All nail technicians, hair stylists and barbers operating in the Territory are reminded that they are required to be certified or licenced in order to operate.

Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mrs. Yolanda Penn stated that the Public Health Act/Regulations of 1977 empowers the Environmental Health Division to carry out the inspection of business of barbers, hairdressers and beauticians.

“All precautions must be taken to ensure no spread of head lice and fungal infections,” Mrs. Penn said, adding that all tools including combs, brushes and clippers must be disinfected after each use and or stored in disinfectant solution when not in use.

The Acting Chief further stated that grooming items that may have fallen on the floor while in use must also be disinfected before further use. In addition, stylists must wash their hands after eating and before servicing clients.

Stylists and barbers are to display their certificate or licence in a visible location in the salon or shop. Patrons are advised to solicit service from licenced stylists.

“We want to ensure that salons are doing all in their power to mitigate fungal infections and other diseases that persons are more vulnerable to in salons and barber shops,” Mrs. Penn said.

The Environmental Health Division is committed to ensuring that all aspects of the environment with the potential to negatively impact health are managed efficiently to enable all persons in the BVI to attain and maintain optimal health and social well-being.