HIV from a shared comb/hair cutting machine

Q: I have lot of dandruff and because of this I got into the habit of removing white flakes from my scalp. I am in doubt after seeing some red spots (though no blood came out) because of this as I went to a barber for a hair cut. He used a comb and hair cutting machine and while combing I feel some pain. As many people visit the barber and he uses a common comb and hair cutting machine, I am worried about contracting HIV infection after a hair cut.

A:There is no significant risk of acquiring HIV from a shared comb/hair cutting machine. The virus is not likely to remain viable on these surfaces. Also, the risk of infection from an inflamed scalp is minimal. Testing can be done on 2 occasions - 3 months apart