Hairdressers are reported to have certain disorders of the nail apparatus as a result of occupational exposure. Hairdressers are frequently exposed to water, shampoos, dyes, bleaches, permanent wave solutions, detergents, conditioners, and gloves.

Four main disorders are seen in hairdressers:

1. Chronic paronychia
2. Nail plate pigmentation that occurs from the use of certain dyes and results in pigmentation in any nail that has come in contact with the dye
3. Contact dermatitis from shampoos or other products, which can present as koilonychia or as red, scaly plaques in a periungual distribution
4. Trichogranulomas, which result from the implantation of hair beneath the nail plate; trichogranulomas present as subungual thickening, onycholysis, and visible hairs

By far, the most common nail disorder in hairdressers is chronic paronychia as a result of a trichogranuloma or from frequent immersion of nails in water. Onychomycosis, onychoschizia (nail peeling), and nail splitting may also occur.