Analysis of glove trial

Summary of forms received

In total 591 forms were received and analysed from 38 local authorities who took part in a short questionnaire as part of a local campaign over a two day period. Gloves were left for staff in salons to wear to protect against skin damage including dermatitis. This questionnaire is to find out about staff's experiences and views of using the gloves.

Of the 591 forms returned, 556 people did wear gloves before the trial while working with clients' hair, 32 did not and 3 did not answer.

Of the 556 who wore gloves before the trial, 34% used gloves for both shampooing and rinsing. However, during the trial, the use of gloves for shampooing increased to 68% and rinsing also increased to 59%.

Two types of gloves were used, Marigold and Polyco. 9% of participants tried the Polyco, 17% tried the Marigold and 71% tried both, 3% did not answer.

The following graphs show responses from staff whilst trialling the gloves.

Put gloves on without difficulty – 86% responded yes, 13% responded no and 1% didn't answer.

Comfort of gloves – 80% found the gloves comfortable, 17% did not find them comfortable and 3% didn't answer.

Feel temperature of water – 50% could feel the temperature of water whilst wearing gloves whereas 41% could not. 9% did not answer.

Handle clients' hair without pulling - 74% could handle clients' hair freely when wearing gloves whilst 23% found gloves snagged clients' hair.

Client commented on the use of gloves – 43% clients commented on staff wearing gloves, and of those 28% complained about staff wearing them.

Wear gloves in the future for shampooing and rinsing? - 62% replied they would and 34% would not. 4% did not reply.

Of the 34% who would not wear gloves in the future:

• 22% felt they were uncomfortable to wear, restricted the use of hands, did not fit well and were too thick. When water gets in the gloves they found it difficult to shampoo properly.
• 17% felt they could not feel the temperature of the water correctly through the gloves, fear of scalding the client.
• 17% felt the gloves were not necessary and unpractical to use in the salon. Gloves were not necessary as they did not have a problem with their hands and would only use them when needed. Not practical for shampooing/rinsing as they could not rinse shampoo and conditioner out properly and was not suitable for use during massage treatments on scalp. Felt they caused more problems with gloves on.
• 14% commented on how the gloves pulled their client's hair, causing them discomfort.
• The remaining 15% preferred not to use the gloves as they felt they worked better without them; Clients preferred staff not to use gloves when shampooing/rinsing; Staff would only wear gloves when rinsing colour or perming solutions out of client's hair and felt gloves were not necessary for shampooing. It was felt by some that putting on and taking off gloves was very time consuming, especially when salon was busy.
• 15% did not provide any comment for not wearing gloves in the future for shampooing/rinsing.