Preventing Pain at the Salon

Helpful tips for dealing with job related stress

Standing on your feet for extended periods of time every day can have a negative effect on your body over time. When you hold a fixed position, engage in repetitive movements and fail to wear proper footwear, you risk major damage to your body.

Common Injuries

Here are some of the most common injuries suffered by those in the cosmetology industry:

• Poor working postures – Examples: Back bent or twisted to wash hair; arms out to side while giving a massage; shoulders raised while giving a trim.
• Repetitious movements over a long period of time – Examples: Prolonged sitting or standing while performing services; filing nails; applying hair colour for a long period of time.
• Carrying heavy loads – Examples: Holding a heavy blow dryer away from your body or moving a large box of products from one area to another.
• Individualised factors – Examples: Wearing shoes with a heel that does not provide adequate support or not taking short breaks to let the body recuperate.

Solutions

• Give yourself enough room around furniture and equipment to move about freely.
• Use an adjustable chair to avoid working with your arms above your shoulders.
• Place tools and styling products within reach and at waist height.
• Work as close to the client as possible to avoid excessive bending and reaching
• Alternate between tasks to give your muscles a rest. For instance, cut hair, the sweep, then fold towels.
• Take a short break every hour to stretch out your muscles.

Dress for Health

Wearing comfortable shoes is not the only thing you should do—wear comfortable clothing as well. If your clothes are too tight or too restrictive, your body will have to strain to reach and perform work tasks. This may cause injuries and unnecessary pain.