Hairdressing and Barbering – Infection Prevention and Control

Remove excess hair, clean and disinfect scissors or electric hair clipper blades using a low level disinfectant.

If the scissors or electric hair clipper blades contact non-intact skin, mucous membranes or penetrate the skin, then clean and disinfect with an intermediate level disinfectant such as 70% isopropyl alcohol or disinfectant that is Tuberculocidal.  The disinfectant or alcohol must have a drug identification number (DIN) or natural product number (NPN) from Health Canada.

  • Remove excess hair from combs and brushes. Combs should be cleaned with soap and water and dry before disinfection.
  • Immerse combs and brushes in a low-level disinfectant for the appropriate contact time.
  • Disinfectant solutions must be made fresh daily or according to the manufacturer’s specification.
    • If the blade cannot be removed from the handle, then it cannot be used.
    • If the blade can be removed, the handle and cradle of the razor, which holds the blade in place, must be cleaned and disinfected with at least a low-level disinfectant after each use. The handle and cradle must be dry before being fully immersed in the disinfectant for 10 minutes.
    • Do not leave blades in the holders unless they are to be used immediately on a client.
    • Discard disposable blades into an approved sharps container immediately after use.
    • Styptic pencils cannot be used to stop clients from bleeding. Styptic powder or liquid is acceptable and must be applied with a disposable applicator.
      • Styling razors that come with permanent safe guards can be re-used between clients.
      • Excess hair needs to be removed between clients and then sprayed with at least a low-level disinfectant.
      • When no longer used, discard the styling razor into an approved sharps container. The sharps container cannot be discarded into regular garbage.
        • Crochet hooks used for cap highlights and tweezers or needles used for hair weaves must be cleaned with soap and water, dried and then fully immersed in an intermediate-level disinfectant such as 70% isopropyl alcohol for a minimum of 10 minutes, after each use.
        • If the needle scratches the client or operator, it must be discarded into an approved sharps container immediately. The sharps container cannot be discarded into regular garbage.
          • Before providing any first aid, clean your hands and wear disposable gloves. Then clean your hands again after the gloves are removed.
          • Recommend the client seek medical advice.
          • Record what happened, including the date and site of injury, the exposed person’s name, telephone number, address and the name of the person that provided the service. Keep accidental exposure records for at least three years with a minimum of one year (365 days) on site.
          • Go to Spills of Blood and Other Body Fluids if blood or other body fluids are on a surface.