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From styling hair to polishing nails and soothing tired muscles, beauty professionals such as beauticians, manicurists, hairdressers, and barbers offer essential services. Increasingly, these professionals are being trained to identify potentially life-threatening health issues in their clients, acting as crucial first responders in unexpected ways. This article explores how hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, and massage therapists are uniquely positioned to spot early signs of conditions like skin cancer, kidney disease, and depression, and how their intervention has proven to be life-saving.
Early Detection Saves Lives: How Beauty Experts are Stepping Up
Organizations like Skcin are providing training to hair and beauty experts to recognize potential indicators of skin cancer. Simultaneously, various groups are training barbers to detect subtle signs of depression in their clientele, enabling them to guide individuals towards appropriate support. Here, we present three accounts of individuals whose lives were potentially saved by the vigilance of their beautician, massage therapist, or barber.
Nail Technician’s Alert on Toenail Mark Leads to Kidney Disease Diagnosis
Louise Whymark, 35, a customer service assistant from Harwich, Essex, recounts her experience:
“When I noticed a peculiar brown mark on my left big toe in January 2022, I was concerned, but not enough to immediately consult a doctor.”
“Instead, I photographed my toenail and sent it to my regular nail technician, whom I’d been visiting for manicures and pedicures for years.”
Louise Whymark, 35, credits her nail technician with potentially saving her life after she advised Louise to seek medical evaluation for a brown toenail.
The brown discoloration on Louise’s toenail was an indicator of impaired kidney function.
“My nail technician suspected an infection but mentioned her training included recognizing that nail irregularities can sometimes indicate more serious health issues, urging me to see a physician.”
“Without her recommendation, I likely would have dismissed it.”
“I scheduled a GP appointment. My doctor, appearing concerned, ordered blood tests to assess my liver and kidney function, explaining that nail changes can sometimes reflect internal organ problems.”
“Days later, the clinic contacted me for further blood work and scheduled a kidney ultrasound.”
“Initially, I felt it was an excessive reaction, but the ultrasound revealed my kidneys were functioning at only 25 percent capacity.”
“I was shocked. Aside from the toenail mark, I had experienced no symptoms.”
“Immediately admitted to the hospital, doctors discovered dangerously high blood pressure (213/100), placing me at stroke risk.”
“I remained hospitalized for a week while they stabilized my blood pressure sufficiently for a kidney biopsy.”
“A week post-biopsy, I received a diagnosis of IGA nephropathy, a kidney disorder causing inflammation that impairs kidney filtration over time.”
“I was informed a kidney transplant was necessary and placed on the donor waiting list.”
“It was overwhelming. I had no typical symptoms, just the mark on my toe.”
“Currently, I undergo dialysis three times a week, four hours each session, while awaiting transplant.”
“Dialysis helps me feel relatively well, though I experience breathlessness occasionally.”
“Early detection was crucial, and I am profoundly grateful to my nail technician. I truly believe she saved my life.”
Expert Opinion on Kidney Disease
Expert says: Professor Simon Davies, consultant nephrologist at University Hospital of North Midlands and trustee at Kidney Research UK, states, ‘Chronic kidney disease is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Therefore, any unusual signs should prompt immediate investigation. An unexplained nail infection in an otherwise healthy individual can be such a sign.’
‘Kidney dysfunction leads to waste product accumulation, such as urea, nitrogen, and creatinine, in body tissues, including nails. This buildup can alter nail texture, shape, or natural color.’
‘Unhealthy, brittle nails are more prone to infections. It’s essential to consult a doctor if you or your nail technician notice such changes.’
‘Kidney disease screening is straightforward, involving blood pressure checks, urine protein tests, and an eGFR blood test to assess kidney function.’
‘Early diagnosis is key, as various medications can slow kidney disease progression, potentially preventing the need for transplant or dialysis if identified promptly.’
Massage Therapist Spots Unseen Melanoma, Leading to Swift Action
Seonag MacKinnon, 50s, a communications director from Edinburgh and mother of three, shares her story:
“Towards the end of a therapeutic massage, a Mother’s Day gift from my children, the beauty therapist, Dominika, pointed out an unusually shaped and colored mark on my upper thigh.”
