VA Barber cheat sheet

Disinfection destroys most pathogenic microorganisms on nonporous surfaces; sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including spores.

Use an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant labeled for the specific implement type; follow label dilution and contact time.

Clean implements with soap and water before immersion in disinfectant; rinse and dry before reuse.

Single-use items such as razor blades, cotton, wooden sticks, and porous files cannot be disinfected and must be discarded.

Blood spill decision rule: stop service, don gloves, absorb, clean, then disinfect with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant.

Hands must be washed with soap and water before and after each client; sanitizer is not a substitute when hands are visibly soiled.

Electrical equipment must be unplugged before cleaning; avoid immersing motors or cords in water.

Contagious conditions such as impetigo, ringworm, lice, and scabies require service refusal and referral.

Linens and towels must be laundered with detergent and appropriate bleach or hot-cycle settings and stored covered.

0-degree elevation = blunt or one-length cut; 45-degree elevation = graduated; 90-degree elevation = uniform layers; 180-degree elevation = long layers.

A stationary guide stays in place and creates uniform length; a traveling guide moves and creates increasing length.

Cross-check a haircut by parting the hair in the opposite direction and comparing both sides.

Clipper-over-comb cuts hair held between comb teeth and scalp for close tapering and blending.

Shear-over-comb removes length from comb-held hair; texturizing shears remove bulk without shortening the perimeter.

Wet cutting gives precision and control; dry cutting reveals texture and shrinkage.

Blow-dry nozzle direction from scalp toward ends smooths the cuticle; pointing upward can roughen it.

Shaving lather lubricates, softens the beard by holding moisture, and reduces razor friction.

Hold a straight razor at about 30 degrees to the skin; use light pressure and short strokes.

Shaving with the grain reduces irritation; shaving against the grain gives a closer shave but increases razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is common in tightly curled hair; avoid close against-the-grain shaving.

Stretch skin opposite the razor stroke to flatten the area and reduce nicks.

A styptic such as alum stops minor bleeding; single-use razor blades must be discarded after use.

Hair and scalp pH is mildly acidic, about 4.5 to 5.5; alkaline products swell the cuticle.

Shampoo surfactants lift sebum and debris; conditioner lowers pH and smooths the cuticle.

Scalp massage is contraindicated with open lesions, active infection, recent surgery, or uncontrolled hypertension.

Tinea capitis is a contagious fungal scalp infection; refer, do not treat.

Pediculosis is contagious lice infestation; refuse service and refer for treatment.

Protein treatments strengthen temporarily; excess protein causes stiffness and brittleness.

Hot oil treatments moisturize dry scalp and hair; avoid on infected or inflamed scalp.

The Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology regulates barbers, cosmetologists, nail technicians, estheticians, and related shops under DPOR.

A valid Virginia barber license is required to perform barbering for compensation.

Barbershops must hold a current Board-issued shop license in addition to individual barber licenses.

Licenses must be conspicuously displayed at the workplace.

Board inspectors may inspect licensed shops during business hours for sanitation and compliance.

Practicing without a license or allowing unlicensed practice in a shop violates Virginia law.

Virginia barbering scope includes haircutting, styling, shaving, beard and mustache trimming, shampooing, and scalp treatments.