▲ In Mexico, more than 70 percent of those who work in beauty salons or clinics are women.Photo José Antonio López
Carolina Gómez and Laura Poy
La Jornada Newspaper
Sunday, November 30, 2025, p. 6
In Mexico, 72.7 percent of those who work in salons and beauty clinics are women, and they receive an average monthly salary of 5,500 pesos, that is, 36.6 pesos per hour. Of the 421 thousand people employed in this activity, 81.5 percent work informally.
In addition to having precarious working conditions, they face health risks due to the handling of toxic substances without protection; exposure to infections due to bacteria and viruses, in addition to musculoskeletal and circulation disorders due to long days standing and in inappropriate positions.
Dr. Valeria Díaz Molina, head of the Dermatology Service of the General Hospital of Mexico Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, of the Ministry of Health, pointed out that one of the most common risks is that contact dermatitis can develop due to the handling of dyes and peroxides, as well as products for permanent straightening, since one of its most common components is formaldehyde, a substance that is even classified as carcinogenic.
In interview with The Day He pointed out that there are also adverse health effects from inhalation of glue vapors or the particles that are released when applying gel and acrylic nails, since the majority do not use face masks.
He added that another health problem they may face is damage to the circulatory system from standing for hours. In addition to problems in the spine due to being in positions that generate muscle and joint pain.
Regarding infections, he highlighted that the most common are developed by fungi and warts, which can be transmitted to clients when doing nail and foot treatments, as well as body hair removal.
This happens, he explained, not only due to the lack of protective equipment, but also due to the lack of sterilization of the instruments they use, including scissors, combs and brushes, which creates a risk of contagion for stylists and clients.
In Mexico City, one of the entities with the largest number of beauty salons in the country, Silvana has been self-employed for more than 40 years as a stylist. His work has left its mark on his health and his body.
He says that from the age of 15 he worked in various beauty salons where he learned the trade. Without social security, benefits or vacation periods, with this work he managed to cover the needs of his family, but the price was high: he suffers from arthritis, muscle pain, headaches and various fungal infections.
feminized profession
Dr. Alejandra Herrera Mendoza, professor-researcher at the Universidad Iberoamericana and member of the Center for Critical Studies of Gender and Feminisms, pointed out that this labor sector is feminized, since historically beauty care is linked to women, because it is a “meticulous and delicate work, for which they have greater capacity.”
However, she warned that the majority of women who dedicate themselves to this activity are informal and self-employed, which increases their vulnerability.
He stated that among the advantages is that the majority can work close to their homes, with more flexible schedules that allow them to maintain care for their home and children, despite the fact that their salaries are precarious.
He added that many open work spaces in their homes or go to their clients to provide hair cutting, dyeing, nail placement, waxing and permanent eyebrow shaping services.
Despite carrying out their work with toxic products, the specialist highlights that this sector lacks social security or access to medical services, in addition to not having sufficient information about the risks they face.
Separately, both experts highlighted the need for health regulation to carry out this work, which guarantees the protection of the health of those who do it and the people they care for. One of the central measures, they stressed, is the sterilization of the equipment with which they carry out their work and the mandatory use of gloves and face masks.
