These practices prevent the spread of infections, such as ringworm, and maintain a safe environment for everyone."
Due to reports of rising infections from dirty barber shops, Gleeson emphasised that barbers must take hygiene seriously. He added, “There’s no excuse for poor hygiene in the workplace, it’s so easy to maintain. Spend more time focusing on cutting your clients’ hair, and less time cutting corners when it comes to cleaning.”
To make sure your shop meets hygiene standards and gives your clients peace of mind, our top five tips. They will help you keep your space clean and safe.
Top Tips for a Clean and Safe Barber Shop
1. Disinfect Clippers, Trimmers, and Shavers
Before each haircut, clean your tools thoroughly using a powerful disinfectant like Made For The Blade Clipper Spray. This product removes hair, dirt, and bacteria while effectively destroying fungi, keeping your tools safe and sanitary.
2. Replace Razor Blades Between Clients
Always use a fresh razor blade for each client to prevent cross-contamination. Changing blades in front of your client not only ensures hygiene but also reassures them of your commitment to safety.
3. Sanitise Combs and Tools with Barbicide
Barbicide is a hospital-grade disinfectant that should be a staple in every barber shop. Use a mix of 60ml Barbicide to 1 litre of water to disinfect scissors, combs, brushes, and surfaces. Allow tools to sit in the solution for 10 minutes to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and viruses effectively. Don’t forget to rinse the tools with water after soaking them.
4. Sanitise Hands or Wear Gloves
Before starting a haircut, wash your hands with soap or use a sanitising gel. You can use Bacticide by Barbercide, which is a 70% alcohol hand sanitiser gel. This product kills viruses and bacteria within 60 seconds of contact. Wearing gloves is an additional step that, while optional, enhances hygiene and reassures clients.
5. Disinfect the Chair Between Clients
Between appointments, wipe down the chair with a high-quality disinfectant like Barbicide Fileside Disinfectant Spray. This product kills 99.99% of bacteria. It also protects against viruses like E. coli and Influenza A. You can safely use it on many materials. These include leather, stainless steel, and wood.
Setting the Standard for Barber Shop Hygiene
Sanitisation is not optional. It is an essential practice for maintaining a safe and trustworthy environment for your clients.
By using these five simple tips, you show that you value hygiene. This builds trust and loyalty with your clients and stops the spread of viruses. A clean barber shop is not just about looks. It’s also about protecting health and showing high sanitisation standards in your industry are important.
Let your shop reflect the professionalism and care you provide with every cut. Shop all the tools and products you need to maintain a clean and sanitary barber shop environment from our Barber Hygiene section.
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