Dear editor, Beauty professionals and salon operators should understand that HIV is not a virus you catch only from sexual relations with an infected person. Furthermore, while there is currently no cure for HIV, it can be prevented by education, acknowledging its existence and changes in behaviour. When you sit down to have your fingernails done or your hair cut, you’re probably more worried about catching the potentially the deadly disease (HIV/AIDS). There is no doubt that Nail and hair salons may be a source of blood-borne diseases like HIV/AIDS.A client in a salon may have an injury to the cuticles, a cut in the nail folds, or could have bled when calluses were removed too deeply. A hair cutter could have accidentally nicked his client. Customers might have open areas or cracks in their scalps. Crusts and scales can attach to combs and brushes and easily transmit infection or infestation to the next unwitting patron. The invisible blood stains can easily transmit HIV/AIDS. Generally, Infection can occur during hairdressing procedures. Items such as razors, scissors, combs, clippers and hairpins can accidentally penetrate the skin. Blood and body fluids do not have to be visible on instruments, equipment or working surfaces for infection to be transmitted. Both clients and operators are at risk. Musanze
