Thread: Barber Shave Breakin' The Law

So I went to my trusty barber today and I asked why they don't do straight razor shaves. They told me that it is actually illegal in the state of CT for a barber to give a straight razor shave.

Has anyone else heard of something like that in their own states?

Seems to me that if they can use shavettes for doing the backs of necks and what not that they could do a straight shave.

My barber has said the same thing in california he couldn't be any more specific.

Maybe it has to do with the possibility of a customer receiving an unintentional blood transfusion

Its all about the health codes and fear of bugs. Disposables can be used because every cutomer gets a new blade but a straight would have to be put into an autoclave to sterilize it after every use. Many barbers wouldn't want to bother and would probably cheat. Most barbers aren't skilled at straight use anyway so its probably better off.

Well, I just got a barber straight razor shave in California about a month ago. He used a real straight razor. But I live in Long Beach, which might explain things (if you know the area you'll understand)

I completely understand why they have to use disposables. Good lord, if something WERE to happen w/ a straight, I could see a big lawsuit. People these days sue over everything, anyway!

I'd be fine with receiving a shave with a shavette or the like. To me, it would be more about the experience...laying back in a barber chair with the steam towels and lather.

I am lucky to know a barber who still uses a straight rzr and gives you a ten minute hot towel facial treatment. BUT, I think he's bucking the system --

I've visited many OHIO barbers who proclaim they are no longer allowed to shave customers with straight rzrs . . . I am a lawyer, and I've reviewed the OHIO barber regulations and I found no prohibitions -- unless it relates to the method of sanitization that barbers are required to perform on all babering instruments -- perhaps the barbers belive the effort to sterilize the blade isn't worth the effort .

I think the sanitation rules are designed to minimize the transfer of skin diseases more than blood borne illness. Frankly, I do not remember a reported "rash" of transferable skin conditions that necessitated the sanitation rules.

Maybe we should become a political action group too . . . . let's advocate to return the art to barbering!!


RalphS

I think the regulations that make shaving brushes difficult to use are probably a lot tougher than those regarding blades. Barbers that offer shaves these days will often use a disposable, though.

I think the skin disease things in the laws is probably from all the women that get those pedicures and manicures or whatever where they get their toe-nails done and that can transfer nasty fungus from one person to another and stuff like that.

I've spoken to my barber repeatedly about the laws in California, and they basically come down to sanitary reasonings. Most use here (except it seems for Long Beach) a disposable straight and lather machine. However, barbers are allowed to use brushes if they are sterilized between patrons. Having not read the laws I can't say what is really true and what isn't but this is what I have been told.