Hairdressing might look like a safe profession, but the reality tells a different story. Up to 70% of hairdressers develop occupational dermatitis at some point in their career. Musculoskeletal problems from standing and repetitive movements are common. Chemical exposure from dyes, bleaches, and perming solutions can cause lasting health problems.
The good news is that most hairdressing health risks are preventable. This guide covers everything you need to know to protect yourself, your staff, and your clients.
The Main Health Risks in Hairdressing
Hairdressing presents several significant health hazards that require active management:
Occupational dermatitis is the single biggest health risk in hairdressing. It affects up to 70% of hairdressers at some point and can end careers if not managed early. Prevention is far easier than cure.
Why Hairdressing is Higher Risk Than People Think
| Health Risk | How Common | Main Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational dermatitis | Up to 70% affected | Wet work, chemicals, inadequate protection |
| Musculoskeletal disorders | Very common | Prolonged standing, repetitive movements, poor posture |
| Respiratory problems | Moderate risk | Chemical fumes, aerosols, poor ventilation |
| Burns | Common | Hot styling tools, chemical burns |
| Cuts and injuries | Regular occurrence | Scissors, razors, sharp implements |
Dermatitis Prevention - The Critical Issue
Occupational dermatitis is contact dermatitis caused by workplace exposures. In hairdressing, it results from a combination of wet work, chemical contact, and repeated hand washing.
Understanding the Problem
Dermatitis develops when the skin's natural protective barrier breaks down. In hairdressing, this happens through:
Wet work - Hands frequently in water during shampooing and rinsing damages the skin's protective oils.
Chemical contact - Hair dyes (especially those containing PPD), bleaches, perming solutions, and other products directly irritate skin or trigger allergic reactions.
Repeated washing - Frequent hand washing strips away natural skin oils faster than they can regenerate.
Physical damage - Friction from towels, heat exposure, and handling products all contribute to skin damage.
Early Warning Signs
The earlier dermatitis is recognised and addressed, the better the outcome. Watch for these signs:
- Dry, tight, or uncomfortable skin on hands
- Redness, especially between fingers
- Itching or burning sensations
- Rough or scaly patches
- Small cracks appearing in the skin
- Skin that doesn't feel right after work
Don't ignore these symptoms. Early intervention can prevent career-ending damage.
The Protection System
Effective dermatitis prevention follows a systematic approach:
1. Protect
- Wear nitrile gloves for ALL wet work, including shampooing
- Wear gloves for ALL chemical work without exception
- Change gloves between clients and when contaminated
- Replace damaged gloves immediately
2. Check
- Inspect your hands daily for early signs
- Report any skin problems immediately
- Don't work through symptoms
- Keep records of any skin issues
3. Moisturise
- Apply moisturiser after every hand wash
- Moisturise at breaks and end of shift
- Use unperfumed, hypoallergenic products
- Keep moisturiser at every sink
4. Dry
- Dry hands thoroughly after every wash
- Pat dry rather than rubbing vigorously
- Dry between all fingers
- Use soft paper towels, not shared cloths
Always use nitrile gloves for chemical work. Latex gloves do NOT provide adequate protection against hairdressing chemicals. Vinyl gloves also offer less protection than nitrile. Always use single-use nitrile gloves and change them between clients.
Glove Selection and Use
Not all gloves offer the same protection:
| Glove Type | Protection Level | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrile | Excellent chemical resistance | All hairdressing work |
| Latex | Poor chemical protection | NOT recommended for hairdressing |
| Vinyl | Basic protection only | Light duties, limited use |
| Heavy-duty nitrile | Extended chemical contact | Colour mixing, application |
Glove best practices:
- Single-use gloves for each client
- Change gloves if they become contaminated mid-service
- Remove gloves properly (avoiding touching the outer surface)
- Wash and dry hands after removing gloves
- Don't reuse disposable gloves
COSHH Requirements for Hair Products
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) apply to all hazardous substances used in salons. This includes most hair dyes, bleaches, perming solutions, and many other products.
