
As a hair professional working daily behind the chair, it's likely you've experienced some sort of injury or pain as a result of your profession. When we recently polled our audience, 92% of respondents admitted as such. When you are cutting, coloring and/or styling hair, you are on your feet for long hours, working in awkward positions that often require repetitive motions. If you don't properly care for your body, you can experience serious injury to muscles, nerves, ligaments, tendons or bones. Nobody knows this better than Jenifer Khan, a behind-the-chair hairstylist who has been in the industry for two decades. Read on to learn more about how her experiences behind the chair inspired the launch of Industry Aligned, what professionals can expect from the program and her tips and recommendations for better caring for your health, plus so much more.
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As a hair professional working daily behind the chair, it's likely you've experienced some sort of injury or pain as a result of your profession. When we recently polled our audience, 92% of respondents admitted as such. When you are cutting, coloring and/or styling hair, you are on your feet for long hours, working in awkward positions that often require repetitive motions. If you don't properly care for your body, you can experience serious injury to muscles, nerves, ligaments, tendons or bones. Nobody knows this better than Jenifer Khan, a behind-the-chair hairstylist who has been in the industry for two decades. Read on to learn more about how her experiences behind the chair inspired the launch of Industry Aligned, what professionals can expect from the program and her tips and recommendations for better caring for your health, plus so much more.
"Like many stylists, I experienced muscle strain, joint pain and fatigue from long hours on my feet and repetitive movements. Over time, these challenges highlighted the importance of practicing proactive self-care and incorporating good habits to prevent chronic pain and potential long-term injury. A more dramatic event also reinforced just how essential it is to take care of my body," she shares. "In April 2019, I almost lost my ability to work due to a spinal injury. My MRI showed I had herniated my C5-C6. After almost three months of PT/pain meds/$7000 in medical bills, my neurosurgeon was pushing for surgery, as his concern for permanent nerve damage grew. David [her husband] wouldn’t allow them to perform any surgery (involving a huge cut across my neck) until he got a chance to work on me. Step-by-step, I started to get better, all thanks to his guidance, expertise and full understanding of the human body and how it moves. I went from not being able to eat, shower, drive, sleep or work to having full autonomy and being able to get back to work and making money again."
As a result of her physical health challenges, she launched Industry Aligned (@industryaligned) with her husband David Castle. Together, the two aim to support hairstylists and beauty professionals who often overlook their own physical well-being while caring for clients through coaching, 1:1 virtual PT sessions, alignment calls, custom movement programs and more.
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): How did Industry Aligned get its start? What inspired you to launch the initiative?
Jenifer Khan (JK): Industry Aligned started out of a passion for supporting hairstylists and beauty professionals who often overlook their own physical well-being while caring for clients.
I used to be a 200-pound hairstylist, binge eater and heavy smoker, with poor posture and constant pain. I pushed my body to the limit daily, but in January 2014, I committed to change and focus on my mental and physical health. Within two years, I was 40 pounds lighter and feeling amazing. Shortly after this transformation, I met the man of my dreams, David Castle.
David, who has 25 years of experience in health and fitness, created a program tailored to correct my postural imbalances. Through intentional movement/nutrition, I lost another 25 pounds and now end my work day with energy and minimal pain. Since meeting in 2016, David and I have developed Industry Aligned, a unique program for beauty professionals focusing on body positioning, corrective movements and nutrition to improve their work experience and longevity in the industry. We're proud to be the first solution designed to provide resources and tools that empower beauty pros to prioritize their health and longevity in the industry.
BLP: What type of content can followers expect from Industry Aligned?
JK: On our Instagram (@industryaligned), you’ll find practical wellness tips and easy fitness routines designed for busy beauty pros like you. We keep it real with content that fits into your day — whether it’s quick lunch ideas to keep your energy up or simple moves to unkink your body between clients. You’ll also get inspired by success stories from fellow pros who’ve worked with David, along with his expert advice to help you stay aligned in both body and mind. Join us for tips, motivation and a little fun along the way to help you feel great all day!
BLP: How can stylists/beauty pros get involved in Industry Aligned?
JK: We’re building a supportive, welcoming community where beauty pros can connect, share experiences and encourage one another in creating healthier, more sustainable routines for long-lasting careers. Whether it’s joining us on social media, signing up for our email list or participating in live events and discussions, there’s a place for you here. We love hearing from our community — If you have questions or want to share your journey, don’t hesitate to send us a DM! We’re here to support you every step of the way.
BLP: What plans does Industry Aligned have for 2025?
JK: In 2025, we’re expanding our resources with a wealth of new educational content, including virtual events designed to make industry insights and professional growth accessible to everyone, no matter where they are. And of course, we're planning a few exciting surprises along the way! Don’t miss a beat — sign up for our email list to stay informed and be the first to know about all the exclusive updates and opportunities we have in store!
