Physical Well Being

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a medical condition in which the skin becomes red, swollen, and sore, sometimes with small blisters, resulting from direct irritation of the skin by an external agent or an allergic reaction to it. To prevent dermatitis follow these standards:

Wear disposable non-latex gloves when rinsing, shampooing, colouring, bleaching, etc.

Dry your hands thoroughly with a soft cotton or paper towel.

Use a barrier cream on a regular basis.

Fatigue

To reduce the risk of being involved in a work incident caused by fatigue, you should:

*comply with the salons policies and procedures relating to fatigue

*understand your sleep, rest and recovery needs and obtain adequate rest and sleep away from work

*seek medical advice and assistance if you have or are concerned about a health condition that affects your sleep and/or causes fatigue

*assess your own fitness for work before commencing work

*monitor your level of alertness and concentration while you are at work

*look out for signs of fatigue in the people you work with

*in consultation with your supervisor, take steps to manage fatigue, for example take a break, maintain hydration (drink water), do some stretching or physical exercise, adjust the work environment (lighting, temperature)

*talk to your supervisor or manager if you foresee or experience being impaired by fatigue likely to create a health and safety risk e.g. because of a health condition, excessive work demands or personal circumstances

*assess your fatigue levels after work and take suitable commuting and accommodation options (e.g. avoiding driving if fatigued).

Signs of fatigue include:

     *tiredness even after sleep

     *reduced hand-eye coordination or slow reflexed

     *short term memory problems and an inability to concentrate

     *blurred vision or impaired visual perception

     *a need for extended sleep during days off work

Posture

This is only a guide and professional independent advice must be sought in relation to your health.

We all know that one of the things hairdresser’s do is stand a lot. As with any job though, poor posture can cause a variety of health problems over time, and you don’t want them.

Common health risks associated with being a hairdresser  and standing all day include:

Sore feet

Swollen legs

Back strain or pain

Stress in the neck and shoulders

Muscle ache and fatigue

Aside from maintaining proper posture to prevent aches and pains, good posture exudes confidence and professionalism for your clients.

Here is a few ways to help you improve your posture:

Wear flat shoes

Avoid slumping your shoulders

Use hydraulic stools

Keep your weight evenly distributed.

Get regular massage

Regularly exercise

Consider yoga

Stretching