Can you wear flip flops at work? In many professions, the answer is no. Hairdressers, for example, are not allowed to wear them because of safety risks. But what exactly makes flip flops unsuitable in a salon?

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What are the risks of wearing flip flops at work?

I was recently having a chat with my hairdresser Jeroen Schultheis (Schulthies Coiffeurs) about his work and his salon. 

“People have no idea how razor-sharp hairs are and can easily prick your feet, and if that is not bad enough, hairs can also get stuck and grow inwards. If you are wearing flip flops, the chance of this happening is quite high. So, for this reason, you are officially not allowed to wear flip flops if you work in a hair salon.”

Hairdresser dress code

I came across an article in the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad about a hair splinter incident. It was about how doctors in Sao Paulo found a rare hair splinter in the foot of a man that was the cause of his excruciating pain. When I chatted with Jereon about this article, he had to laugh.

“This does not make any sense at all. The article claims that only 26 incidents have been reported worldwide in 60 years. But every hairdresser deals with this. When you cut hair every day, it gets everywhere. Believe me, by the end of the day you find it everywhere, even in your underwear. As a result, either I or one of my colleagues ends up with an ingrowing hair at least once a year. It always shows up in a different place, last time I had one under my nail.”

Why flip flops are not allowed in hair salons

Yet I’m sure I’ve seen Jeroen wearing flip flops. When I mentioned this he was quick to answer.

“Yes, on a really hot day I sometimes wear flip flops. It doesn’t happen often, but every now and then I do. While it is officially not allowed, you have to keep in mind that rules for hairdressers change all the time. Officially, you should always wear gloves while working, and you shouldn’t wear rings or bracelets. These rules mainly relate to allergies, which not everyone has. That’s why I don’t ban my staff from wearing these items.

As a hairdresser, you need to stay up to date with the rules, but also use your common sense and set the right priorities. I focus strongly on health and safety rules that really matter. For example, you should be able to adjust your stool while cutting hair, so you don’t damage your back. That’s why I always invest in high-quality stools. I don’t want the people working with me to develop back problems.”

Here we see it again: there are rules, and there are rules. But you’re better off leaving flip flops at home if you work in a hair salon. Have you ever seen your hairdresser wearing flip flops?

Greetings,
Aileen

Last update: 29/03/2026