What Are the Health Risks Associated With Cosmetology?

Someone who earns a living working as a cosmetologist is educated in treating skin, hair and nails. She generally works in a beauty salon or in a cosmetology studio. Some cosmetologists have additional skills and expertise in hygienic practices that she is able to teach her clients. She may also give massages and perform various types of therapeutic treatments on her clients. She is licensed and has to take a test in the state in which she lives before she can work as a cosmetologist. Individuals working in this industry must keep in mind various health risks associated with the job.

Your Back, Knees, Feet and Overall Posture

• Many cosmetologists spend long hours and even years standing on their feet behind the chair their client sits in. They also spend a great deal of time standing behind a client and bending over to shampoo their hair. This can do damage to the feet and knees and also have a bearing on the cosmetologist's posture because of her need to bend over. When it is not necessary to bend over, it is important that a cosmetologist stand up as straight as possible, keeping the head up and the chin level with the floor. It is also important to elongate the neck and keep your upper body as straight as possible. Consistently slouching may eventually result in a rounded back, or a Dowager's hump, along with a chin that juts forward. Ideally, an individual should stand evenly on both feet and try to maintain a relaxed position. Weight should be distributed evenly and knees shold be flexed instead of locked..

Infections

• The cosmetologist has to be on the look out for bacterial and fungal infections, which can spread from the client to the cosmetologist or the other way around. Keeping one's hands clean and sanitized is imperative. Cosmetologists should examine a client's nails or hair closely before beginning work. If the client has an abrasion or cut and it is infected, cross contamination can occur when the cosmetologist comes into contact with the area.

Chemicals

• Chemicals are regularly handled by cosmetologists. They can be damaging if they're inhaled or dropped on the skin. Chemicals can also cause irritation to the mucous membranes in the nose and skin problems as well as burns to the skin. Coughing can also occur. To minimize risks, the salon must be ventilated properly and gloves should be worn to protect the hands. If the chemicals are really bothersome, a mask can be worn.

Nail Products

• Cosmetologists must be cognizant of the chemicals that are used when they're providing nail care. Some are considered carcinogens, which means they can cause cancer. Wearing a mask and gloves can help minimize the exposure to various chemicals; overexposure to certain chemicals can negatively impact the central nervous system as well as cause dizziness, headaches and fatigue.

Vigilant Sanitizing

• The cosmetologist must be religious about sanitizing all of her tools to avoid spreading infection to her clients or to herself.