Barbicide

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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. [1]

Barbicide is a United States Environmental Protection Agency–approved combination germicide, pseudomonacide, fungicide, and a viricide effective against HIV-1, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Its active ingredient is alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (5.12% by volume); sodium nitrite and blue dye are also present. [2]

Barbicide is sold as a concentrate diluted for use in a ratio of 2 ounces (57 g) of Barbicide concentrate mixed into 32 ounces (910 g) of water, [3] with each stylist having a container for treating their own tools.

At one time, several US states legally required barber shops to use Barbicide and according to the maker, two states continued to in 1997. [1] A jar of Barbicide sits on display in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Martin, Douglas (1997-06-22). "The Smithsonian Celebrates Barbicide, A Barbershop Germ Killer Born in Brooklyn". The New York Times . p. 2. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
  2. "US EPA, Pesticide Product Label, BARBICIDE, 04/06/2015" (PDF). EPA. April 6, 2015. p. 2.
  3. Barbicide FAQ