Why hairdressers and beauticians are at risk

HSE identifies hairdressing as one of the highest-risk jobs for work-related dermatitis, because hands are wet for long periods and handle shampoos, dyes, perms and bleaches. Some products, including persulphate bleaches, can also cause occupational asthma. Standing and holding the arms up for most of the day strains shoulders, neck and back. Many hairdressers start young, so habits formed early matter for a whole career.

01Hand dermatitis

Contact dermatitis causes red, dry, cracked, itchy or blistered skin. The NHS explains it can be caused by irritants, such as water and detergents, or by an allergy to substances like hair dye chemicals. Once someone becomes allergic, small exposures can cause a reaction.

What helps

  • Wear disposable nitrile gloves for shampooing, colouring, bleaching and rinsing.
  • Dry hands thoroughly with a soft towel and moisturise before and after work and at breaks.
  • Change gloves when they get wet inside, and do not reuse disposable gloves.
  • Check hands regularly for early redness or dryness and act on it.

02Work-related asthma

Bleaching powders, some hair sprays and other products can irritate the airways or cause sensitisation. HSE notes that once occupational asthma develops, it can persist even after exposure is reduced.

What helps

  • Mix bleach in a well-ventilated area and use dust-free or low-dust products.
  • Keep the salon ventilated, ideally with extraction near colour mixing areas.
  • Use pump sprays or lower-aerosol products where possible.
  • Report wheeze or chest tightness that improves on days off.

03Standing and raised-arm work

Long hours standing contribute to aching legs, feet and backs, and varicose veins. Cutting and blow-drying with raised arms and a bent neck load the shoulders and neck. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety recommends varying posture and using supportive footwear and anti-fatigue matting for standing work.

What helps

  • Raise or lower the client's chair so your arms stay below shoulder height.
  • Use a stool for some tasks and stand on an anti-fatigue mat.
  • Wear supportive, cushioned shoes.
  • Space demanding appointments and stretch between clients.

Weekly checklist for hairdressers and beauticians

  • Glove up for every wash, colour and bleach.
  • Moisturise hands at the start, middle and end of the day.
  • Mix chemicals in a ventilated area.
  • Adjust the client chair height for every appointment.
  • Take a full lunch break off your feet.
  • Check your skin for early dryness or redness.

When to see a professional

  • Red, cracked, itchy or blistering skin on hands that does not improve.
  • Wheeze, cough, chest tightness or a runny nose that improves on days off.
  • Neck, shoulder or back pain lasting more than a few weeks.
  • Aching legs with swelling or visible bulging veins.

Where ONU fits

ONU brings your sleep, activity and recovery trends together, so you can see how busy salon weeks affect your rest. It does not detect dermatitis or asthma, and changes in your skin or breathing should be checked by a doctor.

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Common questions

Which gloves are best for hairdressers?

Disposable nitrile gloves are widely recommended because latex can cause allergy. They should be long enough to cover the wrist and changed when wet inside.

Can hairdressers develop allergies to hair dye?

Yes. Some dye chemicals can cause allergic contact dermatitis, and once you are sensitised, reactions can happen with small exposures. Gloves reduce exposure.

Is occupational asthma permanent?

It can be. Early diagnosis and reducing exposure give the best chance of improvement, which is why symptoms that improve away from work should be reported.

Sources and further reading

Educational information drawn from the public-health sources listed on this page. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment plan or a guarantee that you will avoid an illness or injury. ONU does not diagnose, treat or prevent disease. Speak to a qualified professional about anything that concerns you, and follow the rules of your employer, sport or local health service.