How to Stay Ergonomically Safe When Cutting Hair
71% of hairstylists experience work-related injuries, with musculoskeletal issues like back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neck strain being the most common. But with proper ergonomics - like maintaining good posture, using lightweight tools, and taking regular breaks - you can protect your health and extend your career.
Key Tips for Ergonomic Safety:
- Posture Matters: Stand upright, keep knees slightly bent, and avoid hunching over.
- Tool Selection: Use lightweight, ergonomic shears with comfortable handles.
- Chair Setup: Adjust the client’s chair so your elbows are at a 90-degree angle.
- Daily Habits: Take a 5-minute active break every 45 minutes and stretch regularly.
- Salon Layout: Use height-adjustable chairs, anti-fatigue mats, and well-organized workstations.
By prioritizing these habits, you can reduce the risk of injuries and thrive in your hairstyling career. Let’s dive into the details.
Ergonomic Body Positioning Around the Chair when Cutting Hair
Physical Risks in Hair Cutting
Hairstyling takes a toll on the body in specific ways. Research shows that 76% of hairdressers deal with lower back pain, while 58% experience neck pain. Here’s a breakdown of the main physical risks tied to prolonged standing, repetitive hand movements, and spine or neck strain.
Standing-Related Strain
Spending hours on your feet puts stress on the lower body. Nearly half of hairstylists (49.5%) report knee and foot pain. For those working over 12 hours a day, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders jumps by 2.47 times. While anti-fatigue mats and supportive shoes help, proper posture matters just as much. Hairstylists should aim to keep knees slightly bent and shift their weight frequently.
Hand and Wrist Injuries
Repetitive motions and improper tool use are common culprits behind hand and wrist pain. Studies show 53% of hairdressers experience issues in this area. Factors like excessive wrist bending, gripping tools for long periods, and using poorly maintained equipment can worsen the problem.
"The type of tools, their weight, and the hand and arm positions are all very, very important." – Kristina Welzein, owner of Wabi Sabi Beauty
Spine and Neck Stress
Back and neck discomfort are some of the most common issues for hairstylists. A study found that 94.4% of hairdressers experience shoulder pain, followed by lower back and neck problems. These risks increase with longer hours on the job.
One hairstylist shared their personal experience:
"I've been working as a hairdresser and beauty therapist for over 20 years since I was 16. I enjoyed my work and took pride in helping my clients look and feel great. However, prolonged standing and leaning over clients took a toll on my back, especially at 5ft 11!"
Common Physical Risks for Hairstylists
The table below highlights the most frequent physical challenges faced by hairstylists and their causes:
| Body Area | Percentage Affected | Primary Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Back | 76% | Prolonged standing and poor posture |
| Shoulders | 94.4% | Elevated arm positions |
| Neck | 58% | Awkward bending angles |
| Wrists/Hands | 53% | Repetitive cutting motions |
| Feet/Knees | 49.5% | Extended standing periods |
Interestingly, female hairstylists are 2.63 times more likely than their male counterparts to develop work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Correct Body Position for Cutting Hair
Refining your body positioning can make a big difference in reducing the risk of injuries while cutting hair.
Best Standing Position
Start with a balanced stance. Andrew Carruthers, Sam Villa Education Director, explains:
"Healthy body position is a fairly simple goal...Stand in a comfortable upright position with shoulders relaxed, head up, and weight balanced between two feet."
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your knees slightly bent to absorb shock. This setup evenly distributes your weight and minimizes lower back strain. If you need to work at different heights, bend your knees while keeping your back straight instead of hunching over. Adjust your chair to maintain this posture.
Chair Height Setup
Proper chair height is key to maintaining good arm and shoulder alignment:
| Stylist Height | Recommended Chair Height |
|---|---|
| Under 5'3" (160 cm) | 17.7-18.9" (45-48 cm) |
| 5'3"-5'9" (160-175 cm) | 18.9-20.9" (48-53 cm) |
| Over 5'9" (175 cm) | 20.9-22.8" (53-58 cm) |
Adjust the client’s chair so your elbows form a 90-degree angle while cutting. This alignment reduces shoulder strain and gives you better control of your tools.
If your salon chair doesn’t reach the right height, use a professional step stool instead of unstable alternatives like cushions. For chairs that are too high, a footrest can help you alternate feet and reduce leg fatigue.
Neck Position Guide
Neck strain is a common issue for hairstylists, but it can often be avoided with the right positioning. When working on details like bangs, avoid tilting your head down. Instead:
- Raise the client’s chair to eye level
- Keep your head aligned over your shoulders
- Use a cutting stool for lower sections
Andrew Carruthers highlights the importance of this:
"Body position when cutting hair is crucial for different reasons...not only did my neck pay for it but so did my wallet."
To prevent long-term issues, consider regular visits to chiropractors or physical therapists. During your workday, take short breaks to perform supported neck extension stretches. These can help counteract forward head posture.
Selecting Safe Cutting Tools
Once you’ve got the right body positioning, the next step is choosing tools that minimize strain. Ergonomically designed cutting tools can make a big difference.
Light Shears Selection
Lightweight shears crafted from Japanese steel, such as VG-10 or 440C, offer a great mix of durability and comfort. Look for shears with a balanced weight, sharp blades, and smooth cutting performance.
