INTERNATIONAL GROOMING SOCIETY
Global Groomer Health Initiative
Based on an international panel of ~4,000 groomers
2025/2026 Global Study
IGS Global Groomer Health Initiative
Protecting those who care. We’re turning global data into practical prevention resources—built with the profession, for real salon conditions.
~39%
say back pain could force them to stop grooming long-term.
~78%
report work-related mental or emotional difficulties.
Eye strain
Visual discomfort is common and underprotected.
Inhalation
Particles and aerosols are daily exposure.
Why this initiative exists
For the first time, a large-scale international study has documented what grooming professionals have been experiencing for years: widespread physical pain, cumulative exposure (noise, particles, products), frequent injuries, emotional overload, and major gaps in prevention.
These issues are not individual failures. They are systemic occupational realities. The IGS Global Groomer Health Initiative exists to turn data into practical resources and long-term support—built with the profession.
A different approach
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No guilt.
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No denial.
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No unrealistic demands.
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Education over enforcement.
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Prevention over reaction.
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Support over judgment.
The goal is to provide knowledge, tools, and references so groomers can make informed, safer choices adapted to their country and working context.
The 6 pillars
Six interconnected areas. One shared goal: sustainable careers.
Physical Health & Musculoskeletal Protection
Back pain, joints, wrists, chronic fatigue. Ergonomics, biomechanics, workstation and workflow guidance.
Respiratory, Ocular & Skin Exposure
Hair/dust inhalation, aerosols, eye strain, dermatitis, hair splinters. Ventilation and exposure reduction tools.
Noise & Hearing Protection
Dryers, blowers, barking, tinnitus. Exposure thresholds, protection guidance, noise-reduction strategies.
Injuries, Accidents & Biological Risks
Bites, scratches, equipment incidents, zoonotic exposure. Safer handling, hygiene awareness, post-incident resources.
Mental Health, Emotional Load & Burnout Prevention
Stress, isolation, client pressure. Practical resilience tools, boundaries, peer support and recovery resources.
Specific Situations & Vulnerable Periods
Pregnancy, early-career vulnerability, cumulative exposure. Clear, responsible guidance and risk adaptation.
From data to action
What the initiative will progressively deliver.
Guides & Toolkits
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Salon-ready checklists
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Chapter-based prevention toolkits
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Posters for schools and salons
Education & Community
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Webinars & short trainings
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Peer exchange and shared practices
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Resources translated over time
Industry Collaboration
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Product transparency & safer use
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Noise / airflow / ergonomics innovation
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Voluntary guidance for safer options
Why membership matters
A collective professional movement
Membership supports independent, evidence-based work and helps build resources that improve health, safety and long-term career sustainability worldwide. It’s not only about access. It’s about belonging, contribution, and long-term vision.
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New resources released regularly
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Global accessibility (translations over time)
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Community and professional connection
Member resources (examples)
Toolkits designed for real salon conditions, progressive learning, and practical prevention.
MSD prevention mini-toolkit (posture + setup)
Noise quick guide (thresholds + protection)
Respiratory & aerosol exposure checklist
Incident reflection sheet (after bite/attack)
Stress & boundaries micro-tools
International Grooming Society
IGS Global Groomer Health Initiative
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