Products Requiring COSHH Assessment
Hair colouring:
- Permanent dyes containing PPD (para-phenylenediamine)
- Semi-permanent and quasi-permanent colours
- Bleaching agents and hydrogen peroxide
- Developers and activators
- Toners
Hair treatments:
- Perming solutions containing thioglycolic acid
- Neutralisers
- Chemical relaxers and straighteners
- Keratin treatments (can release formaldehyde)
Other salon products:
- Aerosol hairsprays and finishing products
- Disinfectants and sterilising solutions
- Cleaning products
What COSHH Assessment Requires
For each hazardous product in your salon:
- Identify the hazard - obtain and read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Assess who might be harmed - stylists, juniors, clients
- Evaluate exposure - how much, how often, for how long
- Determine controls - ventilation, PPE, safer alternatives
- Record your findings - document the assessment
- Review regularly - at least annually or when products change
Obtaining Safety Data Sheets: Product manufacturers and suppliers must provide Safety Data Sheets on request. These contain detailed information about hazards and required controls. Keep SDS for all products and ensure staff can access them.
Control Measures for Chemicals
Hierarchy of control:
- Elimination - can you avoid using the most hazardous products?
- Substitution - use less hazardous alternatives where possible (ammonia-free colours, lower-strength peroxides)
- Engineering controls - adequate ventilation, extraction systems
- Administrative controls - correct dilution, good technique, limiting exposure time
- PPE - gloves, aprons, eye protection as last line of defence
Practical chemical safety:
- Follow manufacturer instructions exactly
- Use correct dilutions - never use products stronger than directed
- Mix products immediately before use
- Work in well-ventilated areas
- Never leave mixed products standing
- Clean up spills immediately
- Store chemicals securely, away from heat and incompatible substances
Patch Testing
For products containing sensitisers like PPD:
- Conduct patch tests 48 hours before treatment
- Apply a small amount behind the ear or in the elbow crease
- Check for reaction before proceeding
- Record all patch test results
- Never skip patch testing, even for regular clients
- Refuse treatment if there's any reaction
Allergic reactions to hair dye can be severe and even life-threatening. Patch testing is not optional - it protects both clients and your business from serious harm.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Hairdressers commonly develop work-related musculoskeletal problems from the physical demands of the job.
Common Problems
Upper limb disorders:
- Shoulder pain and tendonitis from prolonged arm elevation
- Wrist and hand problems from repetitive cutting and blow-drying
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from forceful gripping
- Tennis elbow from repetitive movements
Back and neck problems:
- Lower back pain from prolonged standing
- Neck strain from looking down at clients
- Upper back tension from poor posture
Contributing factors:
- Standing for entire shifts
- Repetitive movements (cutting, blow-drying)
- Awkward postures (bending, reaching)
- Forceful hand movements
- Vibration from clippers and dryers
- Inadequate breaks
Prevention Strategies
Workstation design:
- Use hydraulic chairs that adjust to appropriate height
- Adjust chair height for each task rather than bending
- Position clients to minimise reaching and bending
- Ensure adequate space around each station
- Use anti-fatigue matting at standing positions
Equipment selection:
- Choose lightweight, ergonomic tools
- Select balanced hairdryers
- Use scissors with proper finger rests
- Consider cordless equipment to reduce reaching
Working technique:
- Vary tasks throughout the day
- Take regular micro-breaks
- Rotate between different activities
- Move clients rather than overreaching
- Maintain good posture
Physical wellbeing:
- Stretch regularly during the day
- Hand and wrist exercises
- Shoulder rolls and neck stretches
- Consider supportive footwear
- Stay hydrated
Adjust the client's chair to the appropriate height for each task. It's quicker and easier to pump the chair up or down than to work in an uncomfortable position that causes long-term injury.
Ventilation Requirements
Adequate ventilation is essential in salons to remove chemical fumes, aerosol particles, and heat.
Why Ventilation Matters
Without adequate ventilation:
- Chemical fumes accumulate to harmful levels
- Aerosol particles from sprays remain in the air
- Heat builds up from dryers and styling tools
- Staff and clients may experience headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory problems
- Long-term exposure increases risk of occupational asthma
Ventilation Standards
General ventilation:
- Fresh air should circulate throughout the salon
- Windows that can open provide natural ventilation
- Mechanical ventilation may be needed in larger or enclosed spaces
- Air should flow from clean areas toward chemical use areas
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV):
- Consider extraction at colour mixing stations
- LEV may be needed for keratin treatments and other high-fume processes
- Backwash areas benefit from good air movement
Practical measures:
- Open windows when weather permits
- Keep internal doors open to improve airflow
- Position colour mixing away from main working areas
- Use extraction fans in treatment rooms
- Avoid blocking vents and air circulation paths
Some keratin/Brazilian blowdry treatments release formaldehyde when heated. These require specific ventilation precautions, potentially including local exhaust ventilation. Check product safety data and ensure adequate controls are in place before offering these services.
