Being a hard worker just took a twisted turn

May 28, 2015 11:45 PM

Studies have found that hairdressers are more likely to have dermatitis and eczema on their hands than other occupations.

Hair dressing and its hazards

Just like manicure technicians are at the mercy of many different chemicals in the work environment, hairdressers can fall victim to serious health issues after years of working in salons.

You've probably heard your stylist complain of back pain or arthritis after years of styling.

A hair professional spends hours on his/her feet however the primary tool of the hair trade isn't a blow dryer or scissors. It's the hands.

Constant shampooing and other "wet work" keeps the hands submerged in water for hours at a time, causing the delicate skin to thin out over time. This makes stylists more susceptible to the chemical ingredients in the products.

Studies have found that hairdressers are more likely to have dermatitis and eczema on their hands than other occupations.

In a 2014 focus group held by the Black Women for Wellness, one participant explained the extent of the damage.

"My friends 20 years in the industry, girl, my friends don't have fingerprints anymore . . . my friends can't go to the DMV and put the hand down and have fingerprints anymore."

In addition to the negative effects on the skin, inhaling the toxins found in keratin straightening treatments, perms, and bleach can cause long-term internal issues.

Asthma, bronchitis, lung disease, and bladder cancer are all occupational risks.

ThinkProgress reported that hairdressers are more likely to die from Alzheimers's disease, presenile dementia, and motor neuron disease.

Women working in hair salons are also more likely to have miscarriages or children with cleft palates.

Ammonia, formaldehyde, and bleach are things we wouldn't use on our kitchen counters yet we demand that our hairstylist use the strongest straightening treatment available or keep the chemicals on for 15 more minutes to get the desired platinum blond shade.

Not only should we be worried about what permanent effects these toxins have on our stylist, but we might want to ask ourselves what we are inhaling as the client.