Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves are used to protect hands from contamination, chemicals, and bacteria in a wide range of environments. They are commonly used in healthcare, food handling, cleaning, beauty, automotive, and industrial settings.

Nitrile gloves are often preferred because they are latex-free, reducing the risk of allergic reactions, and offer higher resistance to chemicals and punctures. Latex gloves provide better flexibility but may not be suitable for all users. The HSE advises against latex gloves in hairdressing for this reason, which is why powder-free nitrile is the standard choice for salons, nail technicians and beauticians.

Powder-free gloves do not contain cornstarch powder, making them safer for sensitive skin and reducing the risk of contamination. They are commonly used in medical and food environments.

Yes. Our medical examination gloves are designed for healthcare settings, including GP surgeries, dental practices, care homes and clinics. Look for gloves certified to EN455, the European standard for medical gloves, which covers freedom from holes, strength and safety for skin contact. Browse our full range of gloves for healthcare, and check each product page for the standards it meets.

Many disposable gloves are food-safe and suitable for food handling, particularly nitrile and vinyl options. Always check that the gloves are approved for food contact use.

Some gloves, particularly nitrile gloves, offer protection against certain chemicals. However, protection levels vary, so it's important to check the chemical resistance rating for your specific application.

The HSE recommends hairdressers wear disposable, powder-free, non-latex gloves, such as nitrile or vinyl, for all wet work, including shampooing, rinsing, colouring and bleaching. A longer cuff protects the wrists and can be folded down to stop water running inside. Our Skytec TX630 longer-cuff black nitrile gloves match this guidance.

Nitrile. It resists the chemicals in colour, bleach and developer better than vinyl, so it lasts through a full appointment, and it's latex-free for clients and staff with allergies. Black nitrile is the salon favourite because it doesn't show colour stains. See our Skytec TX524 black nitrile gloves.

Vinyl is fine for short, low-risk tasks such as shampooing or applying conditioner, and it's a lower-cost latex-free option. For colouring, bleaching or perming, nitrile gives much better chemical resistance and fewer glove changes.