Self-care is something we can all get on board with—after all, who doesn’t want to look after their own well-being, reduce their stress, and indulge in a little pampering every now and then? But for stylists, the idea of self-care is often easier said than done. In an industry where time is money, spending 8 to 10+ hours a day on your feet—often with very minimal breaks, let alone a full-blown 30-minute lunch—is the norm. While we always advocate for periodic rest breaks, sometimes it just isn’t feasible. But that doesn’t mean you have to let your own health and well-being go by the wayside.
Sam Villa is a brand that prides itself on creating products for stylists by stylists. Because they know the industry so well and have that first-hand experience, they know exactly what stylists are looking for—plus things stylists may not even realize they need! Read on to learn how you can integrate easy self-care tips into your everyday salon routine and how Sam Villa can help.
Take Care of Your Hands
Stylists handle a myriad of products—from hair dyes to shampoos to styling products—every single day. All of these can be irritating to the skin with prolonged exposure. Added to the fact that you’re constantly using water to wash/rinse your clients’ strands, and it’s no surprise that your hands need a little extra love. Always wear gloves when handling irritating products or dyes, and keep a non-greasy, scent-free hand lotion at your station to slather on while your client processes or between appointments.
It’s also important to protect your hands from the inside out. Repetitive motion injuries are some of the most common salon-related injuries and, over time, they can lead to serious pain. One of the best ways to avoid these injuries is to invest in the right tools, like Sam Villa’s ergonomic shears, which help cut down on fatigue and reduce stress on the hands. We like the Signature Series shears, Essential Series shears, Artist Series shears, and Streamline Series shears. More on how tools can extend the life of your career here.
Avoid Salon Fatigue
Any stylist knows that salon fatigue is very real. Those long days of back-to-back appointments can really take a toll and, while there’s no way to totally eliminate fatigue without clearing up your calendar, you can help protect your body by investing in stylist tools specifically designed to save your strength. Sam Villa offers a number of lightweight, ergonomic electronics to help keep your hands and arms from getting too tired while creating a perfect blow-out or style. We particularly love the Light Professional Ionic Blow Dryer, which is super quiet, provides powerful airflow and weighs less than a pound.
Give Your Feet a Break
Even a quick, five-minute rest while your client tones can help reduce swelling in your feet and relieve pressure. Find time throughout the day to sit, even for a few minutes here and there, to not only ease the strain on your feet but your entire body as well.
While resting is great, stylists simply have to stand for long periods of time. Make it easier on yourself by investing in a high-quality mat (or requesting your salon to purchase one for you) to put behind the chair.
Practice Mindfulness
Sometimes, those long days in the salon can be pretty brutal and the only thing standing between you and utter exhaustion is your attitude. One of the best ways to practice self-care is to remember to be mindful; rather than stressing about the next appointment (or set of appointments), try to remain in the present and stay connected to the client who’s actually in your chair. Trust us, she’ll notice. Remember all the reasons you love what you do and, when all else fails and you have a client that simply can’t be pleased or are insanely overbooked, remember that tomorrow is another day!
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Looking for even more hair care and styling tricks, be sure to stalk Sam Villa Professional on Bangstyle and check out all of his tools in the Bangstyle Store!