How Barbers Keep Their Tools Clean: Inside the Barber Sanitation of a Professional Barbershop

Clean tools aren’t just important — they’re the foundation of a safe, professional barbershop. At Crown&Clippers Barbershop in Scarborough, we follow strict hygiene and sanitation routines to protect every client who sits in our chair.

Whether you're getting a fade, taper, beard trim, or kids haircut, here’s exactly how barbers keep everything clean behind the scenes.

Why Tool Hygiene Matters

Barber tools make direct contact with skin and hair all day. Without proper sanitation, they can spread:

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Skin infections

• Irritation and breakouts

• Contaminants from other clients

That’s why Ontario’s health regulations require barbershops to follow strict routines for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining every tool.

1. Cleaning vs. Disinfecting — What’s the Difference?

A lot of clients think these are the same thing, but they’re not.

Cleaning (removing debris):

This removes hair, oils, and visible dirt from tools.We use:

• Brush tools after each client

• Clip guards washed with warm water + soap

• Towels replaced every use

Disinfecting (killing bacteria & germs):

This is the important part. Once tools are clean, they go into disinfectant to kill anything harmful.We use:

• Professional-grade disinfectants like Barbicide

• Alcohol sprays (70%+)

• UV sterilizer boxes

Every step is required to maintain a safe barbershop.

2. How Clippers Are Sanitized After Every Client

Clippers touch the skin directly, so they need constant cleaning.

Here’s the routine between each client:

1. Brush off hair

2. Spray disinfectant (like Clippercide or WAHL spray)

3. Run clippers for 10 seconds so disinfectant spreads through the blade

4. Wipe off extra product

5. Apply a light oil to keep the blade smooth

This kills bacteria, prevents rust, and keeps the blend smooth.

3. How Scissors & Razors Stay Clean

Shears (Scissors):

• Wiped down

• Disinfected with alcohol

• Dried fully to prevent corrosion

Straight Razors:

• Blades are single-use only

• Handle is disinfected after every use

• Blade is replaced for each client

No real barber reuses blades — ever.

4. Guards, Combs, and Brushes

These pieces touch hair constantly, so they go through heavy cleaning.

After each client:

• Combs go into Barbicide solution

• Guards are sprayed and wiped

• Brushes are replaced or disinfected depending on material

Kids Fades, Men’s Fades, Beard Trims — every service uses freshly cleaned tools

.

5. Sanitizing the Workstation

It’s not just tools — the whole station needs attention.

We sanitize:

• Chair handles

• Armrests

• Headrests

• Countertops

• Mirror area

• Neck strips (single-use only)

After every client, surfaces are wiped with disinfectant to keep everything clean and safe.

6. Laundry & Towels

Barbershop towels get used for everything — steaming, wiping, beard trims, etc.

Our hygiene routine:

• Fresh towel every client

• Hot wash with detergent

• High-heat dryer cycle to sanitize

No reused towels. No exceptions.

7. Why Clean Tools = Better Fades

Clients don’t realize this, but clean clippers actually give:

• Smoother blends

• Less irritation

• Sharper lineups

• Cleaner beard details

Dirty blades tug on hair and irritate the skin — so keeping them clean isn’t just hygiene, it’s quality.

Final Word

At Crown&Clippers Barbershop, sanitation isn't an option — it’s a standard. Clean tools, clean stations, and clean blades mean better service and safer cuts for every client who walks through our doors.

👉 Need a clean, sharp haircut in Scarborough?Book your appointment online or walk in anytime.