Great question, I love it!

I have been in this business for 10 years I have never personally had any problems to speak of ever, with chemicals. But I have seen allergic reactions from customers, ei they lie about what is on hair, or allergic to color, perm. But that is what test areas are for, and release forms.

How ever, I did know a gal years ago when I first started doing hair at a chain salon (shall remain nameless for ego reasons) anyway she had started to get bad open soars on her hands from them always being wet and in water. But you really have to be smart which she admitted later it was a skin condition that was exasberated by being in water, to no avail she recieved medicine and was fine eventually but be smart it is your career.

Point being always wear gloves when working with perms and color, rinse out combs after being in barbacide and you should be fine. I just recently started using gloves with perms the black kind that you can feel hot/cold thru and they are great.

When I first started I had to get my hands working or wrists were in a bit of pain just getting used to doing and using muscles I had never used before. Of coarse I am sure there is a risk as with any job but like when mixing bleach don't stick your head in it and inhale (silly, but I have seen colorists do this) fumes. Perm fumes have came along way too. Also if you find yourself allergic to chemicals you can as alot of top salons do now you can be a colorist or just a hairstylist. Which is cool then you don't have to worry about these things just do haircuts.

Some people can get respiratory problems due to the fumes from perms, color, or artificial nails. I have been doing research myself on the web about health issues related to color. Some studies show that while there were no significant cancer risks for clients, haircolorists were at higher risk for bladder cancer and other types. ALWAYS wear gloves, but the fumes are an issue.