Street grooming raises hepatitis concerns

RAWALPINDI:

The traditional practice of open-air barbers operating with a single chair in busy labour areas and neighbourhood streets is not only declining but is also being blamed for spreading diseases including hepatitis.

These barbers can still be found in markets, workshops, goods transport stands and general bus terminals, though the older tradition of door-to-door services has nearly disappeared. Open-air roadside grooming continues in some busy areas, largely due to lower rates.

Haircuts cost Rs150–200 and shaving Rs100, compared to Rs500–1,000 for haircuts and Rs300–450 for shaving in salons. Facial treatments cost Rs300–500 roadside versus Rs1,500 in larger shops.

Medical experts warn that using contaminated blades can spread hepatitis, TB and even cancer. If a blade used on a cancer patient is reused, the disease could be transmitted.

Raja Shakeel, a roadside barber at Committee Chowk, said he inherited the trade from his father and has worked for 13 years. He claimed tools are cleaned with hot water and each blade is used only once, adding that criticism is due to their poverty and inability to afford shops.

Another barber, Uzair Ahmed at District Courts, said he has worked for 10 years without complaints of disease transmission and challenged comparisons with larger salons.