Being a hairdresser is not a job you would typically think is high on the list of jobs that take their toll on the body… But any hairdresser or physiotherapist will tell you differently. This occupation is right up there with builders, plumbers, and anyone performing manual labour.
Hairdressers are on their feet constantly, often leaning forwards to wash hair in the basin or sitting on stools with no back support. This is why a large percent of hairdressers suffer from injuries related to their work. Whether it is their back, neck, or shoulders, it can have a significant impact on their ability to continue working.
Why do they get injured so much in this job?
- Hairdressers are on their feet most of the day
- They are performing repetitive tasks, sometimes for hours each day
- Intricate tasks, such as foils, that can take a long time
- As you know, they often spend a long time talking to clients, which can also take its toll
- Last but often the worst part of the job is working with arms above shoulder height for extended periods of time (to blow dry etc.)
- Constantly being on the clock. Working in a job requiring appointments to run on time means the whole day involves checking the time and being concerned/stressed about not running late. This adds a whole new layer of stress to the role
- Quite often salons are designed with concrete floors meaning they are very hard on the feet
- Combine that with often unsupportive footwear or even heels and there is a lot of load/stress going through the feet and ankles
- Awkward alignment of the client chair with their own chair. This can be quite difficult to get exactly right and to change between every client. It may sometimes require the hairdresser to lean further forwards to reach down, or to raise their arms up too high to reach up
The most common problem areas for hairdressers are:
- Upper back and shoulders
- Neck
- Hand/wrist/forearm
- Lower back
- Headaches (very common)
As a hairdresser, what can you do to prevent injuries?
- Good footwear that provides support and comfort
- If you’re unsure what your feet need you can have a FREE Gaitscan pressure plate assessment of your feet at Back In Motion Mentone
- Remember to bring your work shoes with you too
- We can use the assessment of your feet and shoes to make a recommendation going forwards
- Try to bend from the knees or hips when leaning forwards, not hunching from the upper back. This can be difficult with the stations in a salon, but do your best!
- Keep your body close to the client so you don’t need to lean forwards or reach
- Put the client's chair up higher or lower so it’s in a good position for you, even when swapping between clients frequently. Continuously change the height of the chairs/stools to protect yourself
- When possible keep your elbows by your side to avoid your shoulders getting tired throughout the day
- Keep your chin tucked in, not poked out in front of you to avoid squishing the joints in your upper neck. This can be very helpful to prevent headaches
Have space at work set up for stretches and postural exercises. Discuss with your manager the possibility of having an area for all the team to use. The best equipment to have there would be:
- Pilates mat
- Trigger ball (or spikey ball) for self-massage
- Foam roller to stretch out your upper back
- Some resistance bands and a poster with some easy exercises you can do on your break to help improve your posture (Back In Motion Mentone can help your team with this)
What can Back In Motion Mentone do for your salon?
The best thing we can do for you, your colleagues, and your salon is to assess your areas of need. From there we can set up a plan of how we can help. One of our physiotherapists could spend a day at your clinic assessing any aches or pains your team has. Attending the salon means we can see you in your element and observe you performing your daily tasks.
Following this, we could provide some general advice to the salon and provide specific advice for each individual hairdresser and recommend a plan for the future!
We love to help out any industry, but in particular hairdressers. As physiotherapists, we too are on our feet all day, work with appointments/bookings, and have a very physical job. So we feel very much for our hairdresser friends!
Click here to email our Director to find out more about what we can do for your salon.
If you are a hairdresser with any aches or pains and would like to come in for a free assessment at the clinic, click here to book online.
Author: Amanda (Mandy) Lowe
Director & Principal Physiotherapist
Back In Motion Mentone