1. Infertility and Pregnancy Complications in Hair Stylists

Studies have shown that infertility and spontaneous miscarriages are highest among female hairdressers than women in any other occupation [1].

Everyday, hair stylists are exposed to chemical agents found in hair dyes, keratin treatments, perms, and other in-salon services. While exposure to these chemicals in small amounts may prove innocuous, hair stylist health issues can be directly attributed to the compounding effects of consistent chemical exposure [1].

How does this relate to hair stylists who wish to conceive? The chemicals found in common salon products are suspected to have adverse effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

Meaning, the pituitary gland (attached to the hypothalamus area of the brain) and a woman’s reproductive organs work in synchronicity to balance hormone levels, and any interruption of this delicate cycle can pose significant issues for pregnant women or those trying to conceive.

Another epidemiologic study focused on hairdressers found associations with menstrual disorders and higher rates of unprecedented miscarriages among hair stylists. Significant associations were found for irregular cycles, oligomenorrhoea, long blood loss, heavy pains and long pains after confounding correction. [2]