What it takes: Shoulder, neck and wrist strain
Cutting and blow-drying with your arms raised and wrists bent, often while leaning over the chair, is a recipe for shoulder impingement, neck pain and wrist tendon problems.
Hairstylist
Arms up, scissors in hand, standing behind the chair all day.
Hairstyling keeps your arms raised and your hands busy for hours while you stand. Shoulders, wrists and backs carry the load, and constant contact with water and salon chemicals is hard on skin and lungs.
What it takes and what to do
What it takes: Hand dermatitis
Hands wet for hours, shampoos, dyes and perm solutions break down the skin barrier. Hairdressers have one of the highest rates of work-related hand eczema.
What to do about Hand dermatitis
Moisturize and glove your handsDailyMoisturize after every hand wash and wear gloves for wet work, chores and cold weather.What it takes: Breathing salon chemicals
Some hair-smoothing products release formaldehyde, and dyes, bleaches and sprays can irritate the eyes, nose and lungs. Poor ventilation makes exposures worse.
What it takes: Feet, legs and back from standing
Standing behind the chair all day loads the feet and lower back and is linked to swollen legs and varicose veins.
What to do about Feet, legs and back from standing
Wear supportive shoesAs neededChoose shoes that fit well and suit your activity, and replace them when they wear out. Make long standing easierDailyUse a cushioned mat or insoles, shift your weight and take breaks when your job keeps you on your feet. Do calf raisesWeeklyRise onto your toes to strengthen calves and ankles for standing, walking and running. Stretch your hip flexorsDailyA kneeling lunge stretch for the muscles at the front of your hip, which tighten when you sit for long stretches.When to see a professional
See a doctor or dermatologist for a hand rash that cracks, bleeds or doesn't settle in a couple of weeks. See a doctor for numbness in your fingers, shoulder pain at night, or wheezing or a cough that is worse at work.