Tinea capitis : 5 advices for barbers to prevent the ringworm

You're a barber and you think tinea capitis might be a problem for you? Fear not. By following our five simple tips, you can ensure the health of your instruments and the satisfaction of your customers. Thanks to our recommendations, you'll also be able to extend the life of your blades and the clipper itself.

We know that getting the best and longest use out of your clippers and trimmers blades is important. That’s why Wahl tools and cleaning products are an investment in your career and your customers.

Summary

Tinea capitis: definition, symptoms, causes, and solutions
Tinea capitis: how barbers can avoid it?

Tinea capitis: definition, symptoms, causes and solutions

What is a tinea capitis?

You've heard of tinea capitis but don't know what it is? Don't worry, we'll explain it to you. In English we also call it the ringworm and it is a fungal infection on the scalp. It mostly affects young children, leads to distinctive rashes, typically red and itchy. This disease can be treated without any complications with the recommendations of a doctor. Also, if you already had it, you can’t catch it second time.

How do you identify ringworm? Tinea capitis symptoms are easily recognizable when the infection targets the scalp. The main ones are:

hair loss
bald patches

Less frequently, tinea capitis may also cause:

peeling
inflammation
pain and fever (in some cases)

Now that you know the symptoms, you'll be able to spot the first signs more easily. That way, you can treat the infection more quickly.

What are the Tinea capitis causes?

Tinea capitis or scalp ringworm is a fungal infection commonly occurring in hot and humid climates. It thrives in conditions where skin remains frequently wet, such as from sweating. In these cases, it’s easily evitable. However, this infection is contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or pet. It can also be transmitted by touching contaminated objects like:

combs
razors
clothing
other surfaces that haven't been properly disinfected

In recent years, specialists from the Spanish Academy of Dermatology have noted a significant increase in tinea capitis cases among teenagers. This rise is mainly attributed to the use of inadequately sanitized blades and other grooming tools. Proper sanitation measures are crucial to prevent it from spreading. That's why we've come up with tips to keep your tools clean. If you follow them, you won't have any problems with ringworm.

Tinea capitis treatment: how does it work?

If you think one of your clients might have it, do not scare them. There is a solution. How to treat tinea capitis at home? There are suitable shampoos that help with the treatment, but before they buy anything, you need to suggest that they see a doctor. Only a health professional can make recommendations on how to treat tinea capitis.

It's important to note that there's no need to shave the head or cut the hair as part of the treatment for scalp ringworm.

Tinea capitis: how barbers can avoid it?

As the world's leading manufacturer in barber tools, WAHL recommends that the proper cleaning and care of hair clippers is an essential part of salon hygiene measures.

How is clipper blade set care carried out?

Here you will find a summary with the most important care and hygiene tips for you.

Hair clippers and especially their blade sets must be cleaned thoroughly after each customer.
Use our care and cleaning products, such as our Blade-Ice Spray, Cleaning Spray and Blade Oil. They have been specially developed for our Wahl blades.
Our Blade-Ice Spray is a highly effective 4in1 spray. It provides instant cooling, oiling, cleaning and corrosion protection for the blade set and can be also used during clipping.
Our special Blade Oil provides lubrication for your blades and makes sure they always run smoothly.
Cleaning Spray keeps your blades clean, if you use it with a close you will also remove manually most of the bacteria.

Pro Tip: Some of our blade sets are removable. They can be detached with one click which makes the cleaning even quicker and easier. Our Diamond Blade Set for clippers and trimmers is also washable and rustproof. It allows you to run an immersion bath in a biocide product for 100% disinfection.

The right steps to keep your blades clean from scalp ringworm

First of all, before cutting your customers' hair, you should examine the scalp for diseases. This will avoid contaminating your tools.

Remove hair from the blade set with a cleaning brush (depending on the appliance type, remove the detachable blade set) - for thorough cleaning, also spray Blade-Ice onto and through the side of the blade set.
Remember that some of our blades are detachable without any tools. Some, like the fixed ones should not be removed, as this often creates problems when you put them on again. To clean them, you should adapt to 0 overlap. Check your tool packaging or our product page to know what kind of blade you have.
Clean with the Cleaning Spray: switch off the machine and simply spray the Cleaning Spray onto the blade set. Then wipe the blade set with a soft, clean cloth.
Use five drops of the Special Blade oil to lubricate the blade set (top and sides).
Put the blade again on the clipper/trimmer and switch it on. Wait ten seconds (depending on the tool type, place the blade set back on the clipper/trimmer beforehand) to ensure that the oil is distributed properly.
Remove any oil residue from the clipper/trimmer and blade set with a soft cloth.