When should a barber wash their hands during the workday?

• A. Before and after every client, after removing gloves, and after contact with contaminants
• B. During the day only when gloves are removed
• C. Only after handling contaminants
• D. Never wash during the day

Answer: (B)

Hand hygiene is essential in barbering to prevent spreading germs. Wash your hands before you touch each client and again after you finish with them to remove any contaminants picked up during the service. You should also wash after removing gloves, since the act of slipping gloves on and off can transfer contaminants. Wash anytime you’ve had contact with contaminants or dirty surfaces. Washing only during the day when gloves are off misses crucial moments of pre- and post-contact hygiene, and washing only after handling contaminants ignores the need to clean before client contact. Never washing during the workday is unsafe and increases the risk of cross-contamination. Following this routine—before and after every client, after glove removal, and after contact with contaminants—keeps hands clean throughout the day.