Safety is an important part of running a hairdressing salon due to the many hazardous chemicals used in hair products. Without the relevant safety procedures, they can cause serious health issues.
Research has shown up to 70% of hairdressers suffer from work-related skin damage at some point in their career. The chemicals that cause irritation include ammonia, acetone, methyl methacrylate and toluene. Levels are higher in salons that have inadequate ventilation.
Chemicals are found in hair dye, bleach, perming solution and acrylic nail products. Exposure can cause allergic reactions, the skin condition dermatitis and general irritation.
What is dermatitis?
One of the most prevalent and damaging medical conditions is dermatitis. Around 60% of hairdressers have had to deal with this painful skin problem.
Dermatitis causes irritation and swelling of the skin. A very common condition, it has many forms and causes, but can be due to frequent contact with potentially hazardous chemicals.
Although it looks extremely unpleasant, it isn’t contagious. However, it is uncomfortable and makes moving the hands and fingers painful and difficult.
What are the signs of dermatitis?
There are three common types of this skin disease: contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and seborrheic dermatitis. All types usually cause dry, itchy skin and a rash. In severe cases, it can make the skin to crust, ooze, blister or flake.
Treatment can include regular moisturising and medicated creams, ointments and handwashes. In all cases, it is vital that the cause of the irritation is removed. Working as a hairdresser can make this very difficult, as your hands are going to be in contact with chemicals every day.
Salon hand care
Hand care is vital in a salon, as you must stop getting chemicals on your skin to avoid the hazards.
Working in a salon is more like being in a hair laboratory than a bathroom in terms of the chemicals used.
There are some simple tips for salon hygiene that you should follow, such as taking off rings before you start work - a common problem suffered by hairdressers is nickel allergy, caused by water and chemicals becoming trapped under rings.
If your hands come into contact with any chemicals, wash them right away and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
While clients are not at risk because they are exposed to the salon chemicals only once every few weeks, you’re in contact with the substances five or six days a week, all day long, so wear good quality PPE that is designed for a salon and purchased from a hairdresser supplies provider.
Choosing salon supplies
The importance of disposable gloves is paramount in a hair salon, as they provide excellent protection, and you can throw them away after use. It’s also more convenient in a busy salon to simply dispose safely of used gloves, as in a hectic environment, this is the quickest solution.
Latex disposable gloves are commonly used by hairdressers to protect their skin. There are also other different types of gloves suitable for this sector: vinyl gloves are a good option for people who suffer rubber intolerance; those with a particularly sensitive skin or allergies often choose nitrile gloves as an alternative to latex.
As well as taking the precaution of wearing rubber gloves, feed your skin with a good quality medicated moisturiser at the beginning of each day, during your breaks and last thing at night before bed.
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