Physical Strain as a Hairstylist: Tips and Exercises for Staying Comfortable on the Job
As a hairstylist, you are highly exposed to the physical strain that comes with standing and working long hours. You may experience soreness in your feet, back, and neck from carrying heavy equipment or bending over clients’ hair. It’s important to be aware of the physical demands of your job and take deliberate steps and actions to manage them.
In this blog post, I will discuss some tips for managing physical strain as a hairstylist, such as proper posture, stretching exercises, and when to visit the doctor. We’ll also look at how to set up an ergonomic workspace so you can work comfortably and efficiently while avoiding injury.
Read on to learn more!
What is Physical Strain?
Physical strain can refer to the stress or tension that happens on the body from performing tasks or activities. This may include feelings of weariness, aching, and pain in areas like the back, shoulders, and hands.
It can come from repeating motions, standing or seated for too long, having bad posture, and managing or moving heavy items.
What are The Common Causes of the Physical Strain Of Hairstylists?
One of the most common causes of physical strain for hairstylists is neck and shoulder pain. This is often caused by bending over clients for long periods of time, as well as working with your arms raised above your head.
Other common causes of a physical strain include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and elbow tendinitis, can you really avoid this situation? we will talk more about it .. Read on!
To help prevent these problems, it is important to maintain good posture while working, use proper ergonomic techniques, and take frequent breaks to stretch and rest your body. Regular exercise and massage can also help keep your body healthy and free from pain.
How Can You Prevent Physical Strain While Working?
There are a few things you can do to prevent physical strain while working as a hairstylist.
First, be sure to warm up your muscles before starting your day. A simple stretching routine can help loosen up your muscles and prepare them for the work ahead.
Second, take frequent breaks throughout the day to give your body a chance to rest. Even just a few minutes every hour can make a big difference and don’t be shy to let your customer know you will take a few breaks in between the session.
Finally, make sure to stay hydrated and eat healthy meals to keep your energy levels up.
By following these simple tips, you can help prevent physical strain while working as a hairstylist.
How to Set Up an Ergonomic Workspace For Your Salon
Knowing that you are constantly on your feet and using your hands to style clients’ hair. This can lead to physical strain on your body. hence, Setting up an ergonomic workspace can help to reduce this strain and make your job more comfortable.
Here are 5 tips for setting up an ergonomic workspace either at home or at your walk-in-salon:
1. Make sure your workstation is at the correct height. You should be able to reach all of your tools and products without having to stretch or bend awkwardly.
2. Invest in a good chair that provides support for your back and hips. Sitting in a comfortable position will help to reduce strain on your body.
3. Use proper lighting so that you can see what you are doing clearly. This will help to prevent eye strain and headaches.
4. Keep often-used items within easy reach so that you don’t have to lean over or reach for them constantly. This will help reduce back and shoulder strain.
5. Take breaks often to stretch and move around. Taking a few minutes every hour or so to move your body will help reduce overall physical strain.
Tips for Managing Physical Strain As a Hairstylist
As a hairstylist, you are constantly on your feet and using your arms and hands to style clients’ hair. This can lead to physical strain and discomfort, but there are ways to manage it.
Here are some tips for managing physical strain as a hairstylist:
1. Take breaks often. Don’t try to power through the pain – take a break when you start to feel discomfort. Get up and walk around for a few minutes, or do some simple stretches.
2. Use proper body mechanics. When styling hair, be sure to use proper body mechanics. This means keeping your back straight, using your legs to support your body, and avoiding awkward positions that could put a strain on your muscles and joints.
3. Pace yourself. Don’t try to do too much too quickly – pace yourself throughout the day so that you don’t get too tired or sore.
4. Use assistive devices. If you find yourself having to do a lot of lifting or reaching, use assistive devices such as stools or step ladders so that you don’t have to put all of the strain on your body.
5. Listen to your body. If something feels wrong or uncomfortable, don’t do it! Listen to your body and give yourself time to rest and recover when necessary
Best Exercises to Prevent and Relieve Physical Strain
When you’re constantly on your feet and using your arms to style hair, it’s easy to experience physical strain as a hairstylist. But there are some exercises you can do to prevent and relieve this type of strain.
Morgan did a great job showing how the muscles work and breaking it down into things you can do to avoid any form of physical strain as a hairstylist.
One simple exercise I personally don’t miss is to roll your shoulders back and down 10 times. This will help loosen up any tightness in your upper back and neck.
Another good exercise I recommend is to stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and raise your arms out to the sides at shoulder level. Hold for 5 seconds, then lower your arms and repeat 10 times. This will help stretch out your chest and shoulders.
If you start to feel any pain or discomfort while exercising, stop immediately and consult a doctor.
Check out Morgan Roy for more tips.
When to Go See The Doctor About Your Physical Strain Issues?
Whiles, there are some tips and exercises that can help you stay comfortable on the job but there may be moments when you need to see a doctor. so when do you know? Here are a few signs that it might be time to make an appointment with the doctor:
1. You’re in pain that isn’t going away.
2. Your range of motion is limited.
3. You’re having difficulty doing your job (hairstyling is becoming more difficult or taking longer than usual).
4. You’re experiencing numbness or tingling in your hands or fingers.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible so they can assess your situation and provide appropriate treatment.
No one knows your body better than you do, so if you’re feeling any type of discomfort while working, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and see a doctor. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most physical strain issues can be resolved quickly and easily, allowing you to get back to doing what you love.
FAQs About Physical Strain Of Hairstylists
What are some common symptoms of physical strain?
Common symptoms of physical strain include fatigue, headaches, muscle aches and pains, and difficulty concentrating. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to take a break and rest your body.
What causes physical strain?
There are many factors that can contribute to physical strain, including standing for long periods of time, repetitive motions, and poor posture. If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of physical strain, it’s important to take a break and assess your work environment and habits to see what might be causing the problem.
How can I prevent or reduce physical strain?
There are several things you can do to prevent or reduce physical strain: take breaks often, exercise regularly, maintain good posture, and use ergonomic tools and equipment when possible. Additionally, be sure to listen to your body and stop working if you begin to feel pain or discomfort.
Conclusion
Being a hairstylist can take its toll on your body, so it’s important to be mindful of how you’re taking care of yourself. By following the tips and exercises outlined in this article, you’ll be able to manage physical strain while staying comfortable at work.
You don’t have to sacrifice your health for beauty! Just make sure everything is well monitored and balanced.
