Though the benefits of wearing gloves may be obvious for those in medical, dental and chemical professions, beauty therapists and hairdressers can also benefit immensely from the protection that rubber gloves provide.

In November 2006 the ‘Bad Hand Day?’ campaign was launched in order to raise awareness of work-related dermatitis in the hairdressing industry. Hairdressers were identified as one of the occupational groups with the highest risk of developing work-related contact dermatitis.

Dermatitis, or eczema, is the inflammation of the skin and the formation of dry, flaky, blistered, cracked, weeping and extremely itchy patches. The cause of dermatitis is unknown, but is presumed to be a combination of both genetic and environmental factors, and exposure to harsh chemicals can aggravate and provoke an episode of dermatitis.

It is thought that up to 70% of hairdressers will suffer some form of skin damage at some stage in their career, and the main causes of work-related contact dermatitis in hairdressers are exposure to some of the chemicals present in hairdressing products, and frequent ‘wet work’, including shampooing and rinsing.

Prior to the campaign, many hairdressers didn’t use gloves because they thought they might be uncomfortable or might snag in clients’ hair. However, after trying them, most agreed that using protective gloves didn’t cause any problems and prevented dermatitis and sore skin. As a result of the campaign, many hairdressers now wear gloves at work, and celebrity hairdresser Mark Hill, who supported the campaign, said: “Buying and wearing gloves to protect your hands from skin damage makes good business sense.”

However, it isn’t just hairdressers who can reap the benefits of wearing protective rubber gloves, as beauty therapists can put them to good use too. Beauty therapists who conduct waxing, manicures and pedicures can protect themselves against fungal infections, infestations (such as scabies and lice), viruses such as hepatitis, and many bacterial infections by wearing gloves.  Gloves should be worn when there may be the chance of contact with a mucous membrane (such as during intimate waxing), or when there may be a chance of blood spotting (during waxing of coarse hair) and micro-dermabrasion.

Whatever your needs, whether they be cosmetic, medical, dental or otherwise, The Glove Club can provide you with high-quality, yet reasonably priced, rubber gloves. Please do not hesitate to contact us, or call us on free phone at 0500 456 832.