Barber-Shop Clippers Carry Blood and HBV Risk, South African Study Warns — Implications for Zimbabwe

A South African study finds blood contamination and Hepatitis B DNA on barber clippers, warning of infection risks in clean-shave haircuts and highlighting urgent hygiene and vaccination needs for Zimbabwe (image source)

A University of Cape Town study led by Professor Nonhlanhla Khumalo found widespread blood contamination on barber clippers and detectable Hepatitis B (HBV) DNA, highlighting a real transmission risk in clean-shave haircuts common across southern Africa.

Published in the South African Medical Journal (November 2025), the study sampled one clipper from each of 50 barbers after clean-shave haircuts and tested rinses for haemoglobin beta (a blood marker), HIV and HBV using PCR methods. Forty-two percent of clippers were positive for haemoglobin beta, confirming blood contamination; 8% tested positive for HBV, and two samples yielded HBV DNA on qualitative PCR.

Although HIV was not detected on the sampled clippers, the researchers emphasised that HBV DNA levels were sufficient to pose a transmission risk, and that “invisible bleeding” micro-injuries not noticed by barbers or clients can enable blood-to-tool-to-blood exposure. The study also reported an association between visible haircut bleeding and higher HIV prevalence among men in the cohort, with an odds ratio of 2.51, underscoring bleeding as a marker of exposure risk.

(image source)

Many Zimbabwean barbershops use similar clean-shave techniques and informal hygiene practices. Key interventions should include mandatory barber training on sterilisation, routine disinfection of clippers (or single-use guards), public awareness campaigns about bleeding risks, and expanded HBV vaccination and screening in high-risk communities.

Regulators and health ministries are urged to prioritise practical, low-cost measures — clipper disinfection protocols, visible hygiene signage in shops, and accessible vaccination — to reduce transmission risk.