Hey there, hairstylist! As a hairstylist, I know firsthand how much we love what we do, but I know we also face a unique set of challenges. Today, let’s dive into some of the common struggles hairstylists encounter—and how we can conquer them with a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of innovation, specifically with the Hair Stair™, the first ergonomic step stool designed just for us!
#1 **Back Pain: The Silent Killer** So, let's start with the big one—back pain.
After a long day spent on our feet, hovering over clients in the salon chair, it’s no wonder our backs sometimes feel like they’ve been ran over by a Mack truck! Research shows that around 50% of hairstylists experience chronic pain, with back pain being the most common culprit (Occupational Health Psychology, 2020). **Solution:** Incorporating proper ergonomics into our daily routines is crucial. This is one of the main reasons I created the Hair Stair™. Getting your body in a better working position is going to help relive strain on your neck, back and shoulders.
# 2. **Sore Feet: Our feet take a beating that is for sure! I know first hand that we are the worst at sitting! Even if you have 30 mins while a color sits, most likely you are using that time to pee, shove some food in your mouth or clean up a whirl wind mess of color bowls! It's no wonder are legs and feet feel like they’ve been treated to a marathon by the end of the day. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, nearly 77% of Americans experience foot pain at some point. **Solution:** Comfortable, supportive footwear is a must! My favorite shoes are by Vionic, they are cute and orthopedic at the same time! If you haven't seen them, they are definitely worth checking out. And of course let’s not forget the Hair Stair™ —the anti-fatigue top mat encourages subtle movements through your legs and feet. This can help reduce fatigue and pressure on your joints.
# 3. **Client Communication: The Art of the Hair Whisperer** Every hairstylist knows that navigating client expectations can sometimes feel like trying to decode an ancient language. "Can you make me look like this celeb without the scissors?" or "I want a change but don’t change too much!"—we’ve all been there! Miscommunication can lead to unhappy clients and stressful situations.
**Solution:** Good communication is key. Create a welcoming environment and ask lots of questions! Also, using visual aids like an inspiration photo, combined with setting real expectations. Sometimes things can take one session, sometimes multiple sessions. Good communication and setting realistic goals is so important. For your sanity and theirs.
# 4. **Burnout: The Blazing Inferno** Let’s face it, the hustle and bustle of salon life can lead to burnout faster than you can say “balayage!” Balancing multiple clients, keeping up with trends, and juggling our personal lives can leave us in a perpetual state of exhaustion, which isn’t cute (and definitely not good for creativity). **Solution:** Taking breaks is essential—both for ourselves and our creativity! Setting boundaries with clients and having set work hours is so important. I love using a booking app, it's like having a virtual assistant. The Hair Stair™, helps here too. I was struggling, because of how my body felt. Now, I feel better and work faster. Self care is a big one, this can be hard for so many. We juggle a lot, work, family, and all the things in between. Try doing something for yourself daily. Maybe coffee in bed, a 10 minute meditation or a quick workout. Something you enjoy, for you.
# 5. **Staying Trendy: The Continuous Curveball** In our ever-evolving industry, keeping up with trends is vital. Social media can be both a blessing and a curse—while it provides inspiration, it can also create pressure to constantly innovate. **Solution:** Instead of letting trends overwhelm us, let’s embrace our personal style! Create a unique space where creativity flows, whether it’s trying out daring new techniques or experimenting with colors. Collaborate with fellow stylists and share tips; it’s all about community.
# *Final Thoughts: Rocking the Salon Game* Being a hairstylist is an exhilarating journey filled with joy, creativity, and, let’s be honest, a few hair-raising struggles. By acknowledging these challenges and employing tools like the Hair Stair—our ergonomic hero—we can make our salon experience not just bearable, but exciting and fun! So let’s raise those scissors high, own our struggles, and continue to bring beauty to the world, one fabulous hairstyle at a time.
And as always, "thanks for stepping up, it's awesome up here!"
xoxo,
Megan L
Founder/CEO Hair Stair™
**References:** - Occupational Health Psychology (2020). “Workplace Injuries in the Beauty Industry” - American Podiatric Medical Association. “Foot Health”
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