Hand Health Recommendations for Hair Stylists

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There are a few regular considerations that hair stylists must keep in mind with regard to their physical health and on-the-job capabilities, and few are more important here than hand and wrist health. Your hands play a vital role during any kind of hair styling, and keeping them healthy and productive is important no matter which kinds of cuts you perform.

At Scissor Mall, we're happy to offer a huge range of professional hair shear options to varying clients, including everything from thinning shears to ergonomic shears like the Mirage Nirvana that are meant to minimize strain on not just the hands, but also the wrists, elbows, shoulders and back. Here are some examples of common hand health issues that some stylists deal with, plus some general tips on how to avoid them, from proper hair shear selection to several others.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

One of the most common hand health issues that hair stylists face is carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition where the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, leading to pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the hands. Hair stylists who are constantly using their hands and wrists are at a higher risk for developing this condition.

To avoid carpal tunnel syndrome:

  • Ergonomic shears: The use of ergonomic hair shears can greatly decrease the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. These shears are specifically designed to fit comfortably in your hand and provide proper support for your wrist.

  • Stretching exercises: Taking frequent breaks to stretch your hands, wrists and fingers can help alleviate strain and tension. You can also try incorporating stretching exercises into your daily routine to prevent any potential issues.

  • Proper posture: Maintaining proper posture while styling hair is crucial for avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome. Make sure to sit with your back straight and elbows close to your sides to minimize strain on your hands and wrists.

  • Consider massage: If you're already experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, consider getting regular massages or using self-massage techniques to help alleviate pain and tension in the affected area.

Tendonitis

Another common hand health issue for hair stylists is tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendons due to repetitive use. This can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness and difficulty moving fingers and hands.

To avoid tendonitis:

  • Choose the right shears: Picking the right hair shears for your specific needs can help prevent tendonitis. Look for shears that are lightweight and have an ergonomic design to reduce strain on your tendons.

  • Use different grips: Constantly using the same hand grip can lead to overuse of certain tendons, causing inflammation. Try using different grips and switching hands to avoid putting too much strain on one area.

  • Take breaks: Taking regular breaks during your styling sessions can give your hands and wrists a rest from repetitive movements, minimizing the risk of developing tendonitis.

  • Strengthen your grip: Regularly performing hand strengthening exercises can help strengthen the tendons in your hands and prevent tendonitis.

Contact Dermatitis

Moving to the surface of the skin, contact dermatitis is a common issue for hair stylists due to frequent exposure to chemicals and irritants in hair products. This can cause red, itchy rashes on the hands and fingers.

To avoid contact dermatitis:

  • Wear gloves: Whenever you're using any hair products or chemicals, make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from direct contact.

  • Read product labels: Be aware of the ingredients in the products you're using and avoid those that may cause an allergic reaction.

  • Use barrier creams: Applying a barrier cream to your hands before working with hair products can protect your skin from irritants.

Fungal or Viral Infections

Because stylists spend so much time handling hair, they are also at a higher risk for developing fungal or viral infections on the hands and fingers. This can lead to redness, itching, swelling and discomfort.

To avoid fungal or viral infections:

  • Wash your hands regularly: Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after each styling session to prevent any potential infections.

  • Use hand sanitizer: If you're unable to wash your hands, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present.

  • Keep your tools clean: Regularly cleaning and disinfecting your hair shears and other styling tools can prevent the spread of infections.

As you can see, taking care of your hands and wrists is crucial for any hair stylist. By following these tips and using ergonomic hair shears, you can maintain healthy and productive hands while providing top-notch haircuts to your clients. Don't let hand health issues hold you back from doing what you love – prioritize your hand health today!

At Scissor Mall, we offer a variety of ergonomic hair shears for all your styling needs. Check out our collection today and keep your hands happy and healthy!