Hot Flashes in the Salon Chair: When the Blow Dryer Becomes a Lifesaver

As a hairstylist for more than 34 years, I have learned that a salon is about much more than hair. It's where women laugh, cry, celebrate milestones, share secrets, and sometimes experience a hot flash right in the middle of a haircut.

Before menopause entered my life, I honestly didn't realize how common hot flashes were. I had heard women talk about them, but I never truly understood what they were experiencing until I witnessed them firsthand in my salon chair.

One minute, we're discussing grandchildren, vacations, or what happened on our favorite television show. The next minute, my client is fanning herself with a magazine, pulling at her shirt collar, and announcing, "I am burning up!"

As hairstylists, we become unofficial first responders to hot flashes

I've lost count of how many times I've switched my blow dryer from heat to the cool setting because a client suddenly felt like she was sitting on the surface of the sun. Sometimes I don't even have to ask anymore. The moment I see that look come across their face, my hand automatically reaches for the cool button.

I've even had clients jump up and run outside in the middle of winter.

Now, if you live in the Midwest like I do, you know our winters can be brutally cold. Yet I've watched women stand outside in freezing temperatures wearing only a salon cape because they needed immediate relief from a hot flash.

Meanwhile, I'm standing in the doorway thinking, "It's twenty degrees outside!"

They don't care.

At that moment, they're finally comfortable.

What has always amazed me is how differently menopause shows up for every woman. Some clients experience hot flashes several times a day. Others deal more with mood changes, sleep issues, brain fog, or weight gain. Some have symptoms for years, while others seem to move through the transition more smoothly.

In my own experience, menopause looked different than I expected. I didn't experience the severe hot flashes that many of my clients described. In fact, my mother and several women in my family had similar experiences. That taught me something important: there is no single "right" way to go through menopause.

Every woman's journey is unique

One thing I appreciate about being in the beauty industry is that women feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Over the years, those conversations have reminded me how important it is to talk openly about menopause instead of treating it like a secret.

When women share their stories, we realize we're not alone.

The woman sitting next to us may be struggling with the same sleep issues, mood swings, or unexpected body changes we've been experiencing. Sometimes just hearing, "Me too," can be incredibly comforting.

Menopause can feel frustrating, confusing, and unpredictable. But it can also be a season of wisdom, growth, and self-discovery. Many women are learning to prioritize their health, establish boundaries, and focus on themselves in ways they never did before.

And if you happen to find yourself sitting in a salon chair during a hot flash, don't worry.

Your hairstylist has probably seen it before

We may not be doctors, but we know exactly where the cool setting is on the blow dryer.

And if necessary, we'll even hold the door open while you make your quick trip outside into the Midwest winter air.

Trust me—you won't be the first woman to do it.