health and wellness for hairstylists

Health and wellness and being a hairstylist go together like shampoo and conditioner.

The art of cosmetology requires precision, creativity, and stamina.

As rewarding as it is, the physical and mental demands of the job can take a toll on stylists over time. That’s why focusing on health and wellness is crucial for anyone and everyone in the beauty industry — beginners and experts alike.

At Salon Jaylee, we’re dedicated to nurturing and encouraging the wellbeing of our incredible service providers on all fronts. We understand that to be your best self, you’ve got to take care of number one.

Read on for health and wellness tips you can adopt to maintain optimal health and ensure a long, successful career behind the chair!

 

Physical Wellness: Protecting Your Body from the Daily Grind

Hairstylists are on their feet for most of the day, using their hands, arms, and shoulders in repetitive motions. This can lead to issues like back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and joint discomfort.

Luckily, there are ways to reduce the strain on your body and support physical wellness in the long run.

While we adore transforming our guests’ looks and boosting their confidence, we believe taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your guests.

1. Prioritize Ergonomics in the Salon

Working in an ergonomic environment is a game-changer for hairstylists. If you don’t feel you’re working in an ergonomic salon environment, do yourself the biggest favor and find one. Your long-term health is too precious to compromise!

Proper salon equipment, such as adjustable chairs and stations at the right height, reduces strain on your neck, back, and shoulders.

Small tweaks, like raising a guest’s chair to minimize bending, can make a big difference over time.

Aside from our comfy salon mats and stools, our stylists are huge fans of the Freestyle System Hair Dryers! These weightless dryers drop down from the ceiling, eliminating cords and lessening the risk of strain or injury.

Plus, the sleek design ensures no safety hazards, making it a win for everyone involved. All blowouts are a success (especially because these hair dryers reduce blowout time by 10%)!

With no cords to worry about and no need to lift heavy dryers, Freestyle System Hair Dryers allow our team can work more efficiently, while simultaneously decreasing the wear and tear on their bodies.

Our stylists can’t stop raving about how these weightless wonders have transformed their daily routines and minimized shoulder fatigue. It’s like having a third hand that never gets tired!

Check out our stylist, Kaitlyn Johnson’s, testimonials here — we highly recommend.

Get a better glimpse of how they look in the salon here —  spoiler: they look really, really good. 

Consider the following for additionally aiding with ergonomics in the salon:

• Perfect your posture, maintain proper form while working
• Alternate between sitting and standing
• Keep your shoulders relaxed and spine aligned
• Use mirrors to check alignment throughout day
• Strengthen your core
• Engage in strength, stability, and balance training outside of salon

2. Incorporate Stretching into Your Routine

Stretching is essential for keeping your muscles flexible and preventing injuries from repetitive movements. Just as we say to our dogs, “Ooo, big stretch!”, we need to start saying this to ourselves!

You don’t have to be a yogi to stretch. Integrating a few simple stretches throughout the day can alleviate tension in your back, shoulders, and wrists. Sounds good, right?

Consider adding these to your routine and rinse, lather, and repeat as necessary:

• Wrist stretches: Hold your arm out in front of you, palm facing up. Use your other hand to gently pull your fingers back toward your body, stretching the wrist. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat on the other hand.
• Neck stretches: Tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear toward your shoulder, and hold for 15-20 seconds. Repeat on the other side to release tension in the neck. Gentle neck rolls are great too!

• Back and shoulder stretches: Stand tall, interlace your fingers behind your back, and slowly lift your arms. This stretch opens up your chest and shoulders, areas that can get tight from long hours of cutting and styling.

Consider the following stretch schedule, suited to your needs and desires:

• Start your day with gentle stretches
• Take mini-breaks between guests for quick movement (if need be, set reminders)
• Focus on wrist, shoulder, and back flexibility
• Incorporate yoga poses designed for standing professions
• End your day with decompression exercises

3. Invest in Supportive Footwear

Being on your feet all day can lead to foot pain and even enduring issues like plantar fasciitis. Supportive footwear is the solution!

Invest in high-quality, supportive footwear designed for standing. We can assure you, you won’t regret it. Your body will be singing praises to you for taking such good care of it.

Many hairstylists, including our own, find that shoes with good arch support and cushioned soles make a noticeable difference in lessening foot, leg, and back fatigue.

Pair them with compression socks to improve circulation and decrease swelling in your feet and ankles — a twofer that just keeps on giving.

Thankfully, supportive footwear doesn’t have to be an eye sore. There are many brands of supportive footwear that are cute and for all styles. Dr. Martens are a crowd favorite at Salon Jaylee!

4. Hydration and Proper Nutrition

It’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced environment of the salon and forget to drink water or eat properly. Many jokes are made about this being the reality of being a hairstylist, but it doesn’t have to be!

