Socks for the hair salon and long days on your feet

Short answer: As a hairdresser you stand for most of the day, so the sock should sit calmly, give a little cushioning and cope with frequent washing. Choose a soft sock in your size without a tight cuff, and switch to a dry pair midday if your feet are warm.

Why a hairdresser's day is hard on the feet

A day in the salon is long, and you stand still or move a little back and forth at the chair for hours. The floor is often hard, and you probably wear the same shoes all day. The sock is therefore a small but important link that should be soft, not rub and stay in place.

Fit before everything else

Socks that are too big fold under the foot, and socks that are too small pull across the instep. Both can be uncomfortable after a few hours. Choose your own size and check that the heel sits where it should. You can see options under socks for men and women, so you find the size that fits you.

Cushioning and thickness for a hard floor

Many people find a medium thickness sock with a little cushioning under heel and forefoot comfortable when standing for long. A very thin sock gives less support, and a very thick one can make the shoe tight. Try different pairs and pick the combination of shoe and sock that feels best at the end of the day.

The heat from dryers and lamps

Many salons are warm from hairdryers, hot water and lighting. The feet therefore get sweaty, especially late in the day. Change socks at lunch if you can, and take your shoes off for a few minutes. A dry pair gives the feeling of a fresh start to the afternoon.

Hair and socks

Small clippings of hair can settle in socks and cause irritation, especially if you go without socks in your shoes or wear thin ones. Shake or brush them out before you put them on, and turn them inside out when washing so hair comes off more easily. Also check the inside of your shoes for leftovers before you step in next morning.

Washing and caring for work socks

Wash the socks following the care label after every working day. Turn them inside out, use a moderate temperature and do not use too much detergent or fabric softener, which can slow the elastic. Dry them on a line and retire pairs where the heel has worn thin or the elastic has gone slack.

Unwinding after a long day

When you get home it is nice to change into soft clothes straight away. A bamboo jogging set for women is comfortable for the sofa, and soft clothes make it easy to switch off after a day on your feet. Put your feet up for a quarter of an hour and let the body settle.

Build a rotation and find your favourites

Five pairs for a working week is a good starting point, so you have a clean pair for every day. Once you have found some favourites, buy more of the same kind. See also the bestsellers from Copenhagen Bamboo if you want to see what others choose when they add to their clothes.

Frequently asked questions

How many pairs of socks does a hairdresser need

Five pairs for a working week is a good starting point, so you can wear a clean pair each day. On long days an extra pair for a lunchtime change can be welcome.

What is best to stand in all day, a thick or thin sock

It depends on your foot and your shoes. A medium thickness sock with a little cushioning often works well, but try different pairs and choose what feels best.

What should I do if my legs and feet are tired after work

Check the fit of shoes and socks, and put your legs up after the day. If the tiredness persists, talk to your doctor.

See our range of bamboo socks for women.