PA Barber cheat sheet

Hands are washed with soap and water before and after every patron; hand sanitizer is not a substitute when hands are visibly soiled.

Reusable implements such as combs, shears, clippers, and razors are cleaned of debris, then immersed in an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant for the label contact time after each patron.

Wet sanitizer containers are labeled, covered, and filled with disinfectant mixed at the manufacturer’s dilution; the solution is changed when soiled or at least daily.

Porous items that cannot be disinfected reliably - emery boards, pumice stones, foam wedges - are single-use and discarded after each patron.

Clean and soiled items are stored in separate, labeled containers; clean towels are kept in a closed cabinet until used.

A neck strip or fresh towel is placed between the cape and the patron’s skin; capes are not reused on another patron without laundering.

Blood or body-fluid exposure: stop the service, don gloves, remove visible material with a disposable towel, disinfect the surface with an EPA-registered product, and discard contaminated single-use items.

Used razor blades and broken glass go into a puncture-resistant, labeled sharps container - never into ordinary trash.

A shop must have hot and cold running water, a sink for handwashing, toilet facilities, and adequate lighting and ventilation.

A blunt cut is created at 0° elevation; graduated layers use 45°–90°; uniform layers use 90°; long layers use 180°.

A guide - stationary or traveling - determines the length of the first section; all subsequent sections are cross-checked against it.

Shear-over-comb and clipper-over-comb remove bulk between the fingers or comb and the head; the comb acts as the guide.

A fade blends shorter lengths at the perimeter into longer lengths at the crown; a taper is a shorter, less extreme blended perimeter.

Texturizing removes weight without changing the outline; point-cutting, notching, and slicing are performed on dry or damp hair depending on the desired effect.

Wet hair stretches up to about 30% of its length; cut wet hair slightly longer when the final style will be worn dry.

Cowlicks and growth patterns are cut longer and directed with the natural pattern rather than forced against a strong whorl.

Sanitize clippers between patrons and oil the blade; a dull blade pulls hair and increases nicks.

Straight-razor shaving angle is about 30°; a shallower angle reduces irritation, while a steeper angle increases the risk of nicks.

Prep: cleanse, apply a hot towel for 1–2 minutes, apply lather, and shave with the grain first; against-the-grain passes are optional and increase irritation risk.

Hold the razor with the thumb on the tang and fingers on the shank; use short, light strokes and stretch the skin with the free hand.

A styptic pencil or powder stops minor bleeding; a nick that keeps bleeding means the service stops and first aid is given.

Beard outlines follow natural growth at the jawline, cheek line, and neckline; the neckline is set just above the Adam’s apple, not on the neck crease.

Mustache and beard trims are done dry with comb and clippers or shears; check symmetry by stepping back and comparing both sides.

Do not shave over moles, inflamed skin, or active cold sores; refer the patron to a physician.

Patch-test 24–48 hours before the first application of an oxidative hair color and record the result.

Developer volumes: 10 volume (3%) deposits, 20 volume (6%) lifts 1–2 levels, 30 volume (9%) lifts 2–3 levels, and 40 volume (12%) lifts 3–4 levels.

A strand test determines processing time and result; check the strand every 5–10 minutes during development.

Relaxer strength: mild for fine or color-treated hair, regular for normal hair, super for resistant hair; never apply super strength to a scalp with sores.

A neutralizer (neutralizing shampoo or solution) is required after a relaxer to stop chemical action and restore normal pH.

Shampoo pH should match the hair and scalp: acidic (about 4.5–5.5) for color-treated hair and balanced for a normal scalp.

Hot oil or scalp treatments are applied to the scalp and hair, massaged with fingertips, covered, processed per the manufacturer, and rinsed thoroughly.

Gloves and ventilation are required for all chemical services; never mix products in unlabeled containers.

A Pennsylvania barber license requires 1,250 hours of board-approved training and a passing examination.

A barber shop must hold a current shop license; a barber may not legally work in an unlicensed shop.

Licenses must be displayed at the workstation or in the shop and must be available for inspection.

Barber and shop licenses renew on a biennial cycle; practicing on an expired license is unlicensed practice.

The State Board of Barber Examiners may inspect a licensed shop during business hours without advance notice.

Shop ownership changes, name changes, and relocations must be reported to the Board; a new location requires licensing and inspection.

Only licensed barbers may perform barbering; unlicensed practice and aiding unlicensed practice are violations.

Sanitation, license, and employee records must be kept current and available for Board inspection.