What is a Balaclava Hood?

What is a Balaclava hood?

A balaclava in the food industry is the superior way to control hair contamination. Containing hair is an ongoing concern and finding a solution that works for you and your team is critical.

A balaclava is essentially a hood that fits over the head leaving an opening for the mouth, eyes and nose. There are a few varieties of balaclavas, this includes colour, size, thickness, with and without a mask, shape and finish.

The most popular being the elastic edged finish - this means the balaclava sits closely around the face and stray hairs are neatly contained.

Another advantage is the all-in-one containment. A balaclava can often substitute for both a hairnet as well as a beard net. This helps reduce costs, even though a balaclava should be replaced between shifts like an ordinary hairnet, limiting the volume required therefore creates cost efficiencies for the business.

Another consideration is comfort; finding the right balance of strength and lightweight material is important. These products are generally an all-day worn requirement, so not only is hair containment a factor but also comfort. The lightweight breathable material helps with air flow and ensures your team don’t get too hot. A balaclava covers more of the face compared to a hairnet, so lightweight is often preferred.

The integrity of the hairnet must not be compromised. While colour, size and even thickness are things we are familiar with, the shape of the balaclava often determines the quality. A balaclava that is designed ergonomically to fit around the head, is significantly more comfortable. Incorporating a crown design provides enough additional shaping to help the product stay in place.

One of the reasons a balaclava is considered an advanced option is the length. A balaclava is typically tucked into the collar, meaning there is no possibility for hair to escape.

Balaclavas have become increasingly popular, as they both satisfy Auditors needs and comfort for the worker. The varying options means that you can find the ideal fit for your team.