Hairdressers and barbers
Potentially, Hepatitis C could be spread through equipment used
by hairdressers and barbers.
Scissors, razors and clippers can cut, nick or graze the skin,
enough to draw blood. If equipment is unsterilised between
customers, there is a very small chance that infected blood from
razors or clippers could enter the bloodstream of another
person.
My colleague and I were visiting salons to inform hairdressers
and barbers about the potential of transmission through equipment.
When we asked one barber to show us the precautions he took to
prevent infection, he showed us his insurance documents!
Moira Washington, Manager, C-Level (Prevention & Support) www.c-level.org.uk
It's important to stress that the risk of contracting Hepatitis
C from a hair cut is absolutely minimal. The vast
majority of salons take health and safety very seriously, and use
sterilisers. It is fair to say however, that not all hairdressers
and barbers are aware of the risks, however small.
Using hairdressers and barbers while travelling is not without
its' risks. There is evidence that razors, clippers and other
associated equipment that are not effectively cleaned are linked to
higher rates of infection.