Electrical Safety
Salons use extensive electrical equipment, creating risks of burns, electric shock, and fire.
Equipment and Hazards
Common electrical equipment:
- Hairdryers
- Straightening irons and curling tongs
- Clippers and trimmers
- Hot brushes and heated rollers
- Hood dryers
- Steamers
- Styling stations with multiple outlets
Key hazards:
- Burns from hot styling tools
- Electric shock from damaged equipment
- Fire from overloaded sockets or equipment left on
- Electrocution if electrical equipment contacts water
Essential Controls
Equipment maintenance:
- Visual inspection before each use (check for damage to cables, plugs, casing)
- Regular portable appliance testing (PAT) - typically annually
- Immediate removal of damaged equipment from use
- Professional repair only - no DIY electrical work
- Keep equipment clean and free from product buildup
Safe use:
- Keep electrical equipment away from water
- Don't use equipment with wet hands
- Don't overload sockets or use multiple adapters
- Turn off and unplug equipment when not in use
- Never leave heated tools unattended
Hot tool management:
- Provide heat-resistant mats or holders at every station
- Establish clear procedures for where hot tools are placed
- Allow tools to cool before storage
- Train all staff on hot tool safety
- Never place hot tools directly on work surfaces or near clients
Cable management:
- Route cables away from walkways
- Use cable covers where cables must cross paths
- Check cables regularly for damage
- Don't allow cables to dangle where they can be tripped over
Hot styling tools cause a significant number of burns in salons, both to clients and staff. Clear procedures for where to place hot tools and how to handle them safely are essential.
Infection Control
Salons must control the spread of infection between clients through proper hygiene practices.
Infection Risks
Potential transmission routes:
- Shared tools that contact skin (combs, brushes, clippers)
- Cuts from scissors or razors
- Blood-borne infections through broken skin
- Fungal infections (scalp conditions)
- Lice transfer through shared equipment
Control Measures
Tool hygiene:
- Clean tools between each client
- Disinfect tools that contact skin
- Use disposable items where practical (neck strips, cape covers)
- Sterilise or use hospital-grade disinfection for items that break skin (razors)
General hygiene:
- Clean workstations between clients
- Fresh towels and gowns for each client
- Regular cleaning of waiting areas and common surfaces
- Staff hand washing between clients
- Proper disposal of waste
Blood and body fluid:
- Have a clear procedure for dealing with cuts
- Use appropriate PPE when dealing with blood
- Dispose of sharps safely (razor blades)
- Clean and disinfect any blood contamination immediately
- Have an adequate first aid kit
Client with infections:
- Recognise signs of contagious conditions
- Refuse treatment where infection risk exists
- Refer clients to appropriate healthcare
- Clean and disinfect thoroughly if exposure suspected
Fire Safety
Salons present specific fire risks that must be managed.
Fire Hazards in Salons
Ignition sources:
- Electrical equipment (especially heated tools)
- Overloaded sockets
- Faulty wiring
- Equipment left on unattended
Fuel sources:
- Aerosol products (hairsprays are highly flammable)
- Alcohol-based products
- Towels and paper products
- Furniture and fixtures
Fire Safety Requirements
Fire risk assessment:
- Required by law for all business premises
- Identify fire hazards and people at risk
- Evaluate and reduce risks
- Record findings and implement controls
- Review regularly
Detection and warning:
- Appropriate fire alarm system
- Weekly alarm testing
- Regular maintenance
- Smoke detectors in suitable locations
Means of escape:
- Clear escape routes at all times
- Exits unlocked during opening hours
- Emergency lighting
- Clear signage
Firefighting:
- Appropriate extinguishers (typically CO2 for electrical, water or foam for general)
- Annual servicing
- Staff trained in use
- Don't use water on electrical fires
Staff training:
- Fire safety induction for all staff
- Evacuation procedures and assembly points
- Fire extinguisher awareness
- Regular drills
Special Considerations: Consider how you would evacuate clients who are mid-treatment. Some colour processes cannot safely be left on - have procedures for how to handle fire evacuation during treatments.
Training Requirements
Proper training is essential for maintaining health and safety standards in salons.
