098/W/06. GNN141084P. 23 November 2006

HSE says care for your hairdresser on National Hairdressers' Day

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging hairdressers not to have a Bad Hand Day.

We all need a good hairdresser to keep us looking our very best. To mark National Hairdressers Day which took place this week, HSE is asking you to spare a thought for the plight of thousands of hair and beauty professionals whose careers are blighted or in some cases ended by the debilitating skin disease dermatitis, which leaves hands dry, red, flaky, itchy, cracked and blistered, making normal activities very difficult.

The condition, which is caused by exposure to products like shampoo or hair-dye and even by prolonged wet-work may affect nearly 50% of the 130,000 hairdressers in Great Britain at some point in their careers.

Steve Coppell, HSE Operations Manager for Wales said: "Hairdressers suffering from dermatitis are often in a good deal of discomfort and pain and in extreme cases have no choice but to leave the profession altogether. Through the Bad Hand Day campaign we will equip hairdressers with the information needed to make dermatitis a thing of the past, say NO to dermatitis and take simple steps to avoid it.

"We are asking hairdressers to protect the tools of their trade, their hands. Hairdressers have the right to work in a healthy environment so we are working in partnership with local authorities, Habia and the National Hairdressing Federation (NHF) to raise awareness on this issue. The campaign will be supported by inspections by local authorities; dermatitis is not an acceptable occupational hazard and we must ensure that enough is being done to tackle it."

Following these five simple steps can help prevent dermatitis:

• Wear disposable non-latex gloves when rinsing, shampooing, colouring, bleaching etc.
• Dry your hands thoroughly with a soft cotton or paper towel.
• Moisturise after washing your hands, as well as at the start and end of each day.
• Change gloves between clients.
• Check skin regularly for early signs of dermatitis.

In support of the Bad Hand Day campaign, HSE, Habia, the NHF are urging anyone visiting a salon to think about their hairdressers' health. Hairdressers believe their clients do not want them to wear gloves, what price do hairdresser's hands pay for beauty?

Notes to editors

1. More than 50% of hairdressers in GB may suffer from work related dermatitis at some point in their careers.
2. For more information on dermatitis and the Bad Hand Day campaign please visit www.badhandday.hse.gov.uk
3. Key statistics from Habia:
   1. 35,000 salons (inc. barbering/men's salons) across GB
   2. 340 million client visits per annum
   3. Average household spend on hairdressing services per annum is £140
   4. 25,000 new recruits to industry each year
   5. Beauty sector dominated by small salons (93%)

   6. 75% of salons have less than 5 staff - most common number 3

Public enquiries

HSE's InfoLine: 0845 3450055
Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG

HSE information and news releases can be accessed on the Internet www.hse.gov.uk/