Hairstylists are constantly exposed to chemical agents found in shampoos, conditioners, hair products and coloring agents, creating a toxic fume brew and skin irritations.  Hairstylists are also at risk for hand and finger injuries, as well as the potential for constant aches and pains.

Chemicals – Shampoos and Conditioners

In consumer advocate David Steinman and Dr. Samuel S. Epstein’s book The Safe Shoppers Bible, they report that a wide range of ingredients in shampoos break down to form carcinogens, or may be contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4 dioxane. 

Avoid Shampoo and Conditioner Ingredients:

• Coal tar (used in dandruff shampoos)
• Formaldehyde
• Laureth compounds
• Polysorbates 60 and 80
• D&C Red 33
• DEA
• TEA
• FD&C Blue, FD&C Green 3, FD&C Red 4, FE&C Red 40, FD&C Yellow 6

 “The application of hot water and detergents (contained in these shampoos) enhances the absorption of these product contaminants.”

One research survey conducted by Massachusetts’ Boston University School of Public Health explored the potential risks of such exposure. 

According to Reuters, "The researchers surveyed 10 salons and interviewed a total of 56 workers. They found that 15% of the salon workers claimed to be suffering from asthma, eczema and hives, while 30% said they had hay fever. However, the study did not look to see if these conditions were a direct result of working in the salon.

"The team also noted that the salon workers did not have access to material safety data sheets – literature provided by the manufacturer that explains proper handling of chemicals and exposure risks. Nor did they have any control over the ventilation of their surroundings.

"Hair relaxers contain lye and other caustic chemicals. These are needed to break the hydrogen sulfide bonds of the hair and make it straight. In addition, these products contain solvents such as propylene glycol, emollients, emulsifiers, perfumes and surfactants.

"Exposure to chemicals found in relaxers and coloring agents have the potential to exert biological and physical effects on the body," the study noted.  "These chemicals primarily enter the body through the skin and, to a lesser extent, through inhalation.

"Documented health effects based on previous toxicological studies include burns, irritation to mucus membranes, dermatitis, coughing and airway irritation," the report said.

When our bodies are exposed to chemicals, they may respond by producing antibodies, which can cause a reaction. Constant or repeated exposure to toxic chemicals and environmental pollutants from shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays and other products used in salons can lead to the following symptoms:

Exposure Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Low energy
• Tiredness (regardless of the amount of sleep)
• Abnormal metabolism
• Depression
• Learning and behavioral disabilities
• Skin rashes
• Watery or teary eyes
• Chronic respiratory inflammation
• Ringing in ears
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headaches

What to do:

• Eat lots of fiber
• Drink 8 ounces of carrot juice daily
• Drink only bottled water
• Drink a cup of miso soup daily
• Buy only  organically grown fruits and veggies
• Avoid processed, refined, and canned foods
• Eat legumes and superfoods
• Eat a bowl of high-fiber cereal – sprinkle with brewer’s yeast, toasted wheat germ and lecithin granules
• Drink green and chamomile tea daily
• Take long walks
• Avoid protective waxes found on fruits and veggies
• Have as many massages, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatments as you can afford
• If pregnant, avoid all hair salons during first trimester

Take the following vitamins, herbs and supplements daily:

• Garlic oil
• Dandelion
• Grapefruit seed extract
• Bilberry extract
• Astragalus
• Siberian ginseng
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids
• Vitamin E
• Coenzyme Q10
• Vitamin B complex
• Zinc
• Manganese

Pain, Sprains & Strains

Many hairstylists suffer from hand, arm and joint pain.  Imagine the repetitive nature of cutting and styling hair.  These actions can lead to muscle and joint stress, which can then create strains and sprains of wrists, shoulders, fingers and elbows. Stylists who stand for long periods of time may experience knee, ankle, or foot pain.

