Did you know that 35% to 40% of women in the United States use hair dyes applied at home or by a professional cosmetologist? That’s part of the reason why hairdressers face an unusually high risk of chemical exposure compared to other workers.
The good news is that the hazards associated with the job are completely preventable. All you need is a good pair of disposable gloves.
Here’s why hairdressers and barbers should always wear disposable gloves, and how to choose the best pair of disposable salon gloves.
Why Hairdressers Should Wear Salon Gloves
For many hairdressers and barbers, there’s exactly one significant barrier to gloves: manual dexterity. Your job consists of precisely handling a client’s hair to give a good haircut, which means having the dexterity to handle hair but also avoiding pulling on hair while cutting, washing, and coloring.
Here’s the good news: hair pulling doesn’t have to be a concern. One analysis of glove performance during hairdressing found that 74% of hairdressers and barbers were able to handle their client’s hair without pulling while wearing gloves. If you’re having issues with manual dexterity in your gloves, it’s often because the gloves don’t fit properly or the gloves are too stiff.
In other words, there aren’t a lot of good excuses not to wear gloves--and plenty of great reasons to wear salon gloves. Here are two of them.
Chemical Protection
Every single day, hairdressers are exposed to a variety of harmful chemicals, including:
- Ammonia
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Sodium hydroxide
- Phenylenediamine
- Formaldehyde
Any one of these chemicals can cause skin irritation or even chemical burns if applied to your bare skin and not immediately washed off. Yet these chemicals are also integral to many common hair treatments, like Brazilian straightening treatments. A good pair of salon gloves helps protect your hands so that you can handle your client’s hair without worry.
Puncture Protection
Once you finish coloring and washing hair, you move on to cutting. And that presents a whole different group of hazards.
One way or another, you have to use a variety of sharp objects to trim, shape, and style a client’s hair, from various types of scissors to razors. In this case, you have to think about handling your client’s hair carefully to get the right style, but you also have to avoid cutting your own hands in the process.
The right pair of disposable gloves is the perfect protection for the task. They provide a durable protective layer that can shield your hands against sharp objects while still retaining tactile sensitivity and manual dexterity.
Choosing the Best Hairdressing Gloves
In other words? If you’re not already wearing salon gloves, now is the time to start.
If you’re not wearing gloves yet because you’re not sure how to choose the right glove for the job, no worries! Here’s a quick rundown of how to select the best gloves for hairdressers and barbers.
The Right Material
Your first step is choosing the right glove material. This usually means a choice between three options:
- Nitrile gloves
- Latex gloves
- Vinyl gloves
Nitrile gloves are made of a synthetic rubber copolymer using acrylonitrile and butadiene. This copolymer makes nitrile the strongest of the three, with impressive tensile strength. Nitrile gloves tend to be popular with workers who need durable protection, from dentists to industrial workers.
Latex gloves, on the other hand, have long been popular with surgeons and healthcare workers for their stretchiness and tactile sensitivity. They were once the go-to choice for healthcare, though they’ve declined in popularity these days due to latex allergies.
Vinyl gloves are best for those who need a basic sanitary layer and not much else. This usually means food service workers and others who need a pair of gloves they can put on quickly.
For hairdressers and barbers, nitrile gloves are the winner. Nitrile gloves hold up the best in the face of sharp objects, and unlike latex gloves, there’s no risk of an allergic reaction.
The Right Fit
Since hairdressers and barbers need as much sensitivity and dexterity in their hands as possible, they need a glove that fits properly.
The best way to do that is to measure your hand. That means two measurements: around the widest point of your hand (excluding your thumb), and from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger. If one measurement gives you a larger size, go for the larger one (unless it leaves too much length in your fingers, in which case it’s better to reach for the smaller size).
In addition, since you’re changing gloves frequently between tasks and clients, you should look for a glove that’s designed for frequent application and removal. Look for a stretchy fit over the hand combined with a loose cuff.
The Right Thickness
Last but not least, pay attention to the thickness of your gloves.
As a rule, the thicker the glove, the more durable it is, but the less tactile sensitivity it affords. Industrial workers, for example, use 5 mil to 7 mil nitrile gloves, while healthcare workers, who need more tactile sensitivity, use 3 mil to 5 mil gloves.
Hairdressers and barbers are best served by gloves somewhere between 2 mil to 5 mil, depending on your preference. A 2 mil glove will provide the most sensitivity, while a 5 mil black nitrile glove will provide the best puncture resistance. After that, it’s largely a matter of personal preference.
Why Do Barbers Wear Gloves To Cut Hair?
Barbers wear gloves while cutting hair for several important reasons that enhance both safety and service quality. Gloves help maintain a high level of hygiene by preventing the transfer of germs and bacteria between the barber and the client, which is crucial in a busy barbershop environment where multiple clients are served daily.
Additionally, gloves protect barbers’ hands from potential irritation and allergic reactions caused by various hair products, such as dyes, bleaches, and disinfectants.
Wearing gloves also minimizes the risk of cross-contamination between clients, particularly when dealing with open wounds or skin conditions. Gloves provide a better grip on tools and hair, allowing barbers to work with more precision and control, leading to more accurate and effective haircuts.
Best Gloves For Washing Hair
The best gloves for washing hair are designed to provide comfort, protection, and enhanced grip. These gloves should be made from high-quality, waterproof materials like nitrile or latex to ensure durability and resistance to chemicals found in shampoos and conditioners. A snug fit is essential to maintain dexterity and control, allowing the person washing hair to work efficiently without the gloves slipping off.
Additionally, gloves with textured surfaces can improve grip, making it easier to handle wet hair and bottles. Comfort is also crucial, so choosing gloves with a soft lining can help prevent irritation during prolonged use.
The Best Hairdressing Gloves to Wow Your Beauty Clients
Looking for a great pair of disposable nitrile gloves you can trust to wow your clients every time they sit down for a fresh cut? We offer high-quality nitrile gloves designed for a comfortable fit and easy application, like a classic latex glove (without the risk of an allergic reaction). Better still, you can purchase gloves at a budget-friendly price.
That way, you can keep your attention on what really matters: giving your clients a great experience.
Ready to invest in gloves you can count on every time? We have all your salon gloves needs ranging from hair dye gloves to gloves for nail techs.
Best Gloves for Barbers and Hair Dressers: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to wash hair with gloves?
Yes, it is okay to wash hair with gloves. Many professionals prefer using gloves to protect their hands from harsh chemicals in shampoos and conditioners, prevent skin irritation, and maintain hygiene.
What kind of gloves do hairdressers use?
Hairdressers typically use nitrile or latex gloves. These gloves are chosen for their durability, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals commonly found in hair dyes and treatments. Nitrile gloves are especially popular because they are less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to latex gloves.
What gloves should barbers use?
Barbers should use gloves that provide a good balance of protection, comfort, and dexterity. Nitrile gloves are ideal for barbers as they are durable, chemical-resistant, and offer a snug fit that allows for precise handling of tools and hair. Additionally, they help maintain hygiene by preventing the transfer of bacteria and other contaminants between the barber and clients.
