Having a career in hair care is an amazing way to work in a fast-paced, social environment while earning a great living. For beauty salon owners, this business is highly rewarding.

However, there are many industry-specific and general hazards that stylists encounter daily. This guide will answer the question, “What are the dangers of working in a salon?”

What Are the Dangers of Working in a Salon?

Immediate Hazards

By nature, a salon is full of obstacles and hazards that employees and patrons must combat every single day. For starters, the floors of a salon can quickly become a minefield of objects and slippery surfaces without regular maintenance. Hair is a significant cause of workplace falls, and some of these accidents lead to severe injuries.

Additionally, water and chemicals make surfaces slicker, and often, they blend in with the floor. Stylists should clean the floors throughout the day and put up proper signage to avoid incidents.

Chemical Exposure

Hair care chemicals are safe when handled by educated individuals. However, stylists expose themselves to these products for countless hours, which may lead to serious health issues down the line.

Without careful techniques, repeated exposure may cause respiratory problems, physical and mental ailments, and cancer development in rare cases. These risks are small, but they’re present in the industry.

Physical Strains

A hairstylist’s job is physical, and it can cause strain on the body over time. For instance, standing all day without proper posture and footwear can damage the spine, back, and joints.

Even the act of haircutting poses medical threats, such as bone degeneration. That’s why many stylists use high-quality ergonomic shears that help alleviate stress. Additionally, cuts, burns, and other workplace injuries are more likely when working with hair care items and products.

Close Contact

A hairstylist sees many clients every single day, exposing their immune system to many variations of bacteria and viruses. Especially in the world today, close contact with others poses many threats to someone’s physical well-being.

Thankfully, most businesses invest in air-cleaning HVAC filters and proper PPE so that employees and patrons stay healthy. However, it’s crucial to practice preventative care to ensure harmful antigens don’t thrive in the salon.

If you’re considering a wildly exciting career in hair care, whether as a stylist or business owner, it’s important to think, “What are the dangers of working in a salon?” With this guide, you can confidently prepare for workplace hazards.