Ergonomics for a Long Healthy Career
"Ergonomics might not seem like the most exciting topic, but learning how to take care of your body so you can have a sustainable career is probably one of the most important things a stylist needs to know," explains Andrew Carruthers, education director for Sam Villa. He dives deep into ergonomics for hairdressers, including hand exercises for mastering shear control and how to release body stress on YouTube.
Highlights Include:
Equal Pressure on Feet - The #1 thing every stylist should do each day is have a natural neutral foot position to make sure there's equal pressure from the big toes to the back corner of the heel and from pinky toes to the opposite back corner of the heel. Let the weight of the body sink and soften to create a grounded sensation for a solid standing foundation. What happens at the feet translates all the way to the top of your head, it affects all body parts. If weight shifts forward, the lower back is compromised...many things can tip the scale. Remember, feet have to move as you do hair – over direction comes from your feet, but they must move consistently and balanced for predictable results and a healthy career.
Shears - Shears play a major role in body placement, they determine where finger, wrist, elbow and shoulders are positioned. Sam Villa Shears' forward set thumb position is a game changer, it allows elbows to shift downward and keeps hands in a more natural position, eliminating neck and shoulder pain for comfort and longevity behind the chair.
Carpal Tunnel – Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome are common among hairdressers, but before turning to surgery, have a doctor/physical therapist check your neck – 60% to 70% of the time, the issue originates there. Many stylists hang their heads down and forward all day causing disks to slip, this puts pressure on nerves in the neck that travel down the arm to the elbow and wrist. Physical therapy can often be a less evasive treatment.
"Old habits can be hard to break, but it's so worth it to know the proper body position, as well as the best tools to use to decrease pain for a happier and longer career," adds Carruthers. Learn more valuable information for a long-lasting career every week on:
Mannequin Monday with Sammy every Monday at 11:00AM EDT
Transformation Tuesday with Sammy every Tuesday at 11:00AM EDT
Wellness Wednesdays every Wednesday at 7:00PM EDT on Facebook and simulcasted on YouTube.