Barber Hygiene Basics: A Practical Guide for New Barbers

Good hygiene protects clients, protects the barber and supports a professional reputation. Hygiene should be part of every service, not something handled only at the end of the day.

Core principles

• Wash or sanitise hands before and after each client.
• Use a clean cape, towel or neck strip for every client.
• Remove visible hair and debris from tools before disinfection.
• Disinfect reusable tools between clients using a suitable product and the correct contact time.
• Store clean tools separately from used tools.
• Dispose of single use blades safely in a sharps container.

Clippers, trimmers and shavers

Brush away loose hair after each use. Disinfect blades with a suitable spray or method recommended for the tool. Oil clipper blades as directed by the manufacturer. Do not use damaged, rusty or poorly maintained blades on clients.

Combs, guards and brushes

Reusable combs and guards should be cleaned of hair and product residue, then disinfected between clients. Items that cannot be cleaned properly should be replaced.

Workstation hygiene

Wipe chairs, counters and frequently touched surfaces regularly. Keep products closed when not in use. Avoid placing clean tools on dirty surfaces. Remove hair from the floor promptly to reduce slips and keep the shop looking professional.

Client safety

Do not provide a service over broken, inflamed or infected skin. Use fresh disposable blades for each client where shaving is offered. Follow local authority rules and any registration requirements that apply in your area.

Simple routine

Clean as you go, reset fully between clients, and deep clean at the end of the day.