Sounds like a beginning of a wacky joke, but in reality, it is a very serious topic. Being a hairstylist doesn't sound like a particularly risky job and most people consider it to be rather laid back - until they try to spend eight hours on their feet bending over someone’s head themselves. What are the most common health issues hairdressers experience and what can you do to protect yourself against the negative effects of your profession?
Number one topic of all hairdressers’ discussions. Sore feet or legs are a problem that every stylist experiences, at least to some extent. They complain about swollen feet, muscle cramps and eventually, varicose veins. Standing for hours affects both the musculoskeletal and circulatory systems. Therefore, after years of working in this slumped position, hairdressers experience not only orthopaedic but also vascular problems. How can you avoid this situation? Learn to support your weight on both feet When standing, we tend to lean to one side, which usually doesn’t cause problems, as on a daily basis we move so often. The situation is different when your job requires standing for a few hours at a time. Learn to stand in a light hitch, supporting your weight on both feet. Moreover, change your position frequently. Climb on your toes, move your feet, make little steps, walk up to an item even though you could simply reach for it. Your legs will thank you later. Invest in a pair of good shoes Forget about high heels! Leave them for a Friday night out. Wear flat shoes with no more than a two-inch heel. Perfect ones should have wide toe box, shock absorbing outsoles, heel and arch support, good padding, and most importantly - they should fit you like a glove. A pair of specialistic insoles can also do the trick. However, if your foot problem is particularly severe, contact your orthopaedist and follow their recommendation. Use a rubber mat in your workspace Hard, concrete floors may be a trendy fashion statement for your salon, but they are also a living hell for your feet. Cover the area around your client's chair with a special mat - it will not only help cushion your feet but also prevent you from slipping.
Standing a whole day and bending over someone’s head stresses your entire body - that’s why your spine starts yelling for help. Horrible back and neck pain is the bread and butter of every stylist. It is usually caused by straining the muscles or ligaments, pressure on the intervertebral discs or even nerve compression or entrapment. If things are getting out of hand, don’t hesitate and contact a specialist - your spine is too precious to risk it! And how can you help reduce these pains? Get regular massages Massage therapists can determine your specific problem and not only give you a good pampering session, but also a few tips on how to lessen the pain on a daily basis. Massages will also help you to relax and unwind, and believe me - you deserve this. Exercise Moderate exercises, such as yoga and targeted stretching techniques will be the best here. A well-stretched body can handle your everyday challenges much better than a tired one. Ask your therapist for a recommendation on the best training routine! Buy yourself a side chair Yes, most stylists prefer to work standing, we understand that. But having your hands on a more appropriate level might alleviate the common shoulder blade problem. Versatile working stools can help raise you to the convenient level so that your shoulders will have some rest. At least give it a try!
When your most important tool is a pair of scissors, you are most likely sentenced to experience hand strain. Hairdressers are also prone to develop a very painful ailment of the nerves and muscles in the hand called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Once again, if you experience constant pain that is very severe or other alarming symptoms, contact a specialist. And for your daily struggles: Take breaks Take every possible moment to stretch yourself a little. If you can set your schedule, don’t plan two very busy days in a row. Give your body some time to regenerate. Use your non-dominant hand for less detailed work Give your favoured hand a break and learn to do tasks that don’t require maximum effort with your non-dominant hand. You need all your precision when doing a cut, but holding a hairdryer is a different story. It may feel bizarre first few times, but you will quickly get used to it and your hands will feel much better. Invest in ergonomically correct tools You are a professional, so I’m sure I probably don’t have to tell you this, but always use tools that are of good quality. If you are left-handed, purchase a pair of scissors designed for your use. One of the characteristics of well-designed tools is that they are comfortable to work with and lessen the effect of hand strain. They may be more expensive, but are worth every penny - you shouldn’t try to save money on your health and well-being.
You deal with an excessive amount of harsh chemicals every day. From bleaches, dyes and neutralisers to keratin treatments and perm formulas and both your skin and respiratory system have a lot to bear. Even good old hair sprays can be dangerous when used excessively - and you are surely using a lot of it. What can you do to protect yourself? Provide proper ventilation Make sure your salon is well-ventilated. You, your employees and clients deserve that breeze of fresh air - however, it is not only about feeling comfortable. Ammonia in hair colour and formaldehyde found in many popular keratin treatments can cause serious respiratory issues, starting from coughs to nasal and throat irritation which increase the risk of lung cancer. Also, keep dispenser bottles closed - it may seem like a small thing, but this will prevent the irritating components from mixing with the air. Wear gloves Contact with shampoos and other chemicals may cause irritant contact dermatitis which occurs when physical or chemical damage exceeds the skin’s ability to repair. Unfortunately, even excessive contact with water can lead to irritant skin damage and sensitisation - buy yourself a jar of good hand cream and keep your hands moisturized between appointments. Observe your body’s reactions It is crucial to keep in touch with your own body. Specific chemicals in various hair products may cause certain conditions. Here is a short list of them:
Be mindful about your health. Your job is important, but your well-being is a priority. Be conscious about the state of health of your employees as well - if one of them observes sensitivity to a certain chemical, tag it in your Booksy system. This way you will be able to control the exposure to irritating ingredient by scheduling this stylist to treatments that don't require using this chemical. Also, whenever you or one of your crew members have trouble with any kind of strain injuries, you can also control their schedule within the system. This will really help with keeping the working environment healthy. Ensure you’re getting regular annual checkups, stay hydrated, let some fresh air into your salon and get your Booksy software today!
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