In the beauty industry, creativity is at the heart of every service, but it can come with a physical cost. Long hours on your feet, repetitive motions, and awkward posture can take a toll on both your body and mind. That’s why investing in your wellness with self-care is so imperative.
Whether you’re cutting, coloring, or styling, ergonomic tools and simple self-care practices can protect your most valuable asset—your body. And with a focus on creating a work-life balance for stylists, we also believe that wellness begins with design—from how your shears fit in your hand to how your blow dryer feels after a long day. Below we're offering tips on how to create a healthier, more mindful routine behind the chair.
1. Ergonomics = Everyday Wellness
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs), tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome affect over 70% of stylists at some point in their careers. These injuries aren’t just painful; they can shorten your time behind the chair. To learn more about how to protect your body, check out our blog: Hairdressers: How To Prevent Repetitive Strain Injury and take a peek at some of our top tool picks below.
Ergonomic tools designed to support healthy posture:
Signature Series Cutting Stool: A supportive alternative to standing all day, this adjustable stool allows you to stay level with guests while working. The thick memory foam seat, backrest, and footrest reduce strain on your lower back, neck, and shoulders. According to Anna Peters of the Sam Villa ArTeam, it’s not just great for cutting—it's ideal for styling as well, keeping you comfortable and helping you avoid crouching or hunching. The seat adjusts easily to suit your task, so you can stay in a relaxed, level position throughout any service.
Ergonomic Shears: Developed in collaboration with doctors and ergonomics experts, Sam Villa shears are engineered to reduce pain and extend your career. Featuring a crane-style handle, forward-set thumb, and swivel thumb options, these shears help you lower your elbow while working to maintain a natural, relaxed cutting posture. Whether you choose the Artist, Signature or Essential Series, these ergonomic handle shears are designed to reduce strain on your hands, wrists, and shoulders.
Pro Light Ionic Blow Dryer: Featuring intense airflow and powerful drying performance with a tool that weighs less than 1 lb., this dryer speeds up services while remaining kind to your body. Its curved, comfort-grip handle supports a more neutral wrist position, helping reduce fatigue throughout long days and the ceramic/tourmaline ion technology minimizes frizz while enhancing shine, without compromising your comfort. Plus, it’s ultra-quiet and travel-friendly, making it the ideal blow-dryer to take with you wherever you go.
2. Work Smarter, Not Harder: Tips for a Healthier Routine
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Alternate Techniques: Switch up your cutting and styling positions throughout the day to avoid overuse.
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Stretch Between Clients: Gentle wrist, shoulder, and back stretches can prevent tightness and stiffness.
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Practice Mindful Breathing: A few deep, even breaths can ground you during a hectic day. Try Andrew Carruthers' tips for breathwork and balance.
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Hydrate & Nourish: Don’t skip meals or forget to hydrate, fueling your body gives you energy to correct your posture and stay sharp throughout the day.
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Take Breaks Seriously: Sitting, even for a few minutes, allows your body to reset and recharge. If you can, elevate your legs.
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Choose Footwear Wisely: Sure, some shoes might match your outfit better, but they will take a serious toll on your health. Be sure to always wear appropriate footwear for support and comfort.
3. Long-Term Health Starts Now
Wellness starts with intentional choices taken everyday. Too often, we pour all our energy into our clients and leave little for ourselves. Andrew Carruthers reminds us that finding a work-life balance starts with something as simple as breathwork. His mindful approach to wellness emphasizes connection to the self through breath, presence, and small rituals that bring you back to center.
With just a few moments of breath awareness each day, you can calm your nervous system and bring your body out of “fight or flight” mode. Andrew suggests focusing on the rhythm of your breathing—matching your inhales and exhales—to reconnect with your body and emotions. You can also focus your awareness on your heart and gut, allowing intuition and emotion to guide you toward more intentional self-care.
Choosing tools that feel good in your hands, support your natural movement, and reduce pain will set you up for longevity in your career. Whether you're seated on a cutting stool to protect your back or using ergonomic shears to save your wrists, it's never too late to prioritize your health behind the chair.
Shop The Tools
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Signature Series Cutting Stool: Designed for posture, comfort, and adjustability so you can work without pain or fatigue.
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Signature Series Ergonomic Shears: Available in swivel, crane, and forward-set thumb configurations for all-day cutting comfort. Designed to reduce stress on wrists, shoulders, and hands.
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Pro Light Ionic Blow Dryer: A lightweight powerhouse that delivers shine, speed, and comfort. Ideal for busy stylists who need high performance without the strain.
