Guide to Barber Shop Hygiene & Protective Measures in Haircuts

It’s always exciting getting a fresh cut or a clean beard trim.

But what if the clippers look like they’ve seen 50 heads before you? What if you see hair on the floor, smelly capes, or dirty tools? That cool hairstyle you just got doesn’t feel so fresh anymore. Right?

A good-looking hairstyle is essential for your confidence. But it should NEVER come at the cost of your health. Research shows that skin infections, razor bumps, or even fungal breakouts can result from poor hygiene practices in barbershops. And trust us, that’s not the kind of trend you want to follow.

So, we prepared this guide to give you insider clarity on barbershop hygiene. We’ll go through WA-specific regulations, and what you should expect as a customer. If you find any barbershop ignoring these hygiene protocols, run FAST for your health.

And if you’re in Perth, we have a good news for you. Naser Haircuts can give you trendy cuts in the safest manner possible. We care about your safety, your vibe, and your experience from the moment you walk in.

Let’s teach you how to stay sharp and safe.

Why Barber Shop Hygiene is Extremely Crucial?

We’ve seen firsthand how hygiene can instantly uplift the reputation of a barbershop. Because customers can tolerate a bad luck, if they catch an infection during process, there’s no chance of their coming back.

Most people will ask at this point. What infections? Well, the possibilities are vast. Many contagious skin conditions like tinea (fungal infection) can spread through shared brushes, clippers, or towels. We’ve also seen clients with irritation caused by reused razors.

Need more info? Check out these small hygiene mistakes & serious problems caused by them.

Want to keep all these diseases at bay? You’ll need a safe barbershop where hygiene is second nature, not an afterthought. And customers are not the only one who demands this, government does too.

Government Rules & Regulations in WA for Safe Barbershop

In Western Australia, all barber shops must follow health regulations grounded in the Public Health Act. Latest guidelines from 2015 demand strict infection control and safe facility setup. They have complete set of hygiene regulations for:

• Premises design
• Sinks & basins in barbershops
• Hand hygiene
• Instrument cleaning
• Spills handling
• Wase management

Read Complete Guidelines

Environmental Health Officers from local councils can inspect shops at any time. Shops must keep records, display licences, and meet cleaning standards. If they don’t, they risk fines or closure. What you do? Ask for the compliance certificate of your barber, if they fail to provide, walk ahead.

Being licensed means the barbershop is following documented procedures like sterilising tools, replacing linens and monitoring hygiene steps at every service. Read on to find out the details of hygiene measurements.

11 Expert Approved Hygiene Tips for Barbershops

Check the following hygiene protocols before you pick a barber. So, you can look good and doesn’t compromise your health for the sake of haircut.

1. Personal Hygiene of the Barber

Barber is not someone who can give service from 6 feet distance. So, he should maintain proper cleanliness to make clients comfortable. E.g. in clean clothes or apron. Nails trimmed, hair tied back. Cuts covered in a waterproof dressing.

Other personal hygiene guidelines include regular baths, presentable clothing & fresh scent (not too pungent).

2. Hand Hygiene

Barbers must wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 40 seconds. Clean water with quality soap or handwash is recommended. However, if hands appear clean, alcohol-based sanitiser with at least 60 % alcohol is fine.

A handwash is recommended:

• Before and after every appointment.
• After handling money
• When they cough or sneeze
• After coming from restroom

Even if they wear gloves, they should sanitise or change them after every client.

3. Regular Sanitisation

After the barber, it is equipment’s & furniture’s turn.

Surfaces such as chairs, mirrors, counters and sinks should be wiped down frequently. There are sanitising sprays or wipes at each station. Hence, after every client, work area should be cleaned with quality disinfectants instantly, even in rush hours.

So, mens hair salons stay safe from germs like bacteria, viruses, and other disease carriers.

4. Sterilise Barbering Tools

Tools are the main thing that touches and sometimes, even penetrates the skin of client. So, their cleaning is extremely crucial.

Scissors, combs and metal tools must be scrubbed, rinsed, & soaked for thorough cleaning. Razors require even deeper sterilisation. Some cleaning products we use include:

• Disinfectant: 10-minute dip for combs, scissors, and clippers
• UV Steriliser: Great for non-corrosive tools
• Autoclave Machines: Gold standard for deep sterilisation

After soaking, tools must be rinsed and stored in sealed containers until use.

5. Disposable and Single‑Use Items

Some items used during haircuts can’t be germ-free even after wash. So, we recommend to replace them with single-use disposable and single‑use items.

Every safe barbershop should be stocked with:

• Single-use neck strips
• Disposable razors
• One-time-use gloves
• Paper towels for hand drying

These stop germs from hopping between clients. But remember that they are meant to be used once and then thrown away. Some barbers keep reusing them without paying attention to possible health risks. Make sure your barber is not included in that list.

6. Ventilation & Salon Layout

Other than direct contact pathogens, airborne germs are also a major risk.

So, there’s need for good airflow & ventilation to keep these germs at bay. Chairs spaced out offer breathing room and privacy for every client. While windows or vents replace the stale & risky air with fresh breeze.

A mens hairdresser who values hygiene will:

• Keep windows open when possible
• Use air purifiers or fans
• Keep safe distance among work stations

So, you can sit comfortable, breathe easier & stay safe.

7. Documented SOPs & Staff Training

The best shops have visible standard operating procedures. These set out:

• Cleaning schedules
• Tool sterilisation logs
• Glove protocols
• Linen handling and waste disposal
• Product usage guides

Plus, there should be staff training, so, everyone can follow the same hygiene rules. Training covers handling cuts, avoiding cross-contamination, and maintaining a hygienic shop environment. So, the hygiene standards keep on rising.

8. Collaboration with Health Authorities

Top tier mens’ hairdressers and barbers engage with health authorities proactively.

They welcome inspection and respond quickly to feedback. That shows they take regular sanitisation seriously. So, if you ask your barber about hygiene protocols, he’ll be happy to share his certificates and compliance with regulatory bodies.

Daily Cleaning Checklist

Here’s the routine a high‑standard shop like ours follows each day.

This comprehensive approach maintains the barber shop hygiene in the best way possible. However, if your barber doesn’t bother to keep a daily routine, it’s a red flag.

Barber Shop Hygiene at Naser Haircuts

At Naser Haircuts, hygiene and style go hand in hand. Our mens hairdresser team follows WA government regulations and beyond. We:

• Enforce sterilize barbering tools protocols
• Use clean and fresh linens
• Rotate Disposable and Single‑Use Items

Our SOPs are written, displayed and followed. Tools are soaked, instruments sprayed, stations wiped, and gloves or hand‑wash used continually. We train constantly, hold ourselves accountable with checklists, and stay open to feedback.

Looking for the best hairdressers Perth with hygiene protocols?

Book a Safe & Stylish Cut at Naser Haircuts

When you visit us, every station is clean, our uniform crisp, surfaces disinfected and towels fresh. We aim to be the best barber Perth for both style and health. Because you deserve a trendy haircut through a safe hygienic experience.

Step into Naser Haircuts for a safe, sharp, and confident haircut.

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