How do I wear a hairnet?

In production environments with strict hygiene standards, controlling hair loss is essential. Loose hairs and skin flakes can lead to product contamination and may result in rejection, complaints, or audit issues. That is why hairnets are crucial for controlled and hygienic working.

Why correct use is important

In practice, it regularly happens that the hairnet does not fit properly or that hairs still stick out from underneath. This increases the risk of contamination and significantly reduces the effectiveness of the hairnet.

Hairnets are used in sectors such as:

• Food industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Greenhouse and horticulture
• Fish and shellfish processing
• Dairy and cheese industry
• Laboratories
• Healthcare

In addition to covering head hair, hairnets can also help prevent hairpins or hair clips from falling out and ending up in the production process.

The purpose of a hairnet

A hairnet is designed to fully cover head hair and prevent hairs or skin flakes from entering the production process. In the food industry, but also in laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare institutions, wearing hairnets is often mandatory based on HACCP guidelines and internal company rules.

According to the guidelines of the NVWA and the HACCP system, personal hygiene is a fundamental part of food-safe working. Wearing a hairnet correctly directly contributes to limiting physical and microbiological contamination.

How to wear a hairnet correctly

Wearing a hairnet the right way determines its effectiveness. A hairnet worn incorrectly can still allow hairs to escape and therefore increase the hygiene risk.

Correctly applying this method is considered a preventive measure within the HACCP system to prevent physical contamination caused by hair.

Common mistakes when using hairnets

You might not expect it, but using a simple hairnet can be done incorrectly in many ways. This almost completely eliminates its effect and therefore its protection.

Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Wearing a hairnet behind the hairline.
• Long hair is not properly tied back.
• Loose hair or a ponytail visible at the neck.
• Fringe or side hairs sticking out.
• Touching the hairnet with dirty hands.
• Reusing a (disposable) hairnet.
• Not replacing contaminated hairnets immediately.

Wearing a hairnet without additional protection, such as a beard cover when you have facial hair, is also common. This significantly reduces the hygienic effect. Always wear a food-grade certified hairnet for optimal food safety.

• Wash or disinfect your hands before touching the hairnet.
• Remove the hairnet from the packaging or dispenser without unnecessarily touching the inside.
• Hold the hairnet open with both hands and place it over your head from the forehead backwards.
• Make sure all head hair is fully covered, including hair at the temples and the neck.
• Check that the elastic fits properly without being too tight.
• Avoid touching the hairnet as much as possible while working.
• After use, remove the hairnet by holding the outside and dispose of it immediately.

Different sizes and colours

Hairnets are available in various sizes, making them suitable for both short and long hair and for different head shapes. Choosing the right size prevents hairs from sticking out and ensures comfortable use, even during longer workdays.

Hairnets are also available in different colours. Colour coding is widely used to distinguish departments, zones, or roles and supports internal hygiene protocols and traceability. Blue is the standard colour for food safety because it is highly visible in production environments. That is why blue hairnets are the most commonly used in the food industry.

All our hairnets fall under disposable personal protective equipment and are intended for single use. They are latex-free, food-grade (suitable for direct or indirect contact with food), and intended for work environments where hygiene is strictly controlled.

Integrated workplace hygiene

The hairnet is part of a complete set of hygiene measures and is often combined with other personal protective equipment, such as beard covers, face masks, shoe covers, and disposable coveralls. Together, these items help prevent cross-contamination and support compliance with international food safety standards.

Hygienic dispensing of disposable hairnets

In addition to correct use, the way hairnets are stored and dispensed is also important. Store hairnets in a clean, dry dispenser or sealed packaging to prevent contamination. Placing dispensers in changing rooms and at entrances to production zones encourages correct and consistent use.

Within food-producing companies, these measures align with requirements from standards such as BRCGS Food Safety, where personal hygiene and suitable head protection are explicitly included.