BLP: What types of physical challenges have you seen hairstylists experience because of the nature of their work?
"At Industry Aligned, we’ve built services designed to relieve discomfort and create sustainable, feel-good solutions for your body. Whether it’s through online coaching, 1:1 virtual PT sessions, alignment calls or custom movement programs, we’re here to help you thrive in your career — and feel great while doing it."Courtesy of Industry Aligned
Beyond these physical strains, I’ve noticed that the high levels of anxiety and fatigue in our industry also play a significant role, impacting posture and muscle tension and contributing to various stress-related ailments. These physical and mental demands confirm the importance of adopting proactive self-care and ergonomics to sustain long-term wellness in this profession.
BLP: What are some common myths around physicality as a hairstylist, and how are you addressing and debunking those myths?
JK: One of the biggest and most common myths in our industry is that physical pain is just "part of the job." But, what if the real issue isn't the job itself, but rather our bodies not being fully prepared for the demands we place on them?
It’s easy to think pain comes with the territory, but the truth is, with the right strategies — like proper movement, posture and strengthening exercises — we can reduce discomfort and protect our bodies for the long haul. Pain doesn’t have to be the norm. With a little preparation, you can feel great while doing what you love. I’m living proof of that! After 20 years as a hairstylist, I never imagined feeling this good was possible, but here I am — thriving!
Another misconception is that fitness and improving physical health are too time-consuming to fit into a busy schedule. However, in reality, small adjustments and quick exercises can easily become part of our daily routines. When we stop blaming the job and start taking ownership of our actions, we open the door to real, lasting relief and wellness. That’s exactly what inspired us to create our downloadable movement program — an accessible library of movements designed to leave less room for excuses and more room for feeling great. Our goal is to eliminate that feeling of hopelessness and help every beauty pro see just how strong they truly are!
BLP: What are some changes you’ve made in your routine to help protect your bodily health as a stylist?
JK: I know, I know — limiting caffeine sounds like a snooze fest, but staying hydrated instead has been a game-changer. No more energy crashes, and I feel so much more balanced. I also keep my lunches simple and easy, ready to grab on the go — sometimes I only have five minutes! When I do need to order out, I’ve got my healthier options ready and schedule the timing, so I’m not making last-minute choices (we all know those rarely turn out well!).
The real MVP? David suggested keeping resistance bands and a movement stick at work, and it’s made all the difference. Now, I can sneak in a minute or two of movement between clients, which keeps my energy steady throughout the day and those body aches in check. All these small habits really add up, and they’ve been key to avoiding those highs and lows that take a toll on my body!
BLP: What are some day-to-day steps stylists can take to protect their physical/bodily health?
JK: Staying hydrated, investing in supportive shoes (this may not be what you think) and taking a lunch break are key but often overlooked. However, what’s helped me most is staying in motion throughout the service.
Though it seems like a physically active job, it’s actually quite sedentary. That’s why it’s essential to move our bodies in varied ways throughout each service, whether seated or standing. Instead of constantly turning my client’s chair, I walk around it; if I lean to one side, I make sure to balance by leaning to the other. When blow-drying, I adjust my body to change my wrist position. These small shifts help reduce repetitive motions, which can otherwise lead to wear and tear on our shoulders, wrists, lower back and more.
BLP: What are some simple stretches/fitness routines stylists can incorporate into their day to address neck/shoulder/back/wrist/ankle/foot pain?
JK: We’ve got tons of simple, effective movements that make a real difference in managing the aches and pains stylists deal with — whether it’s neck, shoulders, back, wrists, ankles or feet. Check out our Instagram for a range of free, quick exercises designed just for these spots! Scroll through and pick what you need, or if you want more structured support, our movement downloads offer a step-by-step approach crafted for the beauty industry. They’re easy to follow, save straight to your phone and make it super quick to access on the go!
BLP: What advice/encouragement do you have for stylists who are taking the plunge into prioritizing their physical health in the new year?
JK: One step at a time! So many of us fall into the ‘go big or go home’ mindset, thinking we need a complete overhaul to see real change — only to end up burning out. Sound familiar? What made all the difference for me was taking a slow-and-steady approach: changing just one thing at a time, making it a habit and then adding something new each month. It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing: small changes stack up to big results. Plus, they’re so much more sustainable (and way less stressful). Start with one small tweak, master it and let each new step build on the last. You’ve got this!
Investing in your health is also an investment in your career, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Just a few minutes a day dedicated to movement and mindfulness can lead to real, lasting benefits. This is how we built good, healthy habits!
At Industry Aligned, we’ve built services designed to relieve discomfort and create sustainable, feel-good solutions for your body. Whether it’s through online coaching, 1:1 virtual PT sessions, alignment calls or custom movement programs, we’re here to help you thrive in your career — and feel great while doing it. Your health is your most valuable asset, and every small step you take today helps keep you doing what you love for years to come!