What Is Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome and How to Avoid It

A visit to the salon usually feels relaxing and harmless, a soothing hair wash, warm water, and a few quiet minutes to unwind. Yet, for a minimal number of people, a common salon posture can affect blood flow to the brain. This rare condition is known as beauty parlour stroke syndrome, and understanding it can help make salon visits safer for everyone.
Although uncommon, awareness of beauty parlour stroke syndrome is important because the trigger is preventable with simple changes.

What Is Beauty Parlour Stroke Syndrome?

Beauty parlour stroke syndrome refers to a stroke or mini-stroke that may occur due to prolonged neck positioning during salon hair washing. It usually happens when the neck is tilted far backwards over a shampoo basin for several minutes.

In this position, important blood vessels in the neck, especially the vertebral arteries, can become compressed or stretched. These arteries supply blood to the brain. When blood flow is reduced, symptoms such as dizziness, vision problems, or, in rare cases, a stroke can occur.

The first case reported this condition in the early 1990s. While it remains rare, doctors emphasise that the risk is avoidable.

Why the Shampoo Chair Position Matters

The issue is not the shampoo, water, or massage itself. Instead, the concern is sustained neck extension, keeping the neck bent backwards for too long.
As people age, the neck may become stiffer due to arthritis or wear and tear. In addition, conditions affecting blood vessels can increase sensitivity to certain neck positions. However, even younger and otherwise healthy individuals may feel symptoms if the neck angle is extreme or held for an extended time.
Importantly, discomfort during a hair wash is not something to ignore. Mild pain, pressure, or dizziness can be early warning signs.

Symptoms You Should Never Dismiss

Symptoms of beauty parlour stroke syndrome may appear during the salon visit or several hours afterwards. Some signs are subtle, making them easy to overlook.

Sudden dizziness or a spinning sensation
Neck pain followed by a severe headache
Blurred or double vision
Slurred speech
Weakness or numbness on one side
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance

Early medical attention can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Who Needs to Be Extra Cautious?

Some individuals have a higher risk, even with short periods of neck strain. Extra care is advised for people with:

Chronic neck pain or neck arthritis
A previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
High blood pressure or diabetes
A history of smoking
Known blood vessel disorders
Recent neck injury or neck surgery

For these groups, comfort and safety should always take priority during salon services.

Simple Ways to Stay Safe at the Salon

The good news is that you do not need to avoid salon visits altogether. Small, practical adjustments can greatly reduce risk.

Here are easy safety tips to follow:

Ask for a neutral neck position: Your neck should remain as straight as possible, not sharply bent backwards.
Use neck support: A rolled towel placed under the neck can reduce strain on blood vessels.
Limit wash time: Shorter hair-washing sessions lower the risk without affecting results.
Speak up immediately: If you feel pain, pressure, or dizziness, ask to change position right away.
Choose forward-leaning options: Some salons offer hair washing where you lean forward instead of backwards.
Avoid neck massages if stiff: Gentle scalp massage is safer than pressure on the neck.

These small steps help protect blood flow while keeping the salon experience comfortable and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Beauty parlour stroke syndrome is rare, but it is real. Most importantly, it is preventable. By staying aware of neck positioning, recognising early symptoms, and communicating openly with salon staff, you can enjoy routine grooming without unnecessary risk.
A relaxing salon visit should never come at the cost of your health. Small changes can make a big difference.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

Copy-Writer & Content Editor

All Posts

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.