Brits were today warned about the key signs of a dirty barbershop amid a rise in young men contracting ringworm from getting their hair cut.
Cases of contagious skin fungus that can cause disfigurement have increased significantly in just a few months, some barbers say.
They believe this is because more and more men are opting for popular haircuts, when the sides are shaved and the length is left on top, in “cheap, dirty and unqualified” shops that “dot the high streets.” .
It is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact; despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm.
Instead, it is transmitted through poorly disinfected combs or towels, barbers say. In severe cases, it can even cause permanent scarring and hair loss.
Now, experts have warned Brits about five signs that their hairdresser may not be as hygienic as they first thought.
in a tiktok video Viewed more than 58,000 times, Mississippi-based licensed professional barber Thomas White said: ‘Did you wash or sanitize your hands before your haircut?
‘I know a lot of barbers like to wear gloves, but even wearing gloves hair can easily transfer from person to person because loose hair sticks to the gloves.
Cases of contagious, potentially disfiguring skin fungi have increased significantly in just a few months, they say. Pictured is a 2022 case in Australia of a child who contracted ringworm after visiting the barber.
Barbers believe this is because more and more men are opting for haircuts that discolor the skin. Pictured is a 2022 case in Australia of a child who contracted ringworm after visiting the barber.
In a TikTok video viewed more than 58,000 times, Mississippi licensed professional barber Thomas White said, “Did they wash or sanitize their hands before cutting your hair?”
“Barbers may not change into a new pair of gloves with every haircut.”
The lack of visible cleaning products in the salon may also suggest that grooming tools, such as combs and hair cutting scissors, are not being sanitized between clients.
A popular product called Barbicide takes just 15 minutes to kill disease-causing insects embedded in dirty tools like clipper guards and scissors.
‘It should be “A tall cylindrical flask with blue liquid,” Mr. White said.
“The liquid is a hospital-grade disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses.”
And he added: ‘Did they also disinfect their clippers?
“You should see some kind of aerosol disinfectant sprayed, or maybe they dipped the leaves in a solution.”
Opting for new blades for each client and cleaning the barber’s chair (specifically the headrest) are among the other two key signs, White said.
One popular product, barbicide, takes just 15 minutes to kill disease-causing insects embedded in dirty tools, such as clipper guards and scissors.
Other TikTok barber accounts have shared images of similar cleaning products that professionals should use to make sure their equipment is clean between each client.
Using disposable plastic headrest covers can also prevent the spread of infections.
According to the British Master Barbers Alliance, a voluntary organisation, barbers must always follow the “one man, one sword” rule.
‘It is very important to always use one blade per client, regardless of how much or how little they use it. Always throw away the finished sheet after use,” the association advises.
“You should always dispose of your blades in a properly labeled sharps box and disinfect the razor after use.”
Dr. Noman Mohamed, a London-based cosmetic dermatology expert, also urged his 410,000 tiktok followers to ensure your hairdresser ‘washes his hands’ before cutting hair and ‘sanitizes his equipment’.
After the haircut, he also advised viewers to “use an anti-dandruff shampoo immediately afterward” to help prevent ringworm.
Cases of ringworm are usually treated with antifungal medications available by prescription, such as gels and creams.
But sometimes oral antifungal medications are also needed.
According to the British Master Barbers Alliance, a voluntary organisation, barbers must always follow the “one man, one sword” rule.
Pictured, illustration of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, the cause of ringworm of the scalp
Common signs of fungal infection include itching, a ring-shaped scaly area, and scattered bumps that vary in color from red on white skin to reddish, brown, or gray on black skin.
According to the NHS, other key signs are slightly raised expansion rings or a round, flat, itchy area of the skin.
Dr James O’Donovan, a member of the World Health Organisation’s NHS medical and technical advisory group, also advises people to avoid sharing “combs, hats, hairbrushes, towels and pillowcases with others.” people”.
This is “because fungi can live for a long period of time,” he said.
If a child is affected, it is essential to inform school teachers and the parents of their classmates, he added.
‘Other family members should be examined by a doctor and receive treatment.
“Sometimes it is best for the entire family to be treated with a medicated antifungal shampoo twice a week for four weeks, whether or not a fungal infection has been proven to exist.”
Industry experts have long called for a mandatory register of hairdressers and barbers to be established to ensure Britons are only served by qualified professionals.
Barber Mike Taylor, who last week raised the alarm about the worrying rise in ringworm cases, has also shared images of clients affected by the disease.
But the Government has said it still has “no plans to regulate the hairdressing sector”.
Last week, a government spokesperson said: “We have no plans to regulate the hairdressing sector.
‘However, we will always seriously consider evidence when it is presented.
“We work closely with the industry to address skills and training needs, and HMRC is also working to address tax fraud in the sector.”