Studies show that shaving causes multiple skin abrasions that later may become infected. In a randomized study of 1,980 adult patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries, Ko, et al (1992), reported a significantly higher rate of infection among patients who were shaved with a razor than those who had hair removal by electric clippers before skin incision. In another randomized trial of 200 patients undergoing elective inguinal herniorraphy, Balthazar, et al (1982), concluded that hair removal with electric clippers immediately prior to the procedures “did not increase the risk of postoperative wound infection” (p. 799). In a systematic literature review by Kjonniksen, et al (2002), there was no strong evidence to contraindicate preoperative hair removal; however, there was strong evidence against hair removal with a razor. This review recommended depilatory or electric clippers immediately prior to surgery when hair removal was required. Alexander, et al (1983), reported that clippers, used on the morning of surgery, resulted in reduced surgical site infections and healthcare expenditures.

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• Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)

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• Kjonniksen I, Andersen BM, Sondenaa VG, et al. Preoperative hair removal-a systematic literature review. AORN J. 2002 May;75 (5):928-938,940. PMID:12063942.
• Ko W, Lazenby WD, Zelano JA, et al. Effects of shaving methods and intraoperative irrigation on suppurative mediastinitis after bypass operations. Ann Thorac Surg. 1992 Feb;53 (2):301-305. PMID: 1731672.
• Alexander, JW. Influence of hair removal methods on wound infections. Archives of Surgery Vol 118, March 1983. PMID: 6824435.
• Balthazar ER, Colt JD, Nichols RL. Preoperative hair removal: a random prospective study of shaving versus clipping. South Med J. 1982 Jul:75(7): 799-801. PMID: 7089645.

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