In this Article:
- Can a hair wash lead to a stroke?
- What causes beauty parlor strokes?
- Who is at risk for BPSS?
- How can you protect yourself at the salon?
- Why awareness matters for salon safety.
Can a Hair Wash Cause a Stroke?
by Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
You’re at the salon, indulging in the relaxing routine of a hair wash, when suddenly, you feel discomfort in your neck. You brush it off, thinking it’s nothing, but days later, you start experiencing dizziness and blurred vision. Could it be something serious?
It sounds like a scene from a medical drama, but for a handful of people, this scenario is a stark reality. A rare condition known as beauty parlor stroke syndrome (BPSS) underscores the hidden risks that a simple trip to the hairdresser can pose. Let’s unravel the mystery behind BPSS and learn how you can stay safe while enjoying your salon visits.
Hidden Risks Behind the Pampering
For most, a visit to the hairdresser is a time to unwind, boost self-esteem, and feel pampered. But the act of tilting your head back over a rigid washbasin, often at an awkward angle, can strain the neck in ways we rarely consider. Research shows that this position can compress or even tear arteries in the neck, potentially leading to a stroke.
BPSS, first identified in 1993, has its roots in the unnatural posture and force sometimes exerted during hair washing. The neck’s blood vessels can be pressed or stretched, disrupting blood flow to the brain. While it’s incredibly rare—studies recorded only ten cases over an 11-year period—it’s worth understanding the risks.
What Puts You at Risk?
While beauty parlor stroke syndrome (BPSS) is rare, it doesn’t occur entirely by chance. Certain factors can increase vulnerability, making some individuals more susceptible than others. Women over 50 are among the most affected, particularly those with pre-existing conditions such as arthritis or cervical spondylosis, which can weaken the structural integrity of the neck. Similarly, individuals with a history of narrowing or thinning of the blood vessels in the neck are at heightened risk, as these conditions make the arteries more susceptible to compression or injury.
However, BPSS is not limited to older adults or those with known medical conditions. Younger, seemingly healthy individuals are not immune. Everyday factors such as the angle at which your neck is positioned during hair washing, vigorous movements while shampooing, or the length of time spent in an awkward posture can all play a role. For instance, an extended period with the head tilted backward over a rigid sink edge can strain the blood vessels and vertebrae in the neck, potentially leading to complications.
Even subtle issues, such as bone spurs or minor spinal irregularities that may not yet cause noticeable symptoms, can increase the risk. Furthermore, sudden neck movements or jerking motions during washing can exacerbate these risks, potentially leading to a dissection of the arteries that supply blood to the brain.
Environmental and procedural factors in the salon setting also come into play. For example, poorly designed wash basins that don’t provide adequate neck support or hair washing techniques that involve excessive force can contribute to the problem. These risks highlight the importance of understanding how small adjustments in posture, timing, and communication can make a big difference.
Although BPSS is uncommon, understanding these risk factors allows you to take proactive steps to protect yourself, ensuring your salon visits remain a safe and enjoyable experience.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of BPSS can be tricky, as they are often subtle and may not appear immediately after your salon visit. You might experience dizziness or a sense of lightheadedness, as though the room is spinning. Your vision could become blurred or narrowed, making it difficult to focus. A persistent headache or discomfort in your neck might develop, and in some cases, nausea or vomiting may follow. More alarmingly, you might notice numbness or weakness on one side of your body, a telltale sign that something serious could be happening.
If any of these symptoms arise after a trip to the hairdresser, don’t dismiss them as minor inconveniences. Seeking medical attention right away is essential, as early intervention can be the key to preventing more serious consequences.
Protecting Yourself at the Salon
The good news is that you don’t need to give up your relaxing visits to the hairdresser to stay safe. With a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risk of BPSS while still enjoying your pampering session.
Start by bringing a small towel or cushion to place at the edge of the sink for neck support, helping to avoid strain from the hard surface. If possible, request to lean forward over the sink instead of tilting your head back; many salons are happy to accommodate this adjustment. Don’t hesitate to speak up if you feel any discomfort or need to shift your position—it’s your health and comfort that matter most. Additionally, try to minimize the time spent in the backwash position, limiting how long your neck remains in an awkward angle.
By taking these steps, you can make your salon visits both enjoyable and safe, ensuring peace of mind as you take time for yourself.
Why Awareness Matters
It’s easy to dismiss rare conditions like BPSS as something that happens to “someone else.” But awareness empowers us to advocate for our own safety. Understanding the risks and knowing how to protect yourself ensures that your salon visits remain a source of relaxation, not worry.
Self-care is more than just physical—it’s mental and emotional too. While the risks of BPSS might sound daunting, remember that the salon is a space where many find joy, confidence, and connection. By being informed, you can strike the perfect balance between indulgence and safety.
So the next time you recline at the washbasin, take a moment to adjust your position, ask for a towel, or speak up for your comfort. Your health—and your hair—deserve it.
About the Author
Beth McDaniel is a staff writer for InnerSelf.com
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Article Recap:
Beauty parlor stroke, though rare, can occur from neck strain during hair washing at salons. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, and blurred vision. Learn to protect yourself by advocating for gentle washing techniques and using neck support during salon visits.
#BeautyParlorStroke #SalonSafety #StrokePrevention #HairdresserRisks