How your trip to the hairdresser could you put you at risk of deadly stroke

GETTING a head massage under warm water, the pitter-patter of conversation with your stylist, soft locks smelling of fancy shampoo.

Whatever your favourite part of going to the hairdresser, getting our tresses cut and styled is a relaxing experience for most of us.

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But for some, the pampering trip can turn into a health emergency due to a rare condition called beauty parlour stroke syndrome (BPSS).

Going to the salon will usually involve having your hair washed in a backwash basin, sometimes with your head bent back uncomfortably and the porcelain lip digging into your neck.

This is why a shampoo at the hairdresser's can become a serious health threat for a rare few, Maria Ashioti, a senior lecturer in neuroscience, inflammatory disorders and therapeutics at the University of Westminster, warned.

Writing in The Conversation, she said: "Research suggests that sitting at an awkward angle at the backwash basins used for hair washing in many salons can cause neck pain, injury and – on very rare occasions – even a life-threatening stroke."

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.

This interruption can kill brain cells and cause symptoms such as a drooping face, numbness or weakness down one side of the body and speech problems.

Strokes are usually caused by blockage from a blood clot or a tearing or bursting of a major blood vessel in the brain.

BPSS was first identified in 1993 by neurologist Michael Weintraub, who found that who found that some of his patients developed severe stroke-related symptoms after having their hair shampooed during a visit to a hairdresser.

Dr Ashioti explained: "During the shampooing process, clients are usually asked to sit down and hang their head back over the edge of the washbasin.

"Research suggests that overextending the head and neck over the rigid rim of the sink is the primary cause of BPSS.

"The unusual neck position, neck rotation or sudden jerking movements during vigorous shampooing can cause the backbones of the higher spinal column around the neck area to push against one of the major blood vessels that supply blood to the back and bottom of the brain.

"Some cases of BPSS have also been caused by bone spurs – tiny bone fragments from lumps on the spine – that can either compress or tear the artery next to them."

She added: "While research suggests BPSS is most likely to occur in women over 50 – and previous history of narrowing or thinning of blood vessels and arthritis of the spinal column in the neck are particular risk factors – it could happen to anyone regardless of age or medical history."

Many people think that strokes only happen to older people, but they can can strike anyone at any time, according to Stroke Association.

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As we age, our arteries become harder and narrower and more likely to become blocked.

Certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors - like having high blood pressure and cholesterol or smoking and eating unhealthily - can speed up this process and increase your risk of having a stroke.

"Although BPSS is much rarer than conventional stroke, it’s still important to be aware of the symptoms," Dr Ashioti warned.

It's worth noting that BPSS is very rare, with a 2016 Swiss study finding only ten instances of BPSS during between 2002 and 2013.

But if you're worried about it happening, you can ask your hairdresser to make some adjustments for you.

If you notice pain and discomfort when having your head bent over the backwash sink, ask to lean forward over the sink instead.

If this isn't possible, you can also ask for neck support during hair washing.

"The speed at which the hair is washed, how long it takes and any force or jerking movement to the head and neck while washing all contribute to the risk," Dr Ashioti added

"Request a gentle wash, try not to stay in position at the backwash longer than you have to and inform your hairdresser if you experience any discomfort during washing."

A stroke is a medical emergency so it's important that you call 999 straight away if you think you or someone else is experiencing symptoms.