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Most of us consider a salon shampoo as a second of rest, after we get to lean again and let the stylist wash and rinse our hair.
However for a really small variety of folks, that innocuous posture can set off a cascade of vascular harm referred to as magnificence parlor stroke syndrome (BPSS).
BPSS refers to stroke‐like events triggered by hyperextension or rotation throughout hair-washing or different actions, which may compress or tear the vertebral arteries within the neck.
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The time period was popularized in 1993, when New York neurologist Michael Weintraub described 5 case experiences of sufferers who developed symptoms following salon shampoo therapies.
A current evaluate revealed this yr in The American Journal of Emergency Medication recognized 54 documented circumstances of BPSS over almost 5 a long time, drawn from 22 research. Amongst these, 42 circumstances began in magnificence salons, eight in dental settings and 4 in different contexts.

Leaning again right into a salon sink can pressure the neck’s arteries in uncommon circumstances, in keeping with a 2025 evaluate within the American Journal of Emergency Medication. (iStock)
Most affected sufferers (roughly 80%) have been ladies, with ages starting from youngsters to seniors.
A 2018 evaluate in Journal of Neurosurgery: Backbone acknowledged that BPSS happens when the neck is held in an excessive backward or twisted place throughout a wash or therapy, stretching or compressing the vertebral arteries that run alongside the backbone to the mind.
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In uncommon situations, that posture could cause a tear within the artery wall, known as a dissection, which can then kind a clot and block blood flow to the brain.

Most magnificence parlor experiences are completely protected, however easy ergonomic tweaks could make them even safer. (iStock)
The identical evaluate describes how even minor structural points, equivalent to bone spurs (osteophytes) within the cervical vertebrae, can worsen compression and enhance threat. In impact, an informal tilt of the pinnacle can briefly restrict blood provide to key elements of the mind stem and cerebellum.
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Signs sometimes seem throughout or inside a number of days of a triggering posture, in keeping with the American Journal of Emergency Medication evaluate.
Widespread warning indicators embody dizziness, vertigo, neck ache or visual disturbances. Extra severe circumstances might result in weak spot, numbness or speech difficulties.

Supporting the neck with towels or cushions throughout shampooing can reduce the chance of artery compression, consultants say. (iStock)
Analysis normally entails MRI or CT angiography to verify arterial dissection. As with different stroke varieties, docs usually deal with sufferers utilizing antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, although some require vascular stenting or surgical procedure, consultants say.
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Well being researchers writing for the American Council on Science and Well being in New York Metropolis emphasize that BPSS is extremely unusual and largely identified from remoted case experiences quite than inhabitants knowledge.
Even so, the Professional Magnificence Affiliation in Arizona advises stylists to offer neck assist like rolled towels or cushions, and to permit shoppers to take a seat extra upright throughout washes.
Specialists additionally suggest that shoppers communicate up instantly in the event that they really feel neck pressure or dizziness.