“Being unable to easily see the back of my legs, I was unaware of it.”
Dominika Lachowicz (left), a massage therapist, identified a potentially deadly skin cancer lesion on Seonag MacKinnon’s leg during a massage session.
The lesion on Seonag’s leg had an irregular shape and color, going unnoticed by Seonag due to its location.
“Dominika, while stressing she wasn’t a medical professional, advised me to have it examined.”
“Her words resonated. A few days later in 2019, I consulted my GP. He examined the mark, made no specific diagnosis but referred me to a skin specialist.”
“Within two weeks, at the hospital, the consultant diagnosed it visually as malignant melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, recommending immediate removal.”
“My world froze. Having heard of melanoma, I agreed to immediate surgery, finding myself on the operating table minutes later.”
“A biopsy confirmed cancer, necessitating further surgery to ensure complete removal. I now have a 5-inch scar.”
“Fortunately, surgery was successful, avoiding chemotherapy or radiotherapy.”
“My consultant remarked, ‘You should send flowers to your beautician; a year’s delay could have resulted in a very different outcome.’”
“‘Grateful’ hardly expresses my feelings towards Dominika.”
“I waited months before seeing her again, overwhelmed by what could have happened. When we finally met, we embraced. She altered my life’s trajectory. I remain her client and friend; our bond is permanent.”
Dermatologist on Melanoma and Early Detection
Expert says: Dr Penelope Pratsou, consultant dermatologist at Reading Dermatology and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, explains, ‘Melanoma is a severe skin cancer originating from melanocytes, pigment-producing cells. It can metastasize.’
‘While most frequently found on sun-exposed skin, it can occur in less visible areas, even under nails.’
‘Melanomas can develop in hard-to-inspect areas like the back, often detected by partners.’
‘Beauty and massage therapists frequently observe clients’ exposed skin, often repeatedly. This positions them ideally to detect new or changing lesions early, sometimes before the individual notices.’
‘Surgical removal is the primary melanoma treatment. Lab analysis determines severity and subsequent treatment.’
‘Melanoma awareness and early detection are crucial for saving lives.’
Barber’s Empathetic Ear Helps Client Confront Suicidal Thoughts
David Mulberry, 39, a barber from Maidenhead, Berkshire, shares his perspective:
“By 2021, my logistics venture had failed, and I was at my lowest point. Like many men, I felt isolated and confided in no one about my despair.”
“During a haircut at a local barber shop, a female barber’s compassionate demeanor encouraged me to open up about my life. I disclosed my alcohol problem, depression, and severe anxiety.”
David Mulberry, 39, found solace and the courage to address his mental health challenges during a barber visit, inspiring him to become a barber himself.
“She listened without judgment. Post-haircut, over coffee, our conversation deepened.”
“I confessed suicidal thoughts for the first time aloud. The safe, non-judgmental space provided clarity.”
“The barber introduced me to Alcoholics Anonymous. Within weeks, I joined and quit drinking.”
“Inspired, I decided to train as a barber.”
“Last year, I opened my own salon, Mulberrys in Maidenhead, offering not just grooming services but also a listening ear, emulating the barber who aided my recovery.”
Psychologist on the Barber Shop as a Safe Space for Men’s Mental Health
Expert says: Mairead Molloy, a London psychologist, observes, ‘Men are often conditioned to resolve problems internally rather than discuss them openly. Acknowledging vulnerability by saying, “I’m not okay,” feels unnatural.’
‘Expressing depression or anxiety can be perceived as weakness, conflicting with societal expectations of male strength. Fear of judgment and misunderstanding further silences men.’
‘Barbershops provide a unique, relaxed environment where men feel at ease. In a no-pressure setting, during a routine haircut and casual chat, sharing personal struggles becomes easier.’
‘Mental health professionals increasingly recognize this dynamic.’
‘Initiatives like the Lions Barber Collective, training barbers in mental health awareness, demonstrate how barbers can destigmatize mental health discussions.’
‘Barbers occupy a distinctive position in clients’ lives—personal yet less formal than friendships or doctor-patient relationships.’
‘While barbers shouldn’t replace counselors, mental health basics training—recognizing distress signs, offering supportive conversation—can significantly help individuals.’