Posted By Paul Leadbetter Ian Can customers lean forwards to have their hair washed? If they don't tell you of their health problems, you cannot be expected to know about them. However, your students could ask; it would make a change from the usual patter about holidays, etc. Paul

Posted By Deborah Armstrong Ian This has been described as "Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome" by the Press. According to information in press articles, its thought that straining or over-straining the neck can tear a major artery, particularly in persons already suffering from high blood pressure, which might lead to a stroke. I suspect you would need to know more information about the customer, such as: Does the person have a history of high blood pressure; have they suffered a stroke before; existing neck/back problems. However, a lot of hairdressers still don't even bother to carry out dye allergy tests on customers.............. Maybe areas which could be looked at are: Supporting the neck with a towel? or- Take the pressure of the person's neck by providing reclining chairs which enables the person to lie back, with legs and feet raised, which will enable the person to retain the natural spinal curve. (This would require adequate space to be provided). Or, as you stated, in cases of persons who have existing medical problems such as high blood pressure - bending the person forward to wash their hair is another alernative (but pretty messy and wet for the person). Also, doubt this would be a good position for the hairdresser as it would require them to adopt a poor posture to carry out hair washing activities. This syndrome definitely requires further investigation by the medics. Would suggest you contact Ergonomics Specialists, such as System Concepts, to get their ideas on the situation. They may be up-to-date with developments on this Syndrome. Regards, Debbie

Posted By Dave Wilson Ian, Hows it hanging mate? It may be a good idea to ensure that this info is inserted into the training curriculum for hairdressers so that they can be properly trained and made aware for the future in their own salons etc.

Posted By Alistair Reid Is this not happening the wrong way, should you not be asking this question of the Head of Department as to what they are teaching the students. Awareness of this condition should be being taught to trainee hairdressers. From my very limited experience in this area I recall that the Federation was very prominent and would be offering advice on this subject to its membership.