Staying hydrated and fueling your body with nutritious foods is a must for preserving energy and keeping focus throughout the day. Without it, you’re setting yourself up for a not-so-great experience behind the chair.

Sure, you can power through the day without eating or drinking, but why starve or dehydrate yourself? There’s nothing to prove by neglecting proper nourishment. Your guests will understand that you require food and water; you’re only human!

Keep a water bottle (or drink of choice) nearby and snack on goodies (preferably healthy options like nuts, fruit, or yogurt) to stay energized between appointments. Make meal times a priority and don’t feel guilty for taking time for you.

Meal-prepping is a popular option to cut down on time spent in the kitchen guarantee you always have nutritious, devious food waiting for you at work. and easy way to know you have food to bring to work.

Mental Wellness: Finding Balance in a Busy Industry

As much as physical wellness is vital to upkeep, mental health can’t be overlooked. The two often go hand-in-hand.

Between the constant interaction with guests, lengthy hours, and the need to be “on” all the time, hairstylists are often prone to burnout. This can be prevented, however!

Here’s how you can achieve mental well-being while thriving in your role:

1. Set Boundaries with Guests

We know you want to go the extra mile to make your guests’ happy, and we fully support that, so long as you’re setting clear boundaries to protect your mental health. This will benefit both you and your guests.

Establish reasonable work hours and avoid overbooking yourself. Reserve space in your schedule for breaks, lunch, and moments to breathe between guests. Sometimes, just a moment can give you the refresh you need.

This not only helps prevent burnout, but also maximizes your skills and enables you to deliver top-notch service without feeling rushed or stressed.

2. Practice Self-Care Outside of Work

Hairstylists spend most of their day taking care of others, so it’s essential to prioritize self-care in your personal time.

This could be as simple as enjoying a relaxing bath after a shift, practicing mindfulness or meditation, binging a TV series, or indulging in a hobby you love. On the other hand, this could be as elaborate as receiving beauty and wellness treatments, taking a trip, hiring a personal trainer, meeting with a therapist, or attending a wellness retreat.

Getting enough quality sleep is a non-negotiable as well. Creating a nighttime routine that fosters a consistent sleep schedule and promotes tranquility rejuvenates your mind and body. You wake up ready to take on the day, resisting the temptation to hit the snooze button.

Self-care helps recharge your energy and keeps you work-life balance meter in just the right spot.

Consider:

• Scheduling regular vacation time
• Taking advantage of health insurance benefits
• Developing interests outside of the salon
• Using a planner or scheduling apps to stay organized
• Learning about personal development and self-help

3. Build a Support System

Like any industry, the beauty industry can feel isolating; particularly when you’re dealing with difficult guests or high-pressure situations. Join a team that has your back.

Surround yourself with a strong support system to overcome that isolation and step into your power. Support fellow stylists and they’ll support you. This symbiotic relationship is what brings the beauty community together.

Your support system doesn’t have to only be salon staff either. It can include your friends, family, or whoever you feel comfortable with.

Having people to vent to, share experiences with, and seek advice from is a breath of fresh air when navigating the challenges of the job.

Knowing you’re not alone and uplifted by others creates a safe place for you, boosting your morale and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the salon.

4. Stay Inspired and Keep Learning

Another way to combat burnout is by staying inspired and continually learning new techniques and innovations.

Attend workshops, take classes, and earn certifications to stay relevant with the latest trends in hairstyling. As things constantly are changing, it’s in your best interest to remain in the know.

At Salon Jaylee, we’re committed to superb education, offering our service providers numerous educational opportunities throughout each year. We teach our staff to embrace learning and say yes to continuing education.

Mastering specialized skills, racking up advanced certifications, and networking with industry professionals can really set you apart from the rest and unlock opportunities you didn’t even know existed. 

Continuing education sharpens your expertise, reignites your passion for cosmetology, and excites you again and again about your craft. Learn more about our commitment to education here!

Putting Your Health and Wellness First

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s quite the opposite! Taking care of yourself allows you to better take care of others.

By prioritizing physical wellness with ergonomic practices, proper footwear, hydration, and stretching, and by nurturing your mental health through self-care, boundaries, and continuous learning, you can succeed both in and out of the salon.

Health and wellness are key to longevity as a hairstylist. Implementing these wellness practices will help pamper your guests for years to come.

It’s time to put yourself first and make your health a priority—because a happy, healthy stylist creates the best hair.

Looking to join a salon that prioritizes stylist wellness? We’d love to hear from you! Check out our careers page to learn more about becoming part of the Salon Jaylee team.

Stay fabulous, stay healthy, and keep creating beautiful looks!

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The Villages, FL 32162
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