Hairdressing Client health information Hairdressing is a relatively safe practice, Burns can occur during hairdressing of. however infection can occur during procedures involving hot rollers, tongs and Electric razor blades are also considered hairdressing procedures. Items such as crimpers. They can also occur where hair is contaminated with blood, body fluids or razors, scissors, combs, clippers and being washed with water that is too hot or substances after use. The blades, mesh and the hairpins can accidentally penetrate the skin. when stationary or hand-held dryers are blade mechanism housing are difficult to clean improperly used. Operators should be familiar If you are concerned about cleanliness and risk and will not withstand the sterilisation process. with first aid procedures for burns. of infection you should discuss these processes Debris from shaving, such as blood, hair and with your hairdresser. People get head lice from direct hair-to-hair skin cells, have been found in the body and contact with someone who has head lice. Head motor of electric razors. Electric razors are What to look for lice do not transmit any infectious diseases and therefore not recommended for use on clients. • Look for a ‘certificate of premises registration’ there is no evidence to suggest that the Clippers should be used in such a way that the from the local council displayed in the shop. environment is of significant concern in their operator can see the tip of the clippers at all • Look for clean hygienic facilities at premises, transmission. They are fragile insects, easily times. Clippers, including those with plastic such as benches, sinks etc. killed by water temperatures greater than 60°C. attachments, should be dismantled after each No disinfection or fumigation of the salon is • Ask the therapist if they use clean or new use and thoroughly cleaned before being used required if a client has presented with head lice. on another client. If contamination occurs, then equipment each time. If they reuse, how do For more information specifically related to they sterilise or disinfect their equipment? the clipper blades must be dismantled, cleaned head lice see www.health.vic.gov.au/headlice. and sterilised and plastic attachments must be • Mobile hairdressers must also have a Operator requirements disposed of into a sharps container. ‘certificate of premises registration’ from their local council. Use and disposal of razors and Hairdressing equipment such as scissors, combs, hair and neck brushes, rollers, hot blades Risks tongs, crimpers etc should be first cleaned by Infections that can be spread in hairdressing All razors and blades are considered to be using a lint free cloth to remove hair. They premises include skin infections on the scalp, contaminated with blood, body fluids or should then be washed in warm water and face and neck such as impetigo (also know as substances after use. Routine cleaning of razor detergent, rinsed in running water and dried school sores) and fungal infections such as blades is not adequate to minimise the risk of with a lint free cloth. tinea capitis and ringworm. These infections transmission of blood-borne diseases. The Ultraviolet (UV) cabinets cannot be used to can spread when instruments and equipment safest and most efficient way of preventing the sterilise equipment because not all surfaces of used on clients are not cleaned between client spread of these diseases is to use single-use an item are penetrated. They should not be sessions or are not handled or used in a items. used to store equipment either because the UV hygienic manner, and when structural facilities If a disposable razor is used, then it must not rays may damage the items or their packaging. such as furnishings and fittings are not kept be used again on another client and must be Storing of equipment in disinfectant solutions clean and in good repair. disposed of in a suitable sharps container is not recommended. Blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B and C immediately after use. For further information contact your and HIV can occur when using razors, scissors Where a safety razor is used, the blade should local council health department or the or clippers, which can abrade the skin and/or be removed from the razor body, and disposed Communicable Disease Control Unit of the cut accidentally. Contaminated instruments can of as above. The blade holder must be cleaned Department of Human Services transfer infection directly to the blood of and disinfected between clients by washing in on 1300 651 160. another individual (for example, the operator or warm water and detergent, rinsing in hot running www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas next client) if that individual has open cuts, water and drying with a lint free cloth. If sores or broken skin. contaminated it must be sterilised or disposed July 2006 Department of Human Services.