Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

It is important that tools are properly sterilised between customers. - Sacha Walters/Staff Reporter

Going to the barber is an everyday routine for most men. But, have you ever stopped to think if your barber cleans his shaving equipment regularly?

It is important that barbers clean their shavers and shears regularly to prevent the transmission of fungus and other bacteria from one person to another. Recently, a young man went to the barber to get a shave and his hair cut. He left, not only with a clean shave, but with a few bruises as well. Later, his face began breaking out. When he visited the doctor, he was told that he had a fungus.

It is extremely important that men pay attention to what seems like minor details, such as whether the barber cleans his cutting tools.

Karma Williams, manager at Upper Cut Barbers in Orchid Plaza in Barbican, states that, as a part of their service, they ensure that all their equipment is properly cleaned. She said that after every haircut or shave, the barbers clean their equipment.

Disinfectant

"We use a disinfectant that we spray on the shear blades. But we also soak the tools and brushes in disinfectant solution," said Williams.

She said they leave the tools in a UV-ray box to sterilise overnight and in the morning, they spray disinfectant on them before they begin their day's operation. She said they also use alcohol and hydrogen peroxide to ensure that their tools are properly sterilised.

Here are some tips on how to clean shavers and shears

1. Unplug your electric shaver/shear before attempting to take it apart or clean it.

2. Unclip the cutter block by lifting it off its support. Remove any particles (hair or dust) you find on the cutter block by using a small brush. Usually, electric shavers come with a brush specially made for cleaning that unit.

3. Dip your cutter block in disinfectant or special cleaning fluid.

4. Check all the contacts on your electric shaver/shear for any kind of corrosion. Spray contacts with electrical contact cleaner, then use white bond paper to polish it.

5. Put your shaver back together and turn it on. Spray the foil lightly with shaving-head lubricant to reduce friction between blades and foil. Spray the foil again before each shave.

6. Remember to wash combs, scissors, brushes, etc, before use.

Additional source: www.ehow.com.