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Introduction: The hairdressing sector is heavily affected by upper-limb MSDs (Kang et al., 1999; Wahlstrom et al., 2010, Salerno & Giliberti, 2022). Analysis of activity within the sector shows that hair-cutting corresponds to 29% of all acts performed on hair (Kitzig et al., 2015; Kozak et al., 2019). This task is highly demanding due to the repetitive movements and postures adopted when handling scissors (Chen et al., 2010). Modifying the way in which the scissors are held could help to reduce these demands, but it also risks disrupting a previously acquired skill. The aim of this study was to analyse postural variations as a function of scissor hold and to investigate the difficulties encountered by hairdressers when using scissors in the salon.

Methods: The sample included 14 experienced, right-handed female hairdressers (median age 25.5 years old [Q1: 20; Q3: 34]). First, over 4 successive days, they performed 3 cutting movements [0° Elevation (0E); 90° Elevation (90E); 180° Elevation (180E)] in the laboratory. Cuts were made with traditional scissors (TS), then with ringless scissors (RS). Each cut lasted for 6 minutes. The hairdressers were all novices in the use of RS. Movement kinematics were recorded using an optoelectronic system (Motion Analysis 200 hz). Friedman tests were used to analyse the right wrist, elbow, and shoulder angles. During the four months immediately following this, they were asked to use RS as much as possible during their work in the salon. In this period, each hairdresser received a questionnaire twice per week, monitoring their use of RS.

Results: Only the data collected on the fourth day of laboratory tests are presented here. In general, it was observed that the use of TS placed the wrist in flexion, whereas RS aligned the hand along the forearm longitudinal axis. This alignment was associated with a decreased shoulder abduction. During the 4 months’ salon practice, 3 kinds of use were observed:

1. RS were quickly adopted for use 100% of the cutting time;
2. RS were used alternately with TS, and when this was the case, RS were essentially used for the 0E cut;
3. RS were used infrequently from the start and gradually abandoned.

Discussion: After 4 days of using RS under training conditions, hairdressers were able to cut hair with a new postural upper-limb organisation. Most participants reported a decrease in pain felt in both their shoulders and their right wrist. However, some reported that they experienced difficulties successfully using RS and in regaining the ability to cut hair. On returning to real work conditions, a fear of failure and the short time allotted for each hair cut were 2 important breaks in the use of the new scissors.

Conclusions: When the way in which a work tool is held changes significantly, new skills need to be learned. It is important to support this learning process to encourage workers to take ownership of the tool.