Occupational Health Risks of Female Hairdressers: Knowledge, Practice, and Self-Reported Symptoms

Abstract

Background & Objective(s): Hairdressers are exposed to various health hazards in their work environment. This study aims to assess the working conditions, knowledge, and practices regarding hazardous work exposure, in addition to identifying potential occupational health problems and their associated variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 151 female hairdressers was conducted in Assiut city, Upper Egypt. An interview questionnaire was used to record personal and job characteristics, descriptions of workplace environments, and knowledge and practices regarding occupational health risks and self-reported health problems. Standard assessment of weight and height was performed, and body mass index was calculated. Results: Insufficient ventilation of salons was reported by 67.5% of the hairdressers, and first aid measures were available for only 15.2%. Low awareness was found regarding blood-borne diseases transmitted through hair salons. Approximately 70% were disinfecting their equipment, and 12.4% performed this after each customer. The most frequent chronic musculoskeletal complaints were low back (22.5%), shoulder (17.2%), and wrist pain (16.6%). Nearly 24% complained from varicose veins. Varicose veins and knee pain were significantly associated with increases in age and working years. Neck pain was significantly associated with increases in age and being employed or owner of the hairdressing salon. Conclusion: Proper working conditions and safe practices of the studied hairdressers were insufficient. High awareness was found regarding the possibility of disease transmission through hair salons. However, only a few of them identified these diseases and their transmission modes. Moreover, they complained of musculoskeletal pain, varicose veins, and respiratory symptoms. Recommendations: Pre-employment health education programs should be provided for Egyptian hairdressers, and maintenance of hairdressing salons should be checked regularly.

Evaluation of work-related health and safety risks associated with hairdressers in Nairobi County, Kenya City

“…Regarding the organizational design of the hairdressing salons, the study showed that most hairdressers (68.5%) worked for 11 to 12 or more hours per day, with an average of 11 hours per day. This is different from other studies in the past (Khalaf et al,2021), where the average working hours is 8.9. The difference could result from a lack of compliance with labour regulations and the fact that the hairdressing occupation is informal, making the workforce work longer hours.…”

“…The study's results revealed that 2.7% of salons had a higher temperature of 28-29˚C while most of the salons had a temperature range of 24-25˚C. The results were not comparable to other studies on the physical environment's effects on hairdressers' health (Khalaf et al, 2021). The discrepancy might be due to the weather conditions of the study areas.…”

“…Women and girls spend a lot of time experimenting with their hair; therefore, perceived to be naturally inclined to the profession. The sector is characterized by a young workforce with an average age of 26 (Mishra, 2021;Khalaf, 2021). Small establishments dominate the hairdressing trade; therefore, salons have an average of two workers, run by self-employed hairdressers who often work independently without dependent employees.…”

“…An investigation into the causes of work-related health problems among hairdressers shows that 86% result from poor working conditions (Tsegay, 2021). In developing countries, the hairdressing industry has been given minimal consideration and neglected by key players in the labour ministry; to most people, it seems unprofessional and is just a supplementary source of income (Tolera, 2019;Khalaf, 2021).…”

‘Very unsure of what’s to come’: Salon worker experiences of COVID-19 in Australia during 2020

“…One study, out of the Netherlands, has found that hairdressers occupy a ‘close contact professional’ role and that workers in this category have been more likely to test positive to COVID-19 (de Gier et al, 2020). Prior to COVID-19, research already indicated the occupational health and safety risks of salons, including issues with hygiene practices and monitoring (Hepworth and Murtagh, 2005; Khalaf et al, 2020). Understandably, the pandemic heightens the importance of hygiene and raises issues around physical proximity for transmissibility of the virus between clients and workers.…”