Healthy Hands
Hairdressers, barbers and beauticians in Torfaen are being targeted in a campaign to help prevent dermatitis. Dermatitis is a debilitating skin disease which leaves hands dry, red, flaky, itchy, cracked and blistered, making normal activities very difficult. It is estimated that 10% of workers in these occupations will have their career ended because of dermatitis.
The campaign is a partnership between Torfaen Council, Coleg Gwent, South Wales Fire Brigade, the National Hairdressing Federation (NHF), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA).
Councillor Glyn Caron, Executive Member for Planning and Public Protection, said: "Torfaen Council has started a new hairdressing health and safety award scheme which will equip hairdressers with the information they need to make dermatitis a thing of the past. We are showing them that they can take simple steps to avoid it and protect themselves as well as their customers. Hairdressers must protect the tools of their trade, their hands. They have the right to work in a healthy environment so we are working to raise awareness of this and other health and safety issues."
Dermatitis can be prevented by following these five simple steps:
1. Wear disposable non-latex gloves when rinsing, shampooing, colouring, bleaching etc.
2. Dry your hands thoroughly with a soft cotton or paper towel.
3. Moisturise after washing your hands, as well as at the start and end of each day.
4. Change gloves between clients.
5. Check skin regularly for early signs of dermatitis.
Torfaen Council is urging anyone visiting a salon to think about their hairdresser’s health. Hairdressers believe their clients do not want them to wear gloves. If you see your hairdresser wearing gloves, they are protecting their hands so they can keep doing what they do best.
Call 01633 648470 for more information.