Why Stylists Should Prioritize Themselves

For years, my main priority was my career. I was so passionate about working behind the chair and making a name for myself in the industry that I dedicated my whole being to this endeavor. The result? My career took off—but my health took a hit. I felt rundown, and soon realized that if I kept going at the same breakneck pace with which I was devoted to moving up in my career, I’d find it impossible to actually perform my work duties. When you sacrifice your health, everything else in your life will falter.

So I had to reprioritize the values in my life: Taking care of myself (my health most importantly!) needed to come first. This continues to be a daily struggle, but I’ve strived to implement healthy lifestyle changes that have helped my overall well-being:

• I keep vitamins in the salon so I don’t forget to take them in the morning.
• I bought a water bottle that lights up every hour, reminding me to drink water.
• I get biweekly massages from professionals who specialize in working with athletes; they stretch my body properly and massage out any tenderness.
• I stretch my hands every morning before starting the day.
• I sit while doing hair 90 percent of the time so the labor isn’t as hard on my knees, back and legs.

I know this may sound ridiculous, but I’m still a work in progress—for instance, I one day really will take intentional breaks between clients to eat a whole meal. We can always strive to do better for ourselves: As long as we’re intentionally improving our commitment to our minds and bodies, we’re taking a step in the right direction.