Alaska Barber Certification Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Certification!

To ensure safety and hygiene in barbering practices, a new blade must be sterilized before it is used for shaving. Sterilization procedures eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, thereby greatly reducing the risk of infections or cross-contamination between clients.

Using a new blade without sterilization can pose significant health risks, as even new blades can come into contact with contaminants during packaging. Many barbers and health regulations mandate that any tool or blade that contacts the skin must be sterilized to uphold public health standards, especially in settings that provide personal care services.

Additionally, simply disinfecting with soap and water does not achieve the same level of safety as proper sterilization. While environmental cleaning is important, it does not suffice for tools that will pierce or come into contact with the skin. Therefore, to maintain high standards of hygiene, sterilization is a critical step before utilizing a new blade for shaving.