Her Hair Was Pulled at Work: Safety, Damage and Recovery

A recently circulated account of a janitor who worked night shifts in a purportedly haunted school — reporting flickering lights, toys moving and, most alarmingly, her hair being pulled — has been shared widely online. Whether you view the experience through a paranormal lens or as a vivid anecdote about working alone, the incident raises practical workplace questions about hair safety, immediate care after hair trauma, and the emotional impact of frightening incidents while on shift. This article uses the story as a prompt to offer evidence-based guidance on protecting hair at work, handling acute hair injury and supporting recovery when stress affects hair health.

Practical hair-safety measures for night shifts and solitary work

Jobs that involve physical movement, machinery, confined spaces or the need to move around in low light can increase the risk of hair becoming snagged, pulled or entrained in equipment. Simple, proactive measures reduce both injury risk and damage to the hair shaft.

• Tie hair back securely: low buns, braided styles or tucked ponytails keep hair close to the head and away from hazards.
• Use protective equipment: where required, wear hair nets, caps or hard hats that meet workplace safety standards.
• Choose snag-resistant accessories: soft, snag-free ties and wide-tooth clips minimise breakage on removal.
• Keep a torch or wearable light: good visibility reduces trips and accidental catches in machinery or fixtures.
• Know workplace safety protocols: if a role carries risk, employers should provide risk assessments and guidance on personal protective equipment.

First aid for a pulled or snagged hair incident

If your hair is pulled during a shift, rapid, calm action can limit damage and discomfort. The priority is personal safety — remove yourself from any ongoing hazard first.

• If hair is caught in equipment, switch power off if it’s safe to do so and call for assistance rather than attempting risky self-rescue.
• Once free, assess the scalp: look for lacerations, bleeding or signs of embedded fibres. Superficial hair breakage or sudden hair loss in a small patch is common after strong traction.
• For skin injuries, apply pressure to stop bleeding and seek medical attention for stitches or professional wound care as needed.
• If a large section of hair has been forcibly removed, photograph the area and document the incident — this helps medical practitioners and supports any workplace reporting requirements.

For purely cosmetic damage (broken ends, stretch marks on the shaft), routine salon care such as a professional trim, hydrating masks and protein treatments can help restore appearance and strength. Avoid aggressive brushing or chemical treatments immediately after trauma.

Stress, fear and hair: managing delayed hair loss

High-stress events — whether frightening incidents on a night shift or ongoing anxiety about workplace safety — can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary increase in hair shedding that typically presents two to three months after the stressful event. It is important to recognise this pattern to avoid unnecessary alarm and to pursue appropriate care.

• Monitor shedding patterns: sudden, diffuse thinning rather than localized bald patches suggests telogen effluvium.
• Seek medical advice: a GP or trichologist can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes such as nutritional deficiencies or thyroid issues.
• Support recovery: optimise diet (protein, iron, vitamin D), manage stress with sleep and relaxation techniques, and use gentle haircare regimes that avoid harsh chemicals.

Reporting, support and workplace responsibilities

Any incident in the workplace that causes injury, distress or an unsafe environment should be reported. Employers in the UK have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment. This includes adequate lighting for night shifts, functioning equipment, and training on how to handle emergencies.

• Report the incident formally to your employer and record details while they are fresh.
• If equipment or facilities contributed to the risk, request a risk assessment or improvements (lighting, guards, signage).
• Access occupational health or counselling services if the incident leaves you anxious or affects your ability to work.

Takeaway

The viral story of a night-time janitor who had her hair pulled is a stark reminder that simple safety practices — secure hairstyles, appropriate PPE, good lighting and clear reporting routes — matter. If hair is traumatised, immediate first aid and professional medical input protect both scalp health and appearance, while recognising and addressing stress-related hair shedding supports long-term recovery.