NEARLY 100 hairdressers from across Devon have attended a workshop at Exeter College on how to avoid contracting dermatitis.

Up to three-quarters of all hairdressers suffer some form of skin damage, which may be caused by contact with hairdressing products and long periods of contact with water. Small steps such as wearing disposable gloves, thoroughly drying and moisturising hands can help to prevent dermatitis.

Exeter College hosted a free half-day workshop on Monday, 2nd April, to help hairdressers recognise the early signs of dermatitis and understand the requirements of health and safety law. The workshop, which was organised with the Health & Safety Executive, Exeter City Council, Mid and East Devon District Councils and West Devon Borough Council, was open to anyone working in the Hair and Beauty Industry.

Tricia Pugsley, Head of Essential Therapies at Exeter College, said: “We all need to be proactive to ensure that all learners and staff are regularly checking their hands for signs of dermatitis, which, once established, causes lifetime sensitivity to allergens resulting in loss of employment in this field. “We must all develop good habits by using protective gloves for wet and chemical work. We are the happiest work force in the country; our skills are in our hands so we must look after them. “Exeter College Hairdressing and Beauty department will continue to raise the profile of dermatitis with all learners both on full time and part time hairdressing courses and within the industry for our hairdressing apprentices with employers.”

As part of the event, a trial on the effectiveness of different disposable glove brands was carried out by the Essential Therapies department and the Exeter salons, Cutting Crew in St Thomas and Crew 2 in Queen Street. John Shear, partner at Cutting Crew and Crew 2, said: “It was a very interesting and informative day and very relevant for the industry. “Dermatitis is an important issue within hairdressing so the event was very worthwhile.”