Sharing of barber hair clippers can transmit blood-borne viruses – Report

According to the research report issued by the south African medical journal (SAMJ), the study confirms that there is significant contamination of barber hair clippers with blood and blood-borne viruses.

Hepatitis B was detected with enough DNA copies to pose a risk of transmitting infection, the National Aids Council (Nac) has warned .

Clients also risk contracting the potentially fatal hepatitis B and C. corroborating finding s of a study published by the South African medical journal a senior Nac official acknowledged that there is significant contamination of barber hair clipper with blood and blood borne viruses

The doctors concluded in the study that there is a need for public education on individual clipper ownership as is the case with a toothbrush.

Nac monitoring and evaluation director Mr. Amon Mpofu said since cuts during a haircut or shave are inevitable, chances of infection are high.

HIV is transmitted through fresh blood hence if anyone sustains any cut during the use of the clippers and there is blood, it can remain on the piece of equipment. If another person uses the same clipper and there is also breakage of the skin, he or she can get infected said Mr. Mpofu.

We encourage barber to invest in sterilizers and numerous clippers so that they don’t use the same for all clients. They should use a single clipper on one person and sterilize it before it can be used on the other person

He therefore encouraged members of the public to rather carry their own clippers to the salon rather than risk getting infections. Though HIV does not exist in dead blood, they cannot take that risk. When blood cells die, the HIV virus also dies. Members of the public are encouraged to be cautious and ensure they only use sterilized clippers or carry their own.