Essential Training for All Staff
Health and safety induction:
- Salon-specific hazards and controls
- Emergency procedures
- Accident reporting
- Where to find safety information
COSHH and chemical safety:
- Understanding product hazards
- Safe handling and use
- PPE requirements
- What to do in case of exposure
Dermatitis awareness:
- Understanding the risk
- Prevention measures
- Recognising early signs
- Reporting procedures
Fire safety:
- Evacuation procedures
- Fire extinguisher locations
- Assembly point
- Responsibilities during evacuation
Electrical safety:
- Safe use of equipment
- Visual inspection procedures
- Reporting faults
- Hot tool safety
Manual handling:
- Good posture
- Workstation adjustment
- Avoiding injury
- Reporting problems early
Additional Training Considerations
Young workers and trainees:
- Additional supervision required
- Gradual introduction to chemical work
- Extra attention to dermatitis prevention
- Age-specific working time restrictions
Supervisors and managers:
- Risk assessment skills
- Monitoring compliance
- Managing health issues
- Accident investigation
Training Records
Maintain records of:
- Training dates and content
- Trainer details
- Attendees
- Refresher training due dates
- Competency assessments
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Hairdressing combines multiple skin-damaging factors: frequent wet work, exposure to sensitising chemicals, repeated hand washing, and physical skin damage. Without proper protection, the skin's natural barrier breaks down faster than it can repair. Up to 70% of hairdressers experience dermatitis at some point, but proper prevention measures significantly reduce this risk.
Yes. Wet work is a major cause of dermatitis. Wearing gloves for shampooing significantly reduces skin damage from water exposure. Use nitrile gloves and change them between clients.
No. Moisturiser is not a substitute for gloves - it helps repair skin after exposure but doesn't prevent damage. You need to wear gloves AND moisturise regularly. Think of gloves as prevention and moisturiser as repair.
Review COSHH assessments at least annually, or sooner if you introduce new products, change procedures, or if there's an incident or health problem. Keep them up to date as your product range changes.
There's no specific legal requirement for PAT testing, but the law requires you to maintain electrical equipment in safe condition. PAT testing is the practical way to demonstrate this. Most salons PAT test annually, with more frequent testing for heavily-used equipment.
Good general ventilation is essential - this means adequate fresh air circulation and the ability to remove fumes. For standard colour services, opening windows and good air movement is usually sufficient. For keratin treatments or other high-fume services, you may need local exhaust ventilation. Check product safety data for specific requirements.
Pregnant workers need individual risk assessment. Most salon work can continue with proper precautions (adequate ventilation, correct glove use, avoiding certain products). Some chemicals should be avoided during pregnancy - check safety data sheets and seek occupational health advice for specific guidance.
Take it seriously immediately. Encourage them to see their GP or occupational health. Review their working practices and ensure proper protection measures are being followed. Consider temporarily modifying their duties while the problem is assessed. Early intervention prevents long-term damage.
Self-employed stylists typically need their own public liability insurance. Whether they need employers' liability depends on whether they employ anyone themselves. The salon owner's insurance usually doesn't cover self-employed stylists - check your specific arrangement and get professional advice.
Key measures include: hydraulic chairs adjusted for each task, varied work throughout the day, regular breaks, lightweight ergonomic tools, anti-fatigue matting, and training on good posture. Address problems early - chronic injuries develop from ignoring small problems over time.
Summary
Hairdressing health and safety centres on several key areas:
- Dermatitis prevention is the number one priority - use gloves, moisturise, and catch problems early
- COSHH compliance ensures chemical hazards are properly assessed and controlled
- Ventilation removes harmful fumes and maintains air quality
- Electrical safety protects against burns, shocks, and fire
- Musculoskeletal health requires attention to posture, equipment, and working practices
- Infection control protects clients and maintains professional standards
- Fire safety requires assessment, equipment, and trained staff
Most hairdressing health problems are preventable with the right approach. Invest in prevention and you'll protect your health, your staff, and your business.
Related Content
Topics:
- COSHH - Chemical safety requirements
- Dermatitis - Prevention and management
- Fire Safety - Business fire safety requirements
Articles:
Related Sectors:
- Hairdressers & Salons - Additional salon guidance
- Retail - Customer-facing businesses
- Small Businesses - General SME guidance
Tools:
- Responsibility Checker - What applies to your business
- Risk Assessment Builder - Create your assessments
This guidance covers key health and safety requirements for UK hairdressing businesses. It is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, seek professional advice.