Thread: Barber shop sterilization of straights.....or lack thereof

Hi guys,

Found a wicked little barber shop where I'm working these days, and had a great hair cut.
He lined the back up with a straight which was pretty cool.
the only thing I was a bit weird with, was that it was just sitting on his counter, with no sign of barbasol around.

I know the chance of breaking the skin on a line up is minimal, still a little weird.

Otherwise, great haircut, and a nice guy.

Any thoughts?

Ryan

Does he have a UV cabinet anywhere? I find more and more shops have UV boxes now.

Was he using a "real" straight razor or a shavette?
In the US the norm (and I believe the regulating requirement) is to use a disposable blade, and to change it with every customer.

Compliance varies. My Barber in Jakarta makes a point of snapping the DE and installing it in the shavette in front of me. But in the US I've seen the Barber in the next station just open a shavette and use it to trim the next client, only to set it back on the counter.

My Grandfather and Uncle were both Barbers. I remember my Uncle showing me his Persona style Shavette when I stopped by to see him one time. (This would have been in last 80's or early 90s) He mentioned that it was for sanitation and he no longer had to haul his razors home to hone them, a big time saver for him.

So next time you go in tell him you are interested and ask him to show you how it works....most will be glad to share, and if he does not, find a new barber..

As my Dad used to say "Ya never know till ya ask"! Just ask the guy if he uses any disinfectant!

I've gotten in the habit of just using clippers on my hair lately but the shop I went to the last couple times before that had an actual straight just hanging out in barbasol that they used. It was not very sharp. Another shop I used to frequent used shavettes but I noticed them putting new blades in after they were done.

Originally Posted by MJC

In the US the norm (and I believe the regulating requirement) is to use a disposable blade, and to change it with every customer.

That's the regulation in Canada too.

Any time I've had a barber shave the barber has shown me the blade in the wrapper and informed me that he is required by law to do so. I realize that the OP is referring to a "neckline cleanup" but it shouldn't matter. If the barber was in fact using a real straight I'd be asking some questions....

Hi guys,

Well, I took a quick look at it, and it looked a lot like a real straight. I aksed if he ever did shaves, and he said they were cracking down, but that he could use whatever he wanted with a little caution. I was trying to get a feel for the blade on my neck, it felt quite sharp, almost shavette sharp with that narrow blade feel, but man it looked more like a solid blade than a true straight. Maybe I was wrong. I'll have to ask next time. there was a strop hanging from the chair I was sitting in....hmmmm

Originally Posted by MJC

In the US the norm (and I believe the regulating requirement) is to use a disposable blade, and to change it with every customer.

The same is for Italy. Except for the fact not all the barbers change it with every customer. However they are required by law to use a UV cabinet for all of their tools including scissors, combs and, of course, razors.

I'm normally not very assertive, but when it comes to asking for a fresh blade during a haircut, I always make myself do it. I've had barbers try to get away with just a dip in barbasol, but I wasn't having it. The chances of infection are very low but it exists, so I'm careful.

Not an issue for me now because my usual barber doesn't use a razor to clean up.

Michael

Its approx $4 at any reputable barber shop in the Philippines. Its so inexpensive, I would give almost the same amount in tips. So for $8, you get pampered, with lots of towels, a straight shave with a disposable blade straight, and a 5 minute massage. The shaves are not usually as good as the one you can do yourself but I guess every barber is different and not a lot of people will ask for straight shaves and perhaps only the moderate to high end barbers get more practice and experience.

Also, they don't always usually change the blade for every new customer but will do if you ask them to and if you reward them with a big tip, they will be more than happy to see you again. Thanks!