Colouring/hair chemical agents-haidresser occupational hazard

[artifactos]

My sister is a cosmetologist. She has never really complained about chemical contact or fumes, but that may be because the salon she works for has proper ventilation. It also may be because she's a smoker, and they don't affect her as much because of what she's already inhaling?

She has developed wrist problems as a result of the motions of her job, though, and she's only 22. She also cuts her fingers quite often, so her hands are usually covered with bandaids.

That said, she prefers doing color and would be disappointed if any of her clients stopped coloring their hair - it is the procedure she earns the most money for based on time investment (she works for a salon that has a standard low price for haircuts) and it allows her a little more artistic freedom.

[Grog]

There *must* be an environmentally friendly way to colour one's hair - there would obviously be a market for it - aside from henna. No?

[softthings]

any time you lighten hair you have to use a developer. bleach almost always comes in powder form, which always takes my breath away when i use it. i try to turn my head. some are "dust free" and paul mitchell has a "lighten up" cream bleach, but you still have to mix it with the developer. the developers come in different volumes or strengths. the higher the number the stronger the lift. even to just deposit color, ie go darker, you have to use a developer. i have always had sinus issues before i started doing color, and i am dealing with some sinusitus now, but, i really think it is from the pollen. i really think it is one of those things that affects everyone differently. oh, and our perms smell like the dump, thankfully, no one really gets those anymore. i would love to change careers though. for more reasons than the chemicals. hah!

[tctrek]

I think being a hair stylist has got to be a super-tough job, even putting aside the chemical aspects. They are on their feet all day, really not making that much money and subject to the whims of crazy women. I try to be super-nice to my stylist, but I think a lot of women expect miracles. It takes a special person to stay patient and calm all day with that sort of stress.

[shootingstar]

I think being a hair stylist has got to be a super-tough job, even putting aside the chemical aspects. They are on their feet all day, really not making that much money and subject to the whims of crazy women. I try to be super-nice to my stylist, but I think a lot of women expect miracles. It takes a special person to stay patient and calm all day with that sort of stress.

I totally agree, tctrek. Being on one's feet for many years...can mean higher probability of backaches or achy legs at least.

Grog, just doing a database search on medical database..one does come up with health studies on hairdressers. I can't recall..henna is ok..if there are no skin breaks but one would need to research this.

I recall reading somewhere that use of hair spray should be in a ventilated area or do it outdoors on the back porch.

Their chemical air exposure hazard..is similar to some things that artists experience working with their turpentine, solvents in enclosed areas. I know I get a headache from oil painting with certain solvents or turpentine...even with cross-ventilation from several windows flung open and balcony door. I'm doing it within 3 ft. of a wide open balcony door. And I still get a slight headache! This is why more people are turning to acrylic painting.

But it shouldn't be surprise re: hairdressers, if some of us are bothered by heavy perfumes or fragrant air fresheners for a long time.

Softthings: Hope you monitor your health for awhile and patterns.

[softthings]

@tctrek, i am so glad some people realize how crazy the general public can be. haha. working in atlanta i had that problem of too high of expectations. now in the smaller town i am in, people are so stoked just to have a good haircut. i feel sane again. my quote for most of my time working in atlanta was that "it's a haircut, not a miracle."

@shootingstar, thank you. i do monitor my health due to other health problems. drs never really talk about any of the chemicals i work around. well, maybe one, a chiro i had a few years ago was concerned.

i will say that i do feel the salon i am working in is very well ventilated though. the only time i feel too close to chemicals is when i am mixing them and after i pull out foils from someone who has had bleach highlights. it can take your breath away sometimes. all that ammonia. bleh. somebodys gotta do it, right?

[TriMom217]

My MIL is in her early 60s and has been a hairdresser for 30+ years. She loves what she does and loves her clients as well. I never thought about the chemicals involved to tell the truth......just worried about all the cigarettes smoked between clients!