Saki Shears provides professional-grade options starting at $124.99, specifically designed to reduce hand strain while maintaining sharpness over time.
Shear Handle Types
Saki Shears offers two main handle types to suit different needs:
| Handle Type | Best For | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-Offset | General cutting | Keeps your hand in a natural position |
| Swivel | Detailed precision | Lets you adjust angles for better control |
For added comfort, choose handles with features like curved finger holes that match your hand’s shape, removable finger inserts for a tailored fit, adjustable tension systems for smooth use, and textured grips to prevent slipping.
Proper Tool Sizing
Pick shears that feel natural in your hand. Avoid tools that are too large or heavy, as they can cause discomfort. Matching the size of your shears to specific cutting tasks can also improve control and ease of use.
Daily Safety Practices
Take short, active breaks every 45 minutes and include specific exercises to minimize physical strain.
Break Schedule
Prevent fatigue by incorporating active breaks into your routine. Dr. Natalia Ruiz, DPT, senior physical therapist at NYU Langone's Rusk Rehabilitation, explains: "Active breaks, which include light walking, stretching, or any active motion for 5 minutes of every 45 minutes of standing throughout the day."
During these breaks, try simple movements to ease tension:
- Gently shake out your arms to release tightness
- Massage your neck and shoulders to relax muscles
- Reset your posture with a shoulder blade squeeze
- Perform quick finger extension exercises to reduce stiffness
Key Exercises
Targeted stretches during breaks can help avoid common injuries. Here are a few you can try:
| Exercise Type | How to Do It | Frequency | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrist Extension | With palm up, gently pull fingers down | Hold 1–2 seconds; 3 reps | Forearm flexors |
| Shoulder Blade Squeeze | Pull shoulders back, squeeze blades together | Hold 3–5 seconds; 5 reps | Upper back |
| Head Stretching | Inhale, look up; exhale, tuck chin to chest | 3 reps per side | Neck muscles |
| Spine Stretch | Seated forward bend between knees | Hold 5–10 seconds | Lower back |
"The work of a stylist or colorist is exciting but physically demanding. Much of the day is spent on your feet doing repetitive movements like cutting, shampooing and using a dryer. Many times we unintentionally do these repetitive movements with poor posture, straining our bodies for hours without breaks."
Position Changes
Switching between sitting and standing can help reduce strain. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use an adjustable-height saddle stool for detailed tasks
- Stand for quick trims or basic cuts
- Change positions roughly every 45 minutes
- Set up your workspace to allow for both seated and standing work
Incorporating these habits into your routine will help support a more ergonomic setup, which we’ll explore in the next section.
Safe Salon Layout
A well-thought-out salon layout can ease physical strain and improve overall productivity.
Height-Adjustable Equipment
Using adjustable equipment can help prevent physical injuries. Examples include:
| Equipment Type | Recommended Features | Ergonomic Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Chairs | Hydraulic height adjustment | Allows stylists to work comfortably at any height |
| Shampoo Stations | Reclining chairs, angled sinks | Eases back and shoulder strain for stylists |
| Workstations | Adjustable mirrors, tool holders | Reduces unnecessary reaching and bending |
For instance, a study by Minerva Beauty found that Salon Bella reduced work-related injuries by 40% and boosted stylist productivity by 15% within just six months by incorporating adjustable equipment.
Floor Protection
Pay attention to floor spacing to enhance comfort and safety. Maintain a 32-inch centerline spacing between backwash basins and 42 inches of clearance between sidewash basins.
"As far as keeping ergonomic features in mind, many salon owners are unaware that there's a better solution when they are designing or redesigning their salons".
Workspace Setup
Beyond equipment and flooring, organizing the workspace can make a big difference. Arrange tools and supplies to reduce unnecessary movement and strain:
- Place frequently used tools within easy reach.
- Use proper lighting to reduce eye strain.
For better workflow, styling stations can include tool belts or trays with essential items. This setup reduces repetitive movements and supports good posture. Fiore + Greco Design incorporates features like side and back wash units to prioritize stylist comfort and efficiency.
"An efficient layout minimizes unnecessary movements, saves time, and keeps the workflow seamless".
Conclusion
Ergonomic habits are key to a long and healthy career in hairstyling. Research shows that 42% of former hairdressers left the industry due to musculoskeletal pain. Female hairdressers, in particular, face higher risks, with odds ratios of 11.6 for shoulder pain, 2.8 for hand or wrist issues, and 4.9 for back pain compared to other professions.
"In the world of hairstyling, where your health is your livelihood, taking steps to protect and nurture your well-being is the most important investment you can make." – Charles Harris
Focusing on posture, ergonomic tools, and a well-thought-out salon layout can help reduce these risks. These practical steps, highlighted earlier, show how making ergonomics a priority benefits both personal health and professional success.
Make it a habit to use ergonomic equipment and maintain proper techniques to avoid injuries and build a lasting career. Regular health check-ups, consistent attention to technique, and investing in high-quality tools are essential for staying healthy and thriving in your work. Protect your well-being and your craft by prioritizing ergonomics every day.
