Barbicide is a disinfectant solution used by barbers and cosmetologists for disinfecting grooming tools such as combs and hair-cutting shears. Manufactured by King Research, it was invented in 1947 by Maurice King and marketed heavily around the United States by his brother James.
Hair salons and barbershops swear by Barbicide, the blue solution you see combs and brushes soaking in on the counter. The salon staple has been around since the 1940s, and luckily it's available at any beauty supply store.
Fill your sink or a bucket with either one part ammonia and four parts warm water, or one part vinegar to four parts water. Leave your brush or comb to soak for about 10 minutes. Give it a thorough rinse to flush out the cleaning solution. Let it air dry, and you're good to go.
As an alternative to Barbicide, you can use disinfectant powders like Peroxill. This kind of disinfectant is commonly used for medical devices, but it works perfectly for disinfecting your cosmetic tools too. Peracetic acid, the active agent of Peroxill powder, acts on the membranes, DNA, and other human components.
BARBICIDE® concentrate is mixed correctly by adding 2 oz (1/4 cup) concentrate to 32 oz (4 cups) of cold water. BARBICIDE® TB concentrate is mixed correctly by adding 1 oz (2 tbsp) of concentrate to 128 oz (1 gallon) of cold water. Note: BARBICIDE® TB should only be used in states where it is required.
Its active ingredient is alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (5.12% by volume); sodium nitrite and blue dye are also present. Barbicide is sold as a concentrate diluted for use in a ratio of 2 oz. of Barbicide concentrate mixed into 32 oz.
Signs and symptoms: Inhalation – May cause respiratory irritation. May cause headache, nausea, dizziness and other symptoms of central nervous system depression. Signs and symptoms: Ingestion – Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The proper ratio is 2 oz. (or ¼ cup) of Barbicide Concentrate mixed into 32 oz. of water (4 cups). This is the proper dilution, so you can kill all the pathogens listed on the EPA registered label (For a full list see the product label).
FAQ: How often should I change my Barbicide solution? A: EVERYDAY! Also when contaminated or diluted incorrectly!
The tools must remain immersed in the Barbicide solution for 10 minutes in order for it to be effective. No less and no longer than 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the tools from the solution and rinse them with water. Remember to change your gloves before removing the tools from the solution.
You can also use a sanitizer box like the Fanta Sea UV Sterilization Box. This ultraviolet sterilizer can be used to sterilize brushes, combs, manicure implements and other salon tools - just place your tools inside, set your timer and remove them once the time is up.
BARBICIDE® is known worldwide as the ultimate product for EPA registered disinfection in salons, barbershops and spas. The iconic blue liquid is trusted and effective earning its reputation for creating a safe and clean salon.
Comb the brushes thoroughly to remove loose hairs, then soak the brushes and combs in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of shampoo per cup of water. Let them soak for 30 to 60 minutes, then rinse well in hot water. Baking soda is a workhorse around the house.
Pour a half cup of vinegar into a half cup of warm water and mix. Soak your hair combs for 15-20 minutes. Vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant and will allow your hair combs to become free of dust, dirt, and germs.
Combs and brushes as well as any other implements used on clients in a salon must be disinfected after every single use. Keeping all hair styling tools properly disinfected is key for the safety of all salon clients.
Soak them fully in Barbicide solution after each client. However, we donotadvise leaving tweezers in Barbicide for extended periods of time (over 3 hours), which can affect the enamel of your tweezers.
Undiluted bleach can cause severe damage to your skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract. Mixing bleach with anything other than water can create gasses that may be fatal. For example, mixing chlorine (disinfecting) bleach with vinegar or any ammonia based product can create a very dangerous and potentially fatal gas.
A clinical hand sanitiser which is effective against viruses and bacteria. Contains 70% alcohol.
Signs and symptoms: Skin – May cause severe irritation. Symptoms may include burning, redness, edema, drying, defatting and cracking of the skin. Signs and symptoms: Eyes – May cause severe irritation and damage. Potential Chronic Health Effects: None known Mutagenicity: Not hazardous by OSHA/WHMIS criteria.
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures Personal precautions Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Use personal protective equipment as required.
*Skin Contact * Eye Contact *Ingestion *Inhalation Carcinogenicity: NO ingredients listed as carcinogens by the NTP (National Toxicology Program) or the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) or regulated by OSHA. Health Hazards: Irritating to skin and eyes.
Once you've scrubbed your equipment, put on a pair of latex gloves and place your tools in the barbicide solution to let them soak for 10 minutes. This amount of time will make sure all pathogens are eradicated.