Salon Business
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08.06.2026
Burnout in hairdressing
Struggling with the feeling of being burnout?! Here is some tips from our Dublin Studio educator Charlene Denny.
Hairdressers are renowned for taking on extra client appointments when they should be resting. I have, at many times in my life, worked myself into complete exhaustion by following the exact same routine.
What causes burnout among Hairdressers?
1. Working long hours with not enough physical/mental rest time.
Our working hours can vary from shorter days to longer days but regardless of your working hours, it's important to take a solid amount of time for your mind & body to reset before your next working day. This will look very different from person to person but whether it's tv time, walking the dog or getting your kids ready for bed; it still counts as rest if there's no tint brush in your hand!
2. Not prioritising food & water breaks.
I once worked in an environment where I was told 'breaks don't work in the hairdressing industry' but breaks are a legal requirement for a reason...We are human and not machines; If we don't take downtime to fuel our bodies with good quality sustenance, then we eventually will be unable to look after those around us. Book out time for yourself where possible to refuel so it makes you more efficient and productive in the long run.
3. Lack of enjoyable exercise.
As active as we are as hairdressers, there can be a lot of standing and not a lot of moving. For our body & mind to stay healthy, it's important to exercise in a way that our body may not be used to.
4. Socialising.
With our jobs, we talk to a lot of people about a lot of topics. We are known for lending a listening ear but also giving away plenty of advice to those who need it, and this can really drain our social batteries.
How can we prevent burnout & start to prioritize ourselves?
1. Get comfy with saying no.
Every business model is different but it's hugely important that we set boundaries for ourselves & our clients so that we all have the same expectation moving forward. Set your working hours and be strict with them. If your client didn't book far enough in advance for the appointment that they need...that's neither your fault nor your responsibility! We can offer our clients all of the times that we do have, but we can't give them what we don't have. So, protect & prioritize your downtime! The extra docket is NOT worth your mental health!
2. Take breaks to eat good quality food.
Meal prep is the best way to get a good hearty lunch while working a busy column. It's so easy to grab a packet of crisps or crackers but unfortunately processed foods have the least amount of nutritive value and don't fuel our body with what it needs to stay busy. Make a little bit extra at dinner time and package it up to bring to work with you the next day...Your body will thank you!
3. Take up a movement-hobby just for you.
Some people enjoy the gym, others enjoy yoga, maybe it could be a team-based sport. Personally, I love going to a heels dance class one evening per week and lose myself in the fun & energy that that brings. This gives me time to be with myself, but also it helps with the back & knee pain that I constantly struggle with as I'm strengthening those areas with dance!
4. Positive socialising.
Quite often when our social battery is drained from working, it can mean that we put off socialising in our spare time. But good quality socialising with our friends and family can actually energize us instead of drain us; it just needs to be the kind of social interaction that fills our cup (i.e.) grabbing a coffee with your best friend or visiting a family member that you haven't quite seen in a while. Little and often go a long way!
5. Treat yourself.
When you can, treat yourself to some serenity away from the hustle and bustle of work, life & social media. Sound Baths, massages, facials, meditation or other relaxing services that allow someone else take care of you for a change. These types of mind-soothers can make a real difference to your stress levels when maintained regularly.
The above tips that work for me might not be for everybody, and that's okay! But if one or more of these life hacks interest you, then i'd highly recommend trying one at a time. It takes 30 days to start a new habit and to be committed to that new habit, so start there with baby-steps and don't beat yourself up if you slip into old habits. Just start again the next day!
