When it comes to creative careers, there are few which allow you to express artistry as well as hairstyling. Dedication to their craft also means that hairstylists are at a particularly high risk of developing job-related injuries and illnesses, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Keep reading to find out why both consumers and some hairstylists get carpal tunnel syndrome and how Brushopolis professional hairbrushes *may help prevent it.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a pressure that sits on a nerve in the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and fingers. Though it can be self-treated, it is often extremely painful. It can take several months to see any improvement or recovery.

The condition is usually easily identified by several symptoms, which may include: 

• numb hands
• extreme tingling or pins and needles in the hand or wrists
• aches and pains, and weakness in the thumb
• trouble gripping or grasping objects. 

Sufferers may see that the symptoms come and go periodically, and will usually present worse at night. It is generally pretty easy to figure out if you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, and many will try to treat the condition themselves before seeking medical advice.

No matter what, make sure to consult your doctor!

What Can Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

CPS is a condition which can be caused and exacerbated by a range of different factors, including:

• Pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction
• Fluid retention caused by pregnancy or the menopause
• High blood pressure
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Fractures or trauma to the wrist
• Repetitive movements, such as flexing or curling of the wrist and hand

Reducing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are a few tips and tricks you can try to reduce your chance of injury, and keep your body healthy, safe, and pain-free throughout your career. Some of the best options can include:

• Sleeping with your wrists out straight, rather than curled underneath you or beneath a pillow
• Brushopolis hairbrushes* that are perfectly designed to help alleviate strain on wrists which may reduce carpal tunnel symptoms.
• Keeping wrists straight and robust when using and handling tools such as hairdryers, straighteners, brushes, and curlers
• Trying to avoid flexing or curling your wrists repeatedly - take regular breaks and make sure you are able to rest between clients
• Making sure you stretch and condition your wrists regularly to avoid them becoming locked or stiff
• Trying exercises such as yoga or pilates to build bone density and strength
• Making sure you monitor any potential condition and seek treatment as early as possible

Why do hairstylists get Carpal Tunnel?

The very nature of the role means that hairstylists tend to be far more prone to developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Repetitive, forced movements help to increase your chances of developing the condition, and this is a vital part of any stylist's day.

Regular washing of hair, sweeping, cutting, blowdrying, curling, straightening, and handling of tools can take its toll on the body, and this is often exacerbated by using poor-quality tools.

If you are a stylist with concerns, there is good news for you: Brushopolis offer a range of specially designed products that are created with stylists in mind and allow you to pick the best item for each job. 

Brushopolis hairbrushes are designed to create perfect tension on the hair while blowdrying. The hourglass shape of brushes like the Monroe Etiquette and the Monroe Grand Gala mirror the natural shape of the head, creating incredible tension, allowing you to style your client with less strain on the wrist.

The handles on these brushes feature a larger, fit-in-the hand design with a special rubber cushion that may reduce wrist strain because you don’t have to work so hard to hold on while brushing.

Brushopolis brushes also allow you to style without the twisting motion of the wrist you often see while giving blowouts. With Brushopolis hairbrushes, you simply lock, load, and pull through.

These boar bristle hairbrushes easily hold onto the hair you are working with. There is no need to redo the same section over and over because the hair keeps falling from the brush.

What Can You Do?

It may be a good idea to train your hands to carry weight evenly. Most of us will have a dominant hand - this is usually the one you write with. As a result, you will find that you naturally use one side more than the other, and this can increase strain and stress.

It may also be a good idea to use your non-dominant hand to build up strength and dexterity--this allows you to switch hands quickly, and means there is less strain on one particular wrist. Changing hands can help reduce your chances of injury. Be sure to consult your doctor.

You should schedule regular breaks into your day, especially between clients, and this offers a chance for your hand to rest and recuperate, reducing the repetitive motion and helping to keep you healthy.

When working, keep your body positioned correctly, and pay particular attention to the hands and wrists. It can be easy to fall into bad habits but stay vigilant, and you will prevent the risk of long term damage.

The patent-pending Monroe Latina Envy is a great all-round choice and can be combined with the Monroe Glamour to make sure that you achieve a sleek, perfect finish.

Both brushes are essential additions to your kit and can be used time and again with a reduced risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome thanks to the smooth lines and flexible design.

Additionally, the hourglass oval Poydynamic High Heat Retention Core of the Monroe Latina Envy brush can reduce hair drying time by up to 40%. Shortening the amount of time it takes to dry and style the hair shortens the amount of time there is strain being put on the wrist. 

Shop Brushopolis

Visit Brushopolis' online today and purchase tools that are designed to alleviate strain on the wrist.

*This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Disclaimer: If you or any other person has a medical concern or condition, you should seek advice with your health care provider or look into other professional medical treatment. Brushopolis hairbrushes are not a medical tool and are not known to cure any medical issues.