Which gloves should hairdressers use? If you’re asking this question, it’s likely that you’re just starting out. Or maybe your current gloves aren’t doing what you need them to?
Your salon gloves should protect your hands faultlessly. So if you’re noticing unexplained staining or they’re snapping easily, it’s time to make a change.
In this article we’ll discuss the importance of wearing hair stylist gloves while you’re on the floor, discuss the beneficial properties of salon gloves and present a few of our top picks.
Why Should Hair Stylists Wear Salon Gloves?
Wearing gloves while working will protect your hands from liquids, substances, and materials that can cause irritation and even skin conditions long-term.
Routine exposure to water, staining chemicals, hair splinters (which are arguably worse than wooden ones) and sharp scissor blades can pose risks to your hands. Each of these elements can be prevented by wearing adequately protective hair stylist gloves.
But, aside from the obvious like stain and cut prevention, what problems can occur from not wearing gloves while working in a hair salon?
Contact Dermatitis
As you’ll well know, the salon is rife with chemicals you probably can’t pronounce the names of. They might be good for hair, but they’re especially unhealthy for hands that have already sustained some damage.
Contact Dermatitis is a skin condition characterised by allergic reactions and irritation sustained by chemical substances. These symptoms will make working with your hands all day more difficult and possibly painful depending on the extent of the damage.
Certain hair products, including shampoos and sprays, and cleaning products such as barbicide can exacerbate the symptoms of Contact Dermatitis. So it’s advisable that you wear salon gloves to prevent exposure, even for a short length of time.
Xeroderma
Xeroderma is another type of skin condition which displays the same symptoms as Contact Dermatitis, but is caused by water exposure.
Washing hair uses a huge chunk of your day, and you’re probably familiar with the dry, rough feeling you get after a particularly heavy day of washing.
You probably already wear hair stylist gloves for washing colours and highlights, to prevent staining and burning from the bleach. But to avoid Xeroderma, it’s recommended you wear gloves when doing any kind of treatment, even if it is just shampoo and conditioner.
Your hands will thank you in the long-run!
Hair Splinters
Anyone who hasn’t experienced it won’t understand. A strand of hair can be anywhere from 0.04mm to 0.12mm thick, and when you’ve got the scissors out, you create tiny shards that become sharper and more painful than any wooden splinter. Not to mention harder to get rid of!
Wearing a decently thick pair of hair stylist gloves can prevent these tiny weapons from making their way into your skin. So they’re definitely worth a try!
Why are Hair Stylist Gloves Good?
Usually, hair stylist gloves are made of nitrile or vinyl. These are two considerably protective materials that will prevent exposing your hands to potentially harmful substances and wayward hair splinters. But what is it about nitrile and vinyl that makes them so effective?
What are the Properties of Vinyl Gloves?
Vinyl gloves boast a variety of beneficial properties that make them useful for hairdressers. Firstly, is their waterproof nature. Although they won’t prevent basin water from spilling in over the cuff of the glove, water will not seep in from anywhere else.
When worn for the correct length of time, your vinyl gloves will provide a consistent level of protection against water. But if you reuse the same pair of gloves throughout the day, they may become weak and begin to tear. So it’s important to switch them out when you’re finished with them.
Additionally, vinyl gloves aren’t susceptible to damage from low-level chemicals, like those found in shampoos and certain treatment solutions. So they won’t snap when you’re using these types of products.
Finally, they’re highly puncture resistant. So if you happen to be using a highlighter comb to separate ready for toning, it’s unlikely a slip of the pintail will cause a tear.
What are the Properties of Nitrile Gloves?
Nitrile gloves share many of the same beneficial properties with vinyl gloves. With the primary difference being that nitrile gloves boast higher resistance than nitrile gloves.
Although your vinyl gloves won’t necessarily break easily, nitrile gloves are tougher, more elastic, and offer higher mechanical resistance.
Furthermore, they offer higher quality and comfort, which is why they tend to be more expensive than their vinyl counterparts.
Which Gloves Should Hairdressers Use?
When posed the question: Which gloves should hairdressers use? We do have a few answers. But it all comes down to which salon gloves work best for you. Individual preference will call for different sizes and textures, and no powder as opposed to powdered.
Some level or trial and error will determine which gloves you should use in your hair salon. But if you’re looking for a general idea, see more below.
These gloves are our top vinyl seller for hairdressers, as they’re resistant to chemicals, comfortable to wear, and offer great dexterity.
They’re extremely cost effective and offer 50 uses for just £2.10 a box.
The lack of powder prevents skin irritation during long periods of use.
Their vinyl makeup is a great alternative for sufferers of latex allergies.
This is our top nitrile alternative. These ultra-thin hair salon gloves are specifically designed for comfort, flexibility and sensitivity while working.
They’re completely latex free and offer protection against harmful chemicals.
For just £3 for 50 pairs, you can protect your hands for extended periods in the salon.