What to do:

• Take frequent breaks and relax your hands
• Keep clients’ chairs at the proper height and adjust as necessary for maximum comfort.
• Stretch and relax wrists, arms and hands frequently to avoid cramping.
• Wear comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement.
• Adjust lighting to natural levels, without glare, to avoid eyestrain
• Exercise
• Go on an alkalinizing diet or low-fat diet
• Eat lots of fiber
• Eat lots of fresh pineapple – contains bromelain, an enzyme excellent for reducing inflammation – and cherries
• Eat sulfur foods – asparagus, eggs, garlic, onions
• Eat green leafy veggies, sweet potatoes, cabbages, most non-acidic fruits, whole grains, olive oil and fish
• Eat spicy foods, especially foods that contain cayenne hot peppers – they contain a compound called capsaicin that helps relieve pain
• Avoid dairy products, red meat, sugar, salt and caffeine
• Avoid processed, refined and fast foods
• Avoid high-gluten foods
• Avoid soft drinks

Take the following vitamins, herbs and supplements daily:

• Boron
• Bromelain
• Vitamin B5 – pantothenic acid
• Salmon oil
• Silica
• Vitamin E
• Calcium
• Manganese
• Copper
• Zinc
• Coenzyme Q10
• Kelp
• Alfalfa
• Multi-enzyme complex
• Selenium
• Vitamin B-complex
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Garlic
• Grape seed extract
• Shark cartilage
• Alfafa
• Cat’s claw
• Ginger
• Drink herb teas:  brigham, bruchu leaves, burdock root, celery seed, corn silk, devil’s claw, horsetail, nettle, parsley and yucca
• Drink green teas
• Rub aloe vera gel on your aches and drink 8 ounces of aloe juice daily

Hair Salon Dos & Don’ts

• Never mix products – hair colors, dyes, shampoos, or conditioners - unless it is clearly recommended by the manufacturer
• When mixing colors from dry powders, use only dust-free powders
• Always keep original containers for at least 48 hours
• Practice good standards of housekeeping and personal hygiene.  Hair care professionals should wash their hands after touching hair, applying any kind of liquid to someone’s hair, before and after eating, after visiting a restroom
• Wear protective clothing to prevent any kind of spraying or splashing of chemicals from hitting your clothes
• Never touch your eyes after handling hair-care products.  It could cause blepharitis
• Avoid clients with abrasions or irritated scalps.  If you have to work on them, wear plastic, disposable, medical-like gloves
• Make sure all products are stored in a dry place, at or below room temperature.
• Keep aerosols away from any kind of flame.  Candles smell nice and create an ambience, but keep them away from your products
• Be sure to properly dispose of unused mixtures and empty containers – every city and town has different kinds of restrictions
• Make sure all containers are sealed when not in use, to avoid continued chemical exposure
• It’s best to work at a salon that does not use acrylic products or offer acrylic nails
• Make sure that your salon has the proper ventilation. If you can smell the fumes from the shampoos, conditioners and synthetic products, then you probably do not have good ventilation

Hair Salon Occupational Hazards

Slips & Falls

Hair salons can be dangerous places to navigate because there are all kinds of slippery things on the floor – shampoos, conditioners, water, hair and electrical cords.

 What to do:

• Wear comfortable, rubber-soled shoes that offer good traction
• Keep your work area and the common work areas clean by mopping up spills immediately and sweeping up the loose hair.  Also, store any electrical items until they need to be used

  Styling Equipment
  
  Heated styling equipment – blow dryers, hair straighteners and clippers – can easily become problematic if used improperly. Poorly maintained tools can quickly overheat, burn you, or become fire hazards, while their sharp edges and loose connections can create additional dangers.
  
  What to do:

  • Unplug equipment when not in use
  • Use proper stands and storage containers for all styling equipment
  • Do not lend equipment to a friend or an associate
  • Have all equipment professionally repaired and replace when worn
  • Always use the proper tools for each style, without improvising

  Bacteria & Hygiene
  
  Stylists frequently come into contact with clients’ skin and hair, which are not always clean and may contain harmful bacteria.
  
  What to do:

  • Clean all equipment, including combs, after each client
  • Wash hands frequently with antibacterial soap
  • Wear aprons, gloves, or other protective clothing
  • Take vitamins, minerals, herbs and supplements
  • Go on a low-fat, high-fiber diet
  • Avoid most dairy products
  • Avoid sugar

  Many hairstylists develop dermatitis or eczema, which occurs when a substance physically damages the skin.  In fact, dermatitis literally means “inflammation of the skin.”  Shampooing can cause this, because frequent contact with salon products removes your skin’s protective oils.  The effects can be reversed by taking suitable precautions, such as the wearing of gloves and using gentler hair products.