Why might a hairdresser experience shoulder pain?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Hairdressers often develop shoulder pain because their work involves prolonged arm elevation, repetitive motions like cutting and blow-drying, and awkward postures held for hours. Over time, this strain can cause musculoskeletal issues such as rotator cuff tendinitis, impingement syndrome, or chronic muscle fatigue in the shoulders and neck.

Common contributors include:

Keeping arms raised above shoulder level
Repetitive scissor and brush movements
Poor ergonomic positioning
Extended standing without breaks

If you're a hairdresser (or anyone) dealing with persistent shoulder pain, ignoring it can lead to worsening injury and time away from work. The smartest first step is understanding what may be driving your symptoms. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights based on your specific situation and clear guidance on what to do next—no appointment or cost required.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of shoulder pain Learn if shoulder pain needs care Find out what’s causing your shoulder pain See OTC options for shoulder pain Find a doctor for shoulder pain Understand home remedies for shoulder pain Check if shoulder pain needs urgent care

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Explanation

Hairdressers often experience shoulder pain because of the way they work. They have to hold their arms up and use their hands a lot, which can cause strain.

Why It Happens:

Repetitive Movements: Hairdressers use their arms and hands over and over again. This can tire the muscles and cause pain.
Awkward Postures: Sometimes, hairdressers have to hold their arms in uncomfortable positions for a long time. This is hard on the shoulders.
Long Hours: Standing and working for many hours can make the muscles tired and sore.

What Can Be Done:

Take Breaks: Resting the arms and shoulders can help reduce pain.
Stretching: Doing simple stretches can make the muscles feel better.
Better Ergonomics: Using equipment that helps keep the body in a better position can also help.

If you're experiencing persistent shoulder discomfort, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing your pain. Understanding these factors can help hairdressers prevent shoulder pain and work more comfortably.

(References)

Mishra S, & Sarkar K. (2021). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated .... Journal of occupational health, 33586840.
Hassan OM, & Bayomy H. (2015). Occupational Respiratory and Musculoskeletal Symptoms .... Journal of community health, 25663369.
Ercan S, İnce Parpucu T, Başkurt Z, & Başkurt F. (2023). Gender differences, ergonomics risks and upper quadrant .... International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics : JOSE, 35437115.

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