While doing hair isn’t a contact sport, injuries attached to it might suggest otherwise.
Research has proven what we all know: stylists and barbers are at high risk of work-related physical problems. One of the most frequently cited studies on the issue documented hundreds of beauty and grooming professionals reporting occupational injuries within a 12-month period.
The most common: lower back (76%), shoulder (60%), neck (58%), hand/ wrist (53%), foot (44%) and knee (41%).
The beauty industry has been catching up, incorporating posture techniques and wellness info into cosmetology curriculums, designing ergonomic pro tools, and other improvements. Still, preventing injuries falls largely on the salon professional.
Below are the five most impactful things stylists and barbers can do to keep aches and pains at bay.
1. Correct Your Posture
Poor posture is behind many injuries common in the beauty industry. Here are ways to stop the slouch.
- Especially for those with bad habits (like a tendency to stand with body weight stacked on one foot), doing "posture checks" throughout the day is a habit worth forming. Recurring timers or alarms may be needed at first as reminders to self-check posture.
- Some stylists swear by posture-correcting orthopedic garments (and even corsets or shapewear) to prevent rounded shoulders and hunched backs.
- When behind the chair, keep the client’s hair at eye level. Use an adjustable salon chair to move the client up or down as needed. Or, sit on an adjustable cutting stool. Check out salon educator Andrew Carruthers’ tutorial below on proper posture for stylists.
2. Optimize Your Station
A couple of tweaks can make a big difference throughout the day.
- Cut down on excessive bending and reaching during services by keeping tools, color bowls, and other necessities at elbow height and within 12-15 inches. An adjustable tray or trolley is a sound investment.
- Organize tools and products so the ones you use most often are closest to you.
- Sharpen your shears! Dull shears require even more repetitive hand movements.
3. Use Ergonomic Pro Tools
When investing in salon or barbershop tools, choose versions designed to prevent injuries common among hair professionals.
The two most game-changing developments in pro tools have been offset thumb or swivel shears that prevent hand and wrist issues, plus ultra-lightweight clippers, hair dryers, and other hot tools. The best versions of the latter pack a ton of power for reduced styling time, without the heaviness that creates arm and shoulder strain.
Ergonomic hair and color brushes are on the list as well — they’re light and sturdy, glide effortlessly through hair, and have cushioned handles that fit comfortably gripped in the palm. (Short or slim handles put undue pressure on fingers and joints).
Top Rated Ergonomic Tools for Stylists & Barbers
- Clipper: Andis Envy II
- Curling Iron: Olivia Garden Titanium + ion
- Dryer (Barber): Wahl Vanquish
- Dryer (Stylist): GA.MA IQ3 Perfetto
- Flat Iron: BabyLiss PRO Nano Titanium 1” Ultra Thin
- Hair Brushes: KareCo Professional
- Hair Color Brushes: Framar Big Daddy
- Marcel Iron: Hot Tools 24K Marcel Iron/ Wand
- Shears: Sam Villa Ergonomic & Swivel Shears
4. Wear Supportive Shoes
Yes, yes, you want to look hawt on the job, but please do find shoes that complement your fit without sacrificing comfort. If Chappell Roan can wear sneakers while performing, so can you.
5. Incorporate Exercises & Stretches at Work
There are a multitude of exercises great for stylists, including a WHOLE bunch from Industry Aligned. Here are a few that can be done anytime, anywhere.
Finger, Wrist, Forearm Flexion
Press your palms together, fingers pointed upwards in “prayer hands” in front of your chest.
- Slowly lower your hands toward your waist, keeping palms and fingers pressed together until you feel a stretch through the wrists and underside of the forearms. Hold for a 5-10 count.
- Return your hands to the front of your chest. Keeping fingers pressed together, pull your palms apart until you feel a stretch through the fingers. Hold for a 5-10 count.
- Reverse the prayer pose, pressing the backs of hands together with fingers pointed downward. Gently press until you feel a stretch through the wrists and top of the forearms. Hold for a 5-10 count.
Neck & Upper Back Flexion
Relax your shoulders. Resist the tendency to pull them up throughout this exercise.
- Drop your right ear to your right shoulder, pressing both shoulders down, until you feel a stretch down the left side of the neck. Hold for a 5-10 count. Repeat on the left side.
- Drop your chin to your chest, pressing both shoulders down, until you feel a stretch down the neck and upper back. Hold for a 5-10 count.
Shoulder Release
Again, keep shoulders pressed down.
- Roll both shoulders backward 10 times. Hold the last roll for a 5-10 count, squeezing shoulder blades together and downward, then release. Repeat, rolling shoulders forward.
The above measures are good for preventing issues and reversing moderate damage, but salon professionals who have suffered long-term injuries should consider seeking physical therapy.
The potential to develop serious injuries is an unfortunate reality for stylists and barbers. Awareness and prevention are the keys to avoiding career-ending, life-damaging issues.
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