Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) currently affect a significant number of people. Often, these disorders are caused during professional activity. The professional environment of hairdressing is no exception, as 3 out of 4 occupational diseases are MSDs. Today, we want to talk to you about this problem, which affects a significant number of workers, and how to continue working without enduring unbearable daily pain.
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It's no secret that the hairdressing industry is affected by MSDs. Who hasn't experienced pain from a day's work in the salon? This pain can linger. It can progress to ruin one's life. There are different stages to these disorders (acute, intermediate, chronic), and it is important to consult a specialized doctor as soon as the first signs appear.
These musculoskeletal disorders often arise due to:
- significant and repetitive mechanical stresses on movements
- repetitive lifting of heavy loads with poor posture
- repeated uncomfortable postures
What are the MSDs related to the hairdressing sector?
In the hairdressing industry, certain musculoskeletal disorders are, of course, much more frequent due to the specificities of the profession. The repetitive nature of this job makes it a high-risk environment for workers.
The areas most affected in hairdressers are the:
- Wrists, hands, fingers (47%)
- Shoulders (33%)
- Elbows (19%)
To go further, hairdressers often experience epicondylitis, lower back pain, back pain, or carpal tunnel syndrome. While discomfort may initially be rare and episodic, it can later become systematic. The risk of genuine disability cannot be ruled out. The financial cost of MSDs can also be very expensive for both employees and employers.
What can be done to prevent MSDs?
First and foremost, it's important to know that occupational health services are trained for this and will provide specialized advice tailored to your case. Otherwise, if you want to organize yourself now to avoid pain related to an MSD, we have several solutions to implement.
At the team level
If you work in a team, a different organization can help prevent the onset of pain within your company. This includes organizing rotations so that not everyone is confined to a single task. It should be noted that it is important for team cohesion to properly distribute work and household tasks.
Why not organize this monthly? Indicate a rotation using a calendar based on days and weeks for more clarity. This way, the people who greet, shampoo, and style alternate in the morning.
At the equipment level
Position, quality, and good practices are requirements you should implement regarding equipment. Always having a professional hairdressing stool close by is a real asset throughout the day. Observe the position of your products and tools that you use. Are they close to you? At the right height? Do you need to make an uncomfortable movement to reach them? All these questions may seem a little laughable at first. However, it is in their repetition that they seem to gain importance!
What to do in case of MSDs?
To be frank, it is essential to get a diagnosis for this disorder. Symptoms can be diverse and varied, and what you find on the internet will never replace the work of a real doctor.
If you are suffering from an MSD but are able to continue working, we have dedicated products to help relieve you.
Babyliss Pro Rapido ultra-light hair dryer
Designed for professional hairdressers, the RAPIDO hair dryer from Babyliss Pro will allow you to work optimally while largely preserving you from the weight a hair dryer can have. This one weighs 339g without losing power! Its power of 2,200 Watts and its 22,500 revolutions per minute will allow you to efficiently dry your clients' hair.
SWO KARAKURI Scissors Special MSDs
The longer the day goes, the more your hands hurt? The scissors may be the cause, and you can prevent the appearance of these MSDs by acquiring a pair of SWO KARAKURI scissors. Here, the TAKAI brand has designed a complex and high-quality tool that, thanks to its 360° rotating ring, will allow you to reduce the tension you might put on your wrist or shoulders. The blades and rings are available in several sizes to adapt to your morphology.
Up&Down Air Massage Basin with electric leg rest – Massage
The Up&Down basins from Maletti will allow you to take care of your clients in the best possible way, so they can be perfectly relaxed. However, it doesn't stop there. These basins will allow you to relieve your back thanks to the height adjustable with a simple button. Easily relieve your back while taking care of your clients by equipping yourself with the quality and comfort of the Up&Down. Available in 25 different colors.
Conclusion
Musculoskeletal disorders are a real scourge today. However, there are simple ways to prevent or relieve them. We strongly advise you to find out more about this issue, whether you work in the beauty industry or not. Feel free to share your experiences in the comment section of this article.
