ABU DHABI // Hygiene-conscious residents are taking their own tools when they visit the barber, after a municipality crackdown led to several outlets fined for uncleanliness.
“It’s not a new thing. We’ve always had VIP customers who didn’t like to share [tools] but it’s becoming more common now,” said Eyad, a Syrian hairdresser in Abu Dhabi.
“Having your own set at a barber shop can cost around Dh350. We label them with each customer’s name and store them. We’re not saying that everyone should do that, but if it’ll give them the peace of mind then why not?” Eyad said.
Last month, 13 men’s salons in Baniyas and Al Ghabat were fined Dh1,000 each for not following Abu Dhabi Municipality’s health regulations after inspections.
“We are always carrying out inspections,” said Mohammed A, an officer at the municipality.
“Most of the fines given were for overall cleanliness. There aren’t any drastic breaches that would require people to take their own tools. Our inspections are strict. I suppose it’s a personal preference.”
Eissa Al Mazrouei has been taking his own set of tools for years but does not feel the need to do so any longer.
“I did share the concerns of many,” Mr Al Mazrouei said. “I know a lot of people that do so. I wanted to avoid contamination but I’ve been going to my hairdresser for a while now. I see how he sterilises everything and I trust him. There’s no need for me to bring my own set any more.”
However, some customers do not share the municipality’s point of view and say that there is only so much that inspectors can do.
“I do bring my own tools. Not everything is sanitised properly. Spraying the trimmer with Dettol doesn’t cut it for me,” Mohammed Khalfan said.
“Also, the brush that is used over the face or to mix the foam doesn’t seem to be replaced that often. I like having my own things knowing that it’s only touching my face.”
“Think of it. Would you want your doctor or dentist to use the same instruments on another patient and then yourself in a matter of minutes?” Mr Khalfan said.
Blades are never used more than once, he said. The main cause for infection is multiple use of blades, but the problem extended beyond that.
“I’ve had foot infections from the foot bath at the salon. It doesn’t seem that they were sanitised properly between uses on busy days.”
Dr Lena Nazarian, a dermatologist in Dubai, said: “Athlete’s foot and warts can be transmitted through contaminated foot baths at nail salons. Serious infections can occur from blood contaminations on blades but those are never used more than once,” Dr Nazarian said.
Minor cleanliness offences at barber shops can incur fines of Dh1,000 but repeated and serious offences are grounds for business to have their licences revoked and their businesses shut down.
nalremeithi@thenational.ae