Salons are supposed to be relaxing spaces to receive rejuvenating services, but there’s a problem with one of the most common salon services: shampoo bowls. Though the bowls are designed to be as ergonomic as possible, they’re simply not. Clients must arch their heads backward at an extreme angle, which can become painful after a mere minute. The position is particularly bad for clients with preexisting neck or back issues. Fortunately, your salon clients don’t have to suffer. Here’s how to reduce shampoo bowl pain so you can offer a more relaxing, thoughtful experience.
Invest in Chair Comfort
It’s important to choose the right chair for each salon service, and the shampoo station is no different. Here are the main features you should prioritize:
- Back support
- Plush yet firm upholstery
- Adjustable height
- The option to lay flat
A chair with these features can combat the discomfort of a sharp neck angle, softening its impact. Plus, your clients are less likely to notice neck pain when the rest of their body is in bliss.
Add Cushioning to the Bowl
Shampoo bowls are usually made of hard, cold, glossy ceramic—that’s not exactly a recipe for comfort. However, your clients don’t have to put their necks in direct contact with the sink. Instead, you can add cushioning in the scooped area where the neck fits.
Specialized gel pads are a popular choice for extreme comfort, but they’re not the only option. In fact, a simple towel could do the trick! Whatever you choose, it will alleviate and soften pressure on your clients’ necks, and that’s the goal.
Offer Alternatives Like Shampoo Funnels
For clients with preexisting neck or back conditions, arching their necks back to any degree could be dangerous. Therefore, it’s wise to have an alternative. Shampoo funnels are an excellent option. These nifty devices strap around a client’s head, forming a seal around the crown so that soap and water can’t run down the client’s face. Instead, it is channeled into the shampoo bowl via flexible plastic siding that acts as a funnel. These devices let your clients sit upright at the shampoo station, completely eliminating the problem of neck strain.
Communicate With Your Clients
Finally, talk with your clients! If they feel nervous about pain during the shampoo stage of their treatment, they should feel comfortable talking with you. Ask them how they’re feeling, question and confirm their comfort throughout the treatment, and make sure they know the options you offer to increase comfort. Doing so will give you happy, pain-free customers who trust you to deliver truly relaxing services.
The shampoo bowl has long been a woe in the salon world, where services are supposed to be nothing short of relaxing and rejuvenating. Fortunately, you don’t have to let your clients experience discomfort. By investing in nice chairs, using neck cushioning, providing alternatives like shampoo funnels, and communicating, you can reduce shampoo bowl pain for your salon clients. Prioritize your clients’ comfort, and they’re sure to come back and bring their friends with them. Best of luck!