Spotlight on skin irritations and allergies
TrichoCare Education’s Starter Events that shine a spotlight on trichology are going from strength to strength. Not only do they focus on information and insight on conditions of the hair and scalp, including skin irritations and allergies in hairdressing. They also advise clients on their hair issues. Moreover, they’re great forums for sharing stories and ideas. They are also great for busting some myths, especially about products.
Last month saw successful events in Reading and Coventry. Attending the meetings were salon owners, stylists, junior staff and also tutors from local FE colleges.
Each event features a presentation by TrichoCare’s founder Brian Plunkett. He covers what trichology is and why it’s important for hair professionals to have a general knowledge of hair and scalp conditions. This includes understanding skin irritations and allergies in hairdressing, especially the difference between irritation and allergy.
A really important part of Brian’s message is that hair professionals need to be alert to the problems products can cause. These problems can affect both their clients and themselves. For example, it’s well known that there’s been a huge increase in sensitivity recently to chemicals like MI. MI is a preservative widely used in many hair and beauty products. This sensitivity is a common example of skin irritations and allergies in hairdressing.
One of the issues that regularly comes up during the lively discussions at the TrichoCare events is hair professionals having an allergy. They may develop an allergy to chemicals in the products they use every day. Skin irritations and allergies in hairdressing can lead to significant professional challenges.
At the Coventry meeting there were 8 people with ‘bad hands’ and one with a severe allergy to PPD – the result of exposure to a black henna tattoo at the age of 9. And at the Reading event, we met two people with ‘bad hands’ and one with a severe allergy to hair dye.
Having an allergy to the products or materials you’re using in your occupation can be not just uncomfortable or frustrating but distressing as well. It is distressing for the person involved and It’s a prime example of skin irritations and allergies in hairdressing. It can even lead to them leaving the profession because of the health problems they’ve developed.
Being aware of the occupational dangers to the profession is crucial. These include not just exposure to chemicals but repeated exposure to water and heat. Awareness will help hair professionals protect themselves. It also means they can offer sound advice to their clients.
Brian Plunkett’s message is: ‘Protect your clients, of course, but don’t forget to protect yourself as well!’
The next TrichoCare event will be in St Albans, Hertfordshire on the 8th June. Another one will be in Bournemouth on the 22nd June. For more information, please visit our Events page.
To see what other hair professionals say about TrichoCare events, read our Feedback blog.
