Period Problems
The professional beauty industry is made up of about 80% women and of those people, most of us experience periods every month-ish. The average menstrual cycle is 24 to 38 days and can typically lasts four to eight days, which means Aunt Flo is a regular at the salon. In addition to bleeding, 90% of people who menstruate say they experience various symptoms which can range from cramps, to food cravings to bloating and insomnia. 40% of those people report that their symptoms are so bad they sometimes end up having to miss work.
Each year in the United States, people spend upward of $2 billion on menstrual products. In their lifetime, the average menstruating person uses almost 17,000 tampons or pads. This is both a personal cost and an environmental cost to the planet. Many of these products don’t easily degrade in landfills or get flushed down into our sewer systems.
We’ve put together a little something about the issues we face and some tips to make shark week a little easier.
*Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links.
Cramps and bloating
Drink plenty of water. Half your body weight in ounces, daily will not only keep your skin looking fresh and clear, it’ll also help take the stress off your muscles which will help with those pesky cramps.
Stay hydrated friends!
Grab yourself a hydroflask like this one here
Body aches and pains
Wear comfortable shoes!! This is something we have heard time and time again as beauty professionals. Not only is it good to help during that time of the month, but wear them everyday. We are on our feet for HOURS out of the day. which puts pressure on our spine. So get something that’s comfy, supportive and hopefully cute, or opt for some inserts for better support, like these.
Stretch
Weather you’re standing or sitting all day, get up, move around, or stretch in between clients. It gets your blood flowing and helps move toxins around so they can leave your system and not get built up somewhere. Do a couple yoga poses in the break room or take a quick walk around the block when that no call no show happens. Think of it as treating yo’ self.
Don’t have the option to stop and stretch? Start a routine at home to keep your back happy. Try using this!
Wear something comfy
Dresses, leggings and stretchy wasted pants can be your best friend during code red. Let your body relax during this time by not being bound up in tight, conforming outfits. They’ll definitely be uncomfortable and the materials could irritate your skin.
We’re already hot and sweaty and tired standing behind the chair, don’t add feeling like hot air ballon to your list.
Snacks, snacks, SNACKS!
Aunt Flo doesn’t only bring you a special gift every month, but she brings cravings for everything bad for us too. Try curbing your sweet tooth with some fruit and eating potassium-rich foods (think bananas) will also help reduce bloating. Avoid carbs and salty foods for they’ll add water weight like no ones business and you don’t have time to run to the bathroom every 5 minutes.
Just don’t forget to drink water, and try some of these healthy snacks!
We’ve also added some of our personal favorite brands below and we truly use and love these products.
Thinx is an amazing reusable option that works for all body types. An inclusive company that really understands women and people who menstruate and are thinking about the earth and sustainability.
Flex is also a great reusable option with their disks and cups. Great for those long days behind the chair when bathroom breaks are one in a million and leakage just isn’t an option (but when is it ever).
We have periods, we bleed and we want to make sure to talk about it. What are some of your favorite brands and tips for other hairdressers during their crimson wave?!