What type of disinfectant does the DSP accept in a barber shop?

The DSP (public health authority) accepts approved biocidal products with an appropriate spectrum and complete documentation: approval, technical data sheet and safety data sheet. Products must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Is alcohol enough for all surfaces?

No. Alcohol is suitable for quick disinfection and small surfaces, but it does not cover every need.

Can I use the same product for tools and chairs?

Only if the label states that this is possible. Check whether the product allows immersion and whether it is compatible with the materials in the salon.

How often should the disinfection log be filled in?

The log is filled in daily, according to the internal procedure. Record the type of product, the surface disinfected and the time of application.

Barber shop disinfectants: alcohol vs. peroxide

How to choose the right disinfectants for your barbershop: a comparison between alcohol and hydrogen peroxide

In a barber shop, hygiene is not just a legal obligation — it is an essential factor that protects your clients, your reputation, and your business. A Public Health Directorate (DSP) inspection that uncovers irregularities related to disinfection can lead to fines and harm client trust. This is why choosing the right disinfectants makes the difference between a professional salon and a vulnerable one.

However, it is not enough to just clean surfaces visibly. You must use authorized biocidal products, respect contact times, and adapt your solutions to the specifics of your activity. Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide – each has its own advantages and usage recommendations.

In this article, you will find a comparison between these two active ingredients, practical recommendations for their use in a barber shop, and updated information from health legislation (including Order 1648/2024).

What does the legislation say about disinfectants in barbershops and hair salons?

The DSP periodically verifies compliance with hygiene standards according to Ministry of Health Order no. 1648/2024 on the approval of hygiene standards for beauty salons.

During an inspection, they generally look for:

the existence of a written cleaning and disinfection plan;
the use of biocidal products approved by the National Commission for Biocidal Products (Ministry of Health);
biocidal authorizations, technical data sheets, and safety data sheets (SDS) for each product;
a disinfection register completed daily (with date, time, surface/products disinfected, and the responsible person);
correct storage of products;
separation of clean utensils from used ones.

Article 61 of the Standards approved by Order 1648/2024 provides that the records and frequency of disinfection activities must be entered in a special register (which can also be electronic).

Cleaning vs. disinfection vs. sterilization

It is important to understand the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. Cleaning removes visible dirt. Disinfection reduces pathogenic microorganisms to a safe level. Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life (mandatory for certain instruments that come into contact with broken skin).

In a barber shop, you need authorized products with bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal action. The exception is products used for high-level disinfection or cold chemical sterilization of sharp instruments, which must additionally have mycobactericidal or sporicidal action. Lack of documentation can lead to administrative penalties.

Types of disinfection in a barber shop: what must be disinfected and how often

- Instruments (scissors, razors, combs, clippers) come into direct contact with the client's skin and hair. These must be treated after each use, following the legal steps (according to Order 1648/2024):

1. Cleaning (Washing)

Mechanical removal of hair, followed by mandatory washing with water and detergent/soap to eliminate sebum and styling products.

2. Rinsing and drying

Instruments are rinsed with running water and dried completely with disposable towels before the next step. Residual water on them can dilute the disinfectant, reducing its effectiveness.

3. Disinfection or sterilization (depending on risk)

Disinfection (non-critical/semi-critical instruments): Combs, brushes, and clipper guides are disinfected by complete immersion in a biocidal solution. For clipper blades, special disinfectant sprays are used.

Sterilization (critical/sharp instruments): Scissors and the body of reusable razors, which can cause accidental injury, must undergo physical sterilization (autoclave or dry heat sterilizer). Note: the razor must be used with disposable blades — the blade is thrown away after each client and is not sterilized.

4. Compliance with contact time

Allow the product to act for exactly as many minutes as specified by the manufacturer on the label (e.g., 5, 10, or 15 minutes).

5. Hygienic storage

Clean and disinfected/sterilized instruments are kept in closed compartments, protected from dust — UV cabinets or sealed sterilization pouches.

- Surfaces (chairs, countertops, mirrors, handles): disinfected between clients and mandatory at the end of the shift. According to Order 1648/2024, any part of the equipment that can become contaminated must be cleaned and/or disinfected after each client.

- Staff hands: exclusively use hand and skin disinfectants for hand hygiene — usually hydro-alcoholic solutions with 70–85% ethanol. Note: disinfectants for surfaces should never be applied to the skin.

Sanitary alcohol: advantages and limitations in a barber shop

How does alcohol work?

Ethyl or isopropyl alcohol destroys microorganisms by denaturing proteins and affecting the cell membrane. The optimal concentration is between 70% and 90%.

Klinosept, with 85% ethanol, is formulated for rapid surface disinfection, complying with the usage instructions in the technical documentation.

Learn more about active ingredients in biocidal products – Part I – Alcohols, phenols, aldehydes!

Practical advantages

Alcohol acts quickly, usually in 30–60 seconds. It evaporates without residues and does not require rinsing.

Use it frequently for:

- Mirrors, work surfaces, and glass surfaces
- Outer casings of electrical appliances (clippers, dryers)
- Rapid disinfection of frequently touched surfaces between clients (chair levers, workstation area).

In a busy salon, this short action time helps maintain workflow.

Limitations and risks

Alcohol has no sporicidal action. It does not destroy bacterial and fungal spores.

It may damage plastic, rubber, or synthetic leather surfaces over time. Test the product on a small area before regular use.

Alcohol is a flammable substance, and the risk class requires its strict storage away from heat sources, sparks, or open flames. Dermatologically, frequent use can lead to skin dehydration. It is recommended to use disinfectants formulated with protective agents (emollients) and to regularly apply a moisturizing cream to restore the lipid barrier of the hands at the end of the shift.

Hydrogen peroxide: broad-spectrum disinfectant

How does it work?

Hydrogen peroxide acts through oxidation. It affects the cellular structure of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

For stable results, respect the concentration and contact time indicated. Under certain conditions, it can also act against spores.

Advantages in a barber shop

Peroxide offers a broad spectrum of action. Use it for:

work chairs;
countertops and shelves;
floors;
utensils by immersion, if the label allows.

Peroklin hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant is designed for the disinfection of surfaces and instruments and is applied according to the instructions in the technical documentation.

After use, peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen. It leaves no toxic residues, which makes it suitable for frequently used spaces.