Overview
EN ISO 374-6:2025 - Protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms - Part 6: Protective gloves for hairdressers (ISO 374-6:2025) specifies requirements and test methods for protective gloves for hairdressers. Published by CEN/ISO in 2025, the standard defines terms and sets performance, marking and information requirements aimed at reducing risks from dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms encountered in hairdressing (e.g., during colouring, bleaching, shampooing and disinfecting).
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard focuses on practical performance and conformity elements, including:
- Scope and terminology: Definitions specific to hairdressing glove use and references to the ISO 374 series.
- Performance requirements:
- Mechanical strength (tear, abrasion and tensile considerations) and general durability requirements.
- Resistance to micro-organisms to limit biological contamination risk.
- Permeation requirements to assess chemical penetration through glove materials.
- Glove length and design features appropriate for salon tasks.
- Removable surface powder determination (relevant for salon hygiene and user comfort).
- Test methods: Detailed procedures for conditioning, sampling and testing mechanical strength, permeation and microbial resistance.
- Marking and information: Mandatory markings and manufacturer information to support correct selection and safe use.
- Regulatory linkage: Includes an informative Annex ZA mapping to Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (Personal Protective Equipment), providing a voluntary means to demonstrate conformity within the limits of the standard.
Applications and who uses it
EN ISO 374-6:2025 is intended for:
- Glove manufacturers and product designers creating gloves tailored to hairdressing tasks.
- Procurement professionals in salons, chains and training institutions selecting PPE that meets chemical and microbiological safety needs.
- Test laboratories performing conformity testing (mechanical, permeation, microbial).
- Regulatory and compliance teams using the standard as part of documentation to demonstrate conformity with EU PPE requirements (where applicable).
- Salon health & safety officers and trainers developing PPE policies and worker guidance.
Practical benefits include improved user safety, consistent product labeling, and clearer selection criteria for gloves used in routine and professional hairdressing operations.
Related standards
EN ISO 374-6:2025 is part of the ISO 374 series and references related standards, notably:
Keywords: EN ISO 374-6:2025, protective gloves for hairdressers, hairdresser gloves, chemical resistance, micro-organisms, PPE, permeation, mechanical strength.
