Sounds like army, but it’s pure self-care, because while you’re using scissors, hair dryer, and color perfectly, your back often gives out – and reports back pain, tension, or long-term misalignment.
So, time to change that – easy and without a drill sergeant
Being a hairdresser is high-performance sports – just without the warm-up.
You know it. Standing for eight hours, slightly leaning forward, arms at shoulder height, plus the famous “barber lunge” at the sink…
the result:
– Guarded postures (unconscious avoidance of pain)
– Unilateral stress
– Misalignments that creep in over the years
The good news: you can train your posture. And you don’t need a gym membership.
Good posture starts in the mind – and doesn’t end in a hollow back.
“Standing firm” doesn’t mean standing firm militarily. Good posture is dynamic, relaxed, and changing.
The basics for everyday hairdressing:
– Head “floats” above the spine (do not push forward)
– Shoulders loose – don’t shrug
– Abdominal tension slightly active (no drawing in, rather “stabilizing”)
– Distribute weight evenly on both feet
The most common mistake: working from the back instead of the legs
Many back pains occur because hairdressers:
– bending down to the customer
– not setting the chair correctly
– always work from the same position
better do this:
– Consistently adjust the customer chair to working height
– Bend your knees instead of bending your back
– Regularly change sides
This will cost you a few seconds at the beginning, but it will save you years of back pain.
Micro-movements beat marathon stretches
You don’t need a 60-minute yoga session at the salon (although… why not?). Even small things help enormously:
– Circle your shoulders between customers
– Gently mobilize your neck
– Shake out your hands
– Shift your weight
– Consciously use mini-breaks
Adopting a protective posture is not protection – it’s a trap.
If something hurts regularly, it’s not a “professional risk,” but a signal. And signals should be taken seriously – don’t overdo it, or your body will stand still like a 70s memory wig.
Good posture is a career booster
A healthy back means:
– less pain
– more energy
– longer working life
– better appearance (yes, posture is noticeable!)
So: Adopt a posture – but with humor, movement, and intelligence.
Your body is your most important tool. Treat it at least as well as your scissors.
And now please: relax your shoulders 😉
