Studies have shown that extra training given to hairstylists and barbers about things like Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), proper posture, and musculoskeletal health has reduced the health issues in this career field.
Health problems have been consistent in the hair industry due to many different factors which can cause an impact on businesses, families, and the industry as a whole.
“I do hair in my basement, and it can take its toll, especially from the fumes of the chemicals,” Sharon Powell said. “The fumes of the chemicals sometimes give me a migraine, which can cause me to stop taking clients that day.”
Haircare workers are exposed to many hazardous agents in the workplace, including vapors, solvents, perfumes, and dust, capable of causing adverse health effects, particularly respiratory and dermatological problems.
Reports have also shown how many have either gained musculoskeletal disorders, including work-related upper limb disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and back problems. This is a result of awkward posture, standing or sitting for long durations of time, and or unhealthy twisting and turning of the body.
Studies have shown that it's not just in America, but all over the world--Ethiopia, the UK, Palestine, and many more. This constant health issue is an ongoing problem that can be problematic to the hair industry.
Hairdressers and barbers are recommended to take initiative by getting training on promoting health, providing rehabilitation services, and preventing low back pain.
The teachings of proper psychological support, comfortable working posture, and utilization of ergonomically designed tools will help alleviate problems that can arise over long periods.
They are additionally highly suggested to receive personal protection equipment (PPE) training.
All these trainings can reduce harmful chemicals reacting to the respiratory tract and skin contact of the workers.
For workers to receive the training or have training on self-health care they would need to receive it while they are still in cosmetology school with whatever field of work they want to get into.
As well they should receive the training annually through on-the-job training at their salon or barbershop.
All the information given through the training should be regulated constantly to help the wellness of the workers. Implementing these practices should lead to a decrease in health issues.
Given data from research on health problems, it was discovered that hairdressers are at a high risk to gain lower back pain in that occupation.
Hairdressers were one of the top 15 high-risk occupations attributed to activities at work in females among 45 major occupations.
It was also discovered that about 60% of hair care workers' health will get affected by chemical products. Whether that be a migraine, eczema, other skin conditions, lung problems, and high-risk illness like cancer.
Where training and using the information given through the session would be ideal for reducing the health problems of hair care workers, studies have shown most won't use the knowledge given.
The training would be recognized for a short period and begin to fade as time goes on or hairstylists would take the precautions for their clients rather than for themselves and their clients.
As an example of product use, most hairdressers were using information from labels on chemical products to assist product preparation and to determine whether the product would suit a particular client but were less concerned with health risk information.
Now in most states, it is required, especially since the recent Covid-19 pandemic, that salons have to have correct PPE training and equipment to operate.
It also was recorded that great-designed salons, with better ventilation, natural haircare products, and much more have a better chance of having health problems among their workers.
“To protect myself when I work in my salon, I use gloves, a mask now because of Covid, and an apron,” Ashley Ford said.
Health problems are a constant struggle for hairstylists and barbers around the world. It could be either from skin issues, musculoskeletal pain, respiratory issues, joint, or illness due to many factors in the salon.
The solutions to the issues would be from proper training about safety aliquot and or the overall health of the hairdresser. If that training is regulated efficiently the percentage of illnesses will decrease.
Workers in the hair care industry need to consider the health of themselves to continue to make an impact in the beauty industry.
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Created with an image by Pixel-Shot - "Professional hairdresser teaching young people in office"