Understanding Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome
Regular salon hair washes offer many people a moment of relaxation, but a new study raises a surprising health concern: a condition researchers are calling Beauty Parlor Stroke Syndrome (BPSS). According to the May 2025 edition of the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, the common act of tilting the head back over a shampoo bowl can, in rare cases, trigger a stroke. The mechanism involves hyperextension of the neck, which may compress or tear the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the brain.
BPSS is not a term you are likely to hear every day. Yet clinicians say it is a serious reminder that a routine salon service can become a neurological emergency if neck position is extreme or sustained. Symptoms often appear days or even weeks after the wash, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Side effects can include dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision, loss of balance, headaches, slurred speech, or weakness on one side of the body, and in the most severe cases, a stroke.
What the Research Shows
The study analyzed 22 existing investigations and 54 documented BPSS cases spanning five decades. A striking finding is that about 80% of affected individuals were women, with ages ranging from teenagers to seniors. Researchers emphasize that BPSS is notable not only for its uncommon cause but also for how frequently the trigger occurs in everyday salon procedures—specifically when a client’s neck is hyperextended during a wash.
While a stroke is a rare outcome, the potential for BPSS to lead to serious neurologic injury has prompted calls for practical prevention strategies. The case narratives highlight how even seemingly minor deviations in neck posture can have meaningful consequences for blood flow to the brain.
Real-Life Impacts
One case cited in broader reports involved a woman who experienced a stroke nearly two weeks after a salon visit in which her neck was highly extended during washing. She subsequently faced an unsteady gait and left-hand motor impairment, illustrating how the effects can be lasting. Such stories underscore the importance of recognizing BPSS as a possible cause of neurologic symptoms after a salon service, even if the timeline seems unexpected.
Practical Prevention Tips
Experts advise simple, everyday measures that can reduce BPSS risk without compromising the comfort of a relaxing salon experience.
- Ask for neck support: Request rolled towels or a cushioned neck support to maintain a more upright posture during washing.
- Adjust the chair: Aim for a position that minimizes hyperextension, with the head and neck supported in a natural alignment.
- Communicate discomfort early: If you feel strain or numbness in the neck, head, or face, speak up promptly so the stylist can adjust your position.
- Session variety: If you are prone to neck tension, consider alternating with services that do not require prolonged neck hyperextension.
- Professional awareness: Salons can help by providing proper neck supports and training staff to recognize early signs of strain during washes.
Bottom Line
BPSS is a rare but potentially serious consequence of neck hyperextension during salon hair washes. While most people will never experience a stroke as a result of a routine service, being mindful of neck position and seeking simple supports can significantly reduce risk. If you notice unusual dizziness, balance issues, or facial weakness after a salon visit, seek medical evaluation promptly. Balancing comfort with caution can help keep the ritual of a relaxing hair wash both enjoyable and safe.
