Hairdressers handle scissors, clippers, razors, dyes, shampoos, and other salon products throughout their working days. While chemical exposure and frequent handwashing are well-recognized occupational concerns, metal released from everyday cutting tools may present another source of skin irritation and allergic reactions.

A study published in Contact Dermatitis in October 2026 examined professional hairdressing equipment in Denmark and found that some tools released nickel or cobalt, two metals associated with allergic contact dermatitis.

What the Researchers Discovered

The research team examined 266 professional cutting tools collected from 58 hair salons in Denmark between March and June 2026. The equipment included 167 pairs of scissors, 95 hair clippers, and four razors. Researchers used chemical spot tests to determine whether the surfaces released detectable amounts of nickel or cobalt.

Nickel was detected on 37 tools, representing 13.9% of the total tested. Cobalt was detected on 18 tools, or 6.8%. The results also varied by equipment type.

Among the scissors, 15.6% tested positive for nickel and 6.6% for cobalt. For hair clippers, the corresponding figures were 10.5% and 6.3%. The sample of razors was very small, consisting of only four items, so their results cannot reliably represent razors in general. The findings also showed that the issue was not confined to a handful of individual tools. At least one nickel-positive tool was identified in 22 of the 58 salons, while cobalt-positive equipment was found in 12 salons.

Why Nickel and Cobalt Matter

Nickel and cobalt are recognized contact allergens. In people who have developed sensitivity to these metals, skin contact can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, an inflammatory reaction that may cause redness, itching, dryness, and cracking.

Nickel sensitivity is common in many populations and is frequently associated with contact with certain metal objects. Cobalt can also provoke allergic reactions, sometimes alongside sensitivity to other metals. For hairdressers, repeated exposure is particularly relevant because the skin barrier can become weakened through frequent washing, shampooing, and contact with cleaning products or hair treatments.

Expert Insight

The study was conducted by Kian Karimian and colleagues affiliated with dermatology and allergy research centers associated with the University of Copenhagen and Herlev and Gentofte Hospital. In the published abstract, the research team concluded: “Nickel and cobalt release from commonly used hairdressing tools is a prevalent occupational hazard.”

How Salon Workers Can Reduce Exposure

Practical workplace measures can help limit skin damage and reduce unnecessary contact with potential allergens. Hairdressers can use suitable protective gloves when performing wet work or handling products that may irritate the skin, following product instructions and workplace safety guidance.

Gloves should be selected carefully. Their material must be appropriate for the chemicals involved, and they should be replaced when damaged or contaminated. Prolonged use of damp gloves can also aggravate skin problems.

Gentle handwashing, thorough drying, and regular use of fragrance-free moisturizers may help preserve the skin barrier. Workers experiencing persistent itching, redness, or cracking should seek medical assessment rather than assuming the symptoms are ordinary dryness. A dermatologist can investigate possible contact allergies through appropriate testing.

Salon owners can also consider asking suppliers about the materials used in scissors, clippers, and razors. Equipment that is suitable for workers with known metal sensitivities may help reduce exposure, although product descriptions alone cannot guarantee that a tool releases no allergenic metals.

Why Further Research Is Needed

The Danish investigation provides useful real-world evidence, but several limitations matter. The study examined salons in one country, and its findings may not represent every market or equipment manufacturer. The chemical tests identified detectable metal release but did not measure the amount absorbed through skin during normal working conditions.

The study also did not establish how many participating hairdressers had confirmed nickel or cobalt allergies. Future research could combine tool testing with workplace exposure measurements, medical assessments, and longer-term follow-up to clarify the relationship between equipment and skin disease.

Although positive tests do not prove that dermatitis will develop, the results support better awareness, appropriate skin protection, careful equipment selection, and further research. Protecting the skin barrier remains an important part of maintaining long-term health in the hairdressing profession.