"Barbers may not be changing into a fresh pair of gloves"
Brits have been warned of the key signs of a dirty barber shop amid a surge in young men catching ringworm from haircuts.
According to some barbers, cases of the contagious skin fungus have rapidly risen in just a few months.
They believe this is due to more men opting for popular skin fade haircuts at “cheap, dirty, unqualified” shops “littering the high streets”.
Ringworm is believed to be spread via poorly sanitised combs or towels.
Experts have warned Brits of the signs that suggest their barber may not be as hygienic as they first believed.
@thomascutit 5 signs you have a dirty barber 1. Did they wash or sanitize their hands before your haircut? and I know a lot of barbers like to wear gloves, but hair can easily be transferred from person to person because loose hair sticks to the gloves 2. Do you see a barbicide jar (It should be a tall, cylinder jar with blue liquid). The liquid that’s inside the jar is a hospital grade disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses. 3. Did they disinfect their clippers? You should see some sort of aerosol disinfectant being sprayed, or maybe they dipped the blades into a solution. 4. If they use a razor, did you see them open a fresh blade? 5. Do they clean the chair? Specifically the headrest. #thomascutit #barbershop #barber #barbertiktok #barbertok #sanitation #barberstyledirectory #flowoodms ? Blur (Instrumental) – Don Fu & Michelangelo Of Hip Hop
In a TikTok video, US-based professional barber Thomas White says:
“Did they wash or sanitise their hands before your haircut?
“I know a lot of barbers like to wear gloves, but even wearing gloves hair can easily be transferred from person to person because loose hair sticks to the gloves.
“Barbers may not be changing into a fresh pair of gloves with every haircut.”
A lack of visible cleaning products also suggests grooming tools such as combs and scissors are not being disinfected between clients.
A product called Barbicide takes just 15 minutes to eradicate illness-causing bugs that are embedded in the likes of clipper guards and scissors.
Mr White explained: “It should be a tall, cylinder jar with blue liquid.
“The liquid is a hospital-grade disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses.
“Did they also disinfect their clippers?
“You should see some sort of aerosol disinfectant being sprayed, or maybe they dipped the blades into a solution.”
According to the barber, opting for fresh scissors for each client and cleaning the chair – specifically the headrest – are two other signs to watch out for.
Using plastic disposable headrest covers can also prevent the spread of infection.
London-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr Noman Mohamed urged his TikTok followers to ensure their barber “washes their hands” before cutting hair and “disinfects his equipment”.
After a haircut, he advised viewers to “use an anti-dandruff shampoo immediately afterwards” to help prevent ringworm.
@drnomzzy How to make sure your haircut doesn’t lead to more hair loss than you originally planned for! #drnomzzy #haircut #barber #ringworm ? I Got 5 On It – Tethered Mix from US – Michael Abels & Luniz
Common signs of ringworm include itchiness, a scaly ring-shaped area, and scattering of bumps which range in colour from red to reddish-brown or grey.
According to the NHS, slightly raised expanding rings or a round flat patch of itchy skin are other key signs.
It is usually treated with antifungal medications available on prescription such as gels and creams.
But sometimes oral antifungal medication is needed as well.
Industry experts have long called for a mandatory hairdresser and barber register to ensure Brits are only being seen by qualified professionals.
But the Government has said it still had “no plans to regulate the hairdressing sector”.
A spokesperson said: “We have no plans to regulate the hairdressing sector.
“However, we will always seriously consider evidence when it’s provided.
“We work closely with the industry to address skills and training needs, and HMRC is also working to tackle tax fraud in the sector.”
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