Last Updated on March 26, 2025 by David Thomas
Barbering is more than a craft—it’s a full-body workout. From standing all day to repetitive hand movements, the toll it takes on your body is real. Most barbers focus on perfecting their fades and shaves, but what about the aches, pains, and long-term wear and tear?
That’s where the right wellness tools come in. In this guide, we’ll dive into five game-changing tools that every barber needs to stay pain-free, boost longevity, and keep cutting with confidence.
Table of Contents
Lacrosse Ball
Your Portable Deep-Tissue Massage
Your feet take a beating every day. We cram them into tight, elevated shoes and then stand for long hours. Over time, stiffness and pain creep in. A simple lacrosse ball can help undo that damage.
How to Use It:
- Roll it under your feet for 5 minutes before starting your workday.
- Use it against a wall to massage tight back and shoulder muscles.
- Keep it at home and start your day by rolling out your feet—it makes a huge difference.
- Back & Shoulders: Press against a wall and roll out knots for instant relief.
👉 Buy your foot restoration kit here
Best for: Relieving foot, back, and shoulder stiffness.
Why It’s Essential:
Standing for hours can cause painful knots and tension. A lacrosse ball helps release these pressure points—giving you a deep-tissue massage without the spa bill.
Pro Tip: Add this to your morning or evening routine daily to see the best results. Your arches will thank you!
Step Stool
Save Your Lower Back
Standing all day in fixed positions will expose your weak areas. When you lean over for a sharp lineup, you shift extra weight onto your lower back.
For example, if you weigh 210 lbs, bending forward even slightly puts extra strain on your spine—over time, that adds up. A simple step stool lets you shift your weight, keeping your spine in check.
Best for: Reducing lower back strain during long shifts.
How to Use:
- Alternate which foot rests on the stool while cutting.
- Use it when trimming beards to shift weight and improve posture.
Why It’s Essential:
Keeping one foot elevated relieves stress on your spine and helps prevent that all-too-familiar lower back ache.
Benefits
- Reduces strain on your lower back.
- Helps prevent slouching and poor posture.
- Keeps your body aligned for pain-free cutting.
Recommended: Look for a lightweight, portable step stool that fits at your station.
👉 Get a solid step stool here
Flat Shoes
Protect Your Foundation
There was a time when I worked 10-12 hour days and tried every “walk on clouds” shoe out there. My feet felt better, but the pain just shifted to my lower back.
After reading Born to Run, I discovered the barefoot community and started strengthening my feet to reset my posture.
Best for: Preventing foot pain and improving posture.
Why Flat Matters:
- Thick soles and cushioned sneakers can mess with your body’s natural alignment. Flat shoes provide a stable base, helping distribute your weight evenly.
- Promote better posture, reducing strain on your back and knees.
- Support natural foot function without unnecessary elevation.
- Improve balance and long-term foot health.
Top Picks:
- Vivo, Lono, or even Hoka.
- Barefoot-style sneakers for a natural feel.
- Vans or Converse for style
Pro Tip: For free foot health tips, check out My Essential Foot Care Tips For Barbers & The Foot Collective
Finger Resistance Bands
Protect Your Hands
A pair of Wahl Seniors weighs about 1.4 lbs. Doesn’t seem like much, right? But holding that weight for hours a day overworks your grip muscles. The problem? Most barbers never train the opposite side.
Best for: Strengthening fingers and preventing overuse of the tendons on the opposite side.
How to Use:
- Slide bands around fingers and stretch outward for 2-3 sets of 15 reps.
- Use them before and after cutting for maximum benefit.
Why It’s Essential:
Barbering is grip-heavy. Resistance bands balance out overused muscles, helping prevent long-term injuries like carpal tunnel.
How These FingerBands Help
- They strengthen the small muscles in your hands and forearms to prevent cramps and stiffness.
- Reduce the risk of long-term hand injuries.
- Improve grip endurance, making long days more manageable.
Recommended: So small they can fit in your pocket, Use them when you have a break between clients.
👉 Grab a set here
Therabands
Fix Your Posture
Hunching over clients all day wrecks your shoulders and upper back. These resistance bands are a game-changer for keeping your posture in check.
Easy Exercises:
- Band pull-aparts to activate upper back muscles.
- Shoulder rotations to fix forward-rolled shoulders.
Best for: Activating upper back and shoulders.
Why It’s Essential:
Hunching over clients can wreck your posture. Therabands target the muscles that keep you upright and pain-free.
👉 Get your Therabands here
Pro Tip: Keep a set at your station and do a quick session between clients.
Bonus: Hand Massager
(Not Essential, But Amazing)
This one isn’t essential, but man, it feels good. I recently started testing out a hand massager from Amazon, and it’s been a game-changer for post-work recovery. If you’ve tried Normatec’s leg sleeves, you know the feeling.
Best for: Relieving hand and wrist tension after a long day.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Increases blood flow and reduces stiffness.
- Hits all the pressure points in your hand
- It makes your hands feel brand new—because, let’s face it, they’re your money-makers.
Recommended: It takes about 15 minutes to cycle through so I recommend using this after work or as part of your night routine.
👉 Check it out here.
Tips to Maximize Your Wellness Tools
- Create a Routine: Choose a time that works consistently every day. Consistent practice sees the best results.
- Start small: Don’t take on too many tools at one time.
- Listen to Your Body: If something hurts, don’t push through—adjust your tools and technique.
- Invest in Quality: Cheap tools won’t give you the support you need. Treat these purchases as investments in your career longevity. Plus most of these are under $10.
- Out of sight, Out of mind: Keep your tools near places you’ll visit daily. (Bedside, Workstation)
The best barbers don’t just master the craft—they master their longevity. A longer career = more money, more impact, and more time doing what you love.
Use these tools, take care of your body, and you’ll be cutting strong for years to come.
Ready to level up your barber game?
Which tool are you going to try out first? Let me know in the comments!
Explore more wellness tips and products at barberstylist.com and stay pain-free behind the chair!
