How to avoid getting arm hair in food?
Sorry if this question is slightly gross.
I happen to have a significant amount of hair on my arms and the back of my hands. When preparing food using my hands (e.g. kneading dough), sometimes hair gets in the food. How can I avoid this? What would a serious / professional cook do?
Would they wear gloves and long sleeves? Would they shave their arms? Are there other approaches?
Best Answer
I have a similarly hairy hand/arm issue. I scrub my hands and arms quite roughly with soap, hot water and scouring pad prior to any prep. In an effort to remove any lose hairs before giving them a chance to get in any food. Suffice to say I've never noticed any hair in any of my food.
Gloves may help stop any hand hair's getting in there but I can't see how a long sleeved top would, all you'll end up with is dirty cuff's. If it really does get bad just clingfilm your arms ;-)
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How do you stop your hair from going into food?
You can prevent hair in food by wearing the right attire, like gloves and a hair restraint. Wear the proper hair restraints when working with or around food to prevent it from getting in the food!How do you keep your arm hair down?
Trim longer arm hair as needed If your arm hair is long and thick, consider trimming it down with an electric razor, trimmer or a pair of scissors before using a razor to shave.Do chefs have to cover hair?
Chefs can have long hair but must ensure it is tied back when working with food. The food standards agency also advises that a hair net or hat be worn, although this is not always followed for several reasons.Why do you need to tie your hair back when cooking?
If hair is not tied back or covered, it is more likely to fall into food and staff are more likely to touch their hair. This can spread bacteria to food, especially if it is unwrapped.HAIRY ARMS?! Don't shave, do this instead!
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Answer 2
To add in to @Doug's answer, Chef garbs may also help, with the long, loose sleeves. The fabric is usually a bit rough which may help catch some of the hairs.
Answer 3
A simpler solution than Doug's scrubbing, but you might have luck just brushing or rubbing at your hands and arms prior to cooking, so that any loose hairs can be shaken off before you begin cooking. Hairs seem to shed rather slowly, if all the loose-ish hairs are knocked off prior to cooking I would expect it to be unlikely for there to be more loose enough to fall (without intervention) within the hour or two cooking a dish usually takes.
Alternatively, you might have some luck rubbing oil or cream on your hands and arms a bit before cooking. It would encourage loose hairs to be shaken off before cooking begins, much like brushing, and it may also let your skin stay a bit moister, the better to catch stray hairs or perhaps prevent them from coming loose as quickly.
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