Policy Text
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/01/2 2, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Clara County Office of the
Sheriff Incarcerated Person Grooming - 1 Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff
Custody Policy Manual
Incarcerated Person Grooming
607.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to allow incarcerated persons freedom in personal grooming, except
when a legitimate government interest justifies the development of grooming standards based on
court orders, classification designation, work status, safety and security, or health and hygiene.
607.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff to allow incarcerated persons
freedom in personal grooming, provided their appearance does not conflict with safety,
security, identification, or hygiene requirements within the jail facilities. The Assistant Sheriff of
Custody Operations or the authorized designee shall establish grooming standards specific to
classification, work status, safety and security needs, and health and hygiene considerations. Any
established standards shall not unreasonably interfere with religious observances. Refer to the
Religious Programs Policy for further guidance on religious accommodations related to grooming.
Access to hair care services, personal care items, grooming equipment used to maintain personal
hygiene, showers, wash basins (sinks), and toilet facilities shall not be denied to an incarcerated
person for punitive reasons.
607.3 HAIR CARE SERVICES
The Facility Captain or the authorized designee shall establish written procedures governing the
provision of hair care services, including service schedules (15 CCR 1267). Incarcerated persons
whose appearance is significantly altered by a change in hairstyle or facial hair may be required
to submit to additional booking photographs.
607.3.1 HAIRCUTS
Except for individuals who may not alter their appearance due to court -ordered identification
requirements, incarcerated persons shall receive hair -cutting services at least once per month,
subject to established jail facility rules. Hair -cutting services may be temporarily suspended if an
incarcerated person poses a danger to themself or others, or if such suspension is necessary to
maintain the safety and security of the jail facility. Haircuts may be mandatory if hair length, style,
or condition presents a health, sanitation, or security concern.
607.3.2 SHAVING
Except for individuals who may not shave due to court -ordered identification requirements,
incarcerated persons shall be allowed to shave daily. If an incarcerated person is restricted by
a court order from significantly altering their appearance, sworn staff may deny them access to razors. Access to razors may also be denied if an incarcerated person poses a danger to themself
or others, or if such access jeopardizes the safety and security of the jail facility. Policy
607
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Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff
Custody Policy Manual
Incarcerated Person Grooming
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/01/2 2, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Clara County Office of the
Sheriff Incarcerated Person Grooming - 2
607.4 PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
Incarcerated persons are expected to maintain appropriate personal hygiene using approved
personal care items. Upon assignment to a housing unit, each incarcerated person shall be issued
a personal hygiene kit at no cost. Essential hygiene items, including soap and toilet paper, shall be provided as needed or upon request. Menstruating incarcerated persons shall be provided
sanitary napkins, panty liners, and tampons upon request wi th no maximum allowance (15 CCR
1265).
Incarcerated persons with funds in their individual money accounts may purchase additional
personal care items through commissary. Indigent incarcerated persons may request hygiene items as needed to maintain an acceptable level of personal hygiene.
Incarcerated persons shall not be denied access to personal care items, nor shall they be required
to share items intended for individual use.
607.5 GROOMING EQUIPMENT
Grooming equipment shall be inventoried and inspected by sworn staff at the beginning of each shift and prior to being issued to incarcerated persons. Sworn staff shall ensure that all equipment
is returned and accounted for by the end of their shift. Any damaged or missing equipment shall
be addressed in accordance with established procedures.
Grooming equipment shall be disinfected before and after each use using methods approved by
the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, in compliance with Title 16, Sections 979 and
980 of the California Code of Regulations (15 CCR 1267(c)). Approved cleaning methods include,
but are not limited to:
• Removing all visible debris
• Cleaning tools with soap and water
• Immersing non- electrical equipment in disinfectant
• Spraying or wiping electrical equipment with disinfectant
• Storing disinfected equipment in designated clean, covered containers
Disinfectant solution shall be changed according to the manufacturer's instructions or whenever
it becomes cloudy or contains debris. The solution shall be stored in covered containers with
clearly labeled instructions for use and the appropriate Environmental Protection Agency (