Barbershop Industry Scrutinized Amid Rising Ringworm Cases

A barber has advocated for elevated standards within the hair industry, citing numerous instances of young men contracting ringworm following haircuts. Mike Taylor, who operates a barbering training academy in Poole, Dorset, is urging the government to address the currently unregulated nature of the profession with greater seriousness. Taylor stated that clients have presented with skin infections, attributing this to “cheap, dirty unqualified barbershops are littering the high streets.” The government has indicated it has “no plans to regulate the hairdressing sector.” Having been in the industry for 34 years, Mr. Taylor suggests that infections such as ringworm and folliculitis are becoming more prevalent due to the increasing popularity of the skin fade haircut among men. He noted: “I’d say 70% to 80% of clients coming in ask for skin fades.” He explained that achieving this style requires the use of a foil clipper, which “takes in hair and it needs to be thoroughly cleaned.” Mr. Taylor indicated that the proper cleaning and disinfection of foil razors after each haircut could require five to 10 minutes, a practice he believes is not consistently followed. Christian Reynolds, a 22-year-old from Bournemouth, developed an infection after receiving a skin fade haircut at his local barber. He recounted: “Almost immediately after I came out and met up with my partner she noticed this abrasion and raised mark at the back of my neck.” Reynolds characterized the mark as “itchy” and “irritable,” and a subsequent consultation with his pharmacy confirmed it was ringworm. Mr. Reynolds expressed: “I felt annoyed because after doing research on it I realised it was due to improper practice and not cleaning equipment properly.” He further stated that he felt “let down” by the barbershop. James Davis, a newly qualified barber from Poole, emphasized that cleanliness within the industry is “so important.” The 21-year-old reported contracting ringworm in April following a haircut. He mentioned that he was able to halt its progression early and received treatment to prevent its spread. Davis commented: “You shouldn’t have to worry about sanitary stuff but it’s quite a big factor in where I get my haircut.” The NHS defines ringworm as a prevalent fungal infection treatable with anti-fungal creams, though it can result in hair loss if not addressed. Transmission can occur through close contact with an infected individual or contaminated items like bedsheets, combs, or towels. Mr. Taylor, reflecting on industry changes since his apprenticeship in the 1990s, observed: “The high street is depleting, it’s dying and then suddenly there’s 12 barber shops on the same street and they’re all trying to go a little bit cheaper than each other.” He continued: “If the prices have to be knocked down then something else has to go and maybe it is all the time spent cleaning the equipment or the time spent getting the proper knowledge.” Mr. Taylor advocates for government regulation of the industry and has advised the public to exercise caution when selecting a barber. He remarked: “Sometimes the cheapest price isn’t always the best price.” Gareth Penn, the registrar at the Hair and Barber Council, concurred with Mr. Taylor’s views and is advocating for a “mandatory register for those who wish to trade as hairdressers or barbers.” The council, headquartered in Hampshire, serves as a statutory authority for hairdressing across the UK. As the register is currently voluntary, Mr. Penn expressed concern that this situation could result in issues beyond inadequate hygiene in haircuts. He stated: “This opens up hairdressing and barbering to those that are not trained, or qualified, or worse, those who wish to use our industry as a front for illegal activity.” A government spokesperson responded: “We have no plans to regulate the hairdressing sector, however we will always seriously consider evidence when it’s provided.“We work closely with the industry to address skills and training needs, and HMRC is also working to tackle tax fraud in the sector.”