How can hair stylists protect themselves from carpal tunnel syndrome?
Hair stylists (barbers and groomers as well) should become more aware of their body positioning when working. Holding their shears in an awkward angle can exacerbate the problem. Sleeping with hands curved under the chin has been a common sleeping position among people who develop CTS.
Two things that will help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome among hairstylists is to stretch their hands before beginning work in the morning and to use shears that require less effort to close. Shears that are dull and shears with a pivot screw that is too loose or too tight can create fatigue from overusing the hands in a repetitive motion which is the number one contributing factor to develop CTS.
The stretching exercise developed by Bonnie Megowan of Bonika Shears is easy to remember for those who are “religious” about it. Follow these steps
Written by Bonnie Megowan. Bonnie is a shear sharpener trainer and teaches sharpening through her Youtube channel and in person. Her company Bonika Shears produces the Bonika Shear line of shears. She is available for consultation about shears and sharpening. Love2Cut Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFp-U37s3RlAEBa76ujTGIQ