When war hits the salon: Kyiv attack and the haircare fallout

On 14 November 2025, social media and news outlets shared harrowing images and video from Kyiv after a large attack: buildings ablaze, streets strewn with rubble and civilians gathering outside damaged apartment blocks. Some accounts captured stark, human details — one person’s distressing words, "my hair was on fire", were shared as a visceral snapshot of how quickly everyday life can be disrupted. Beyond the immediate human cost, such violent episodes ripple through communities and local economies, and the hair and beauty sector is no exception.

How conflict disrupts salons and stylists

When urban centres are affected by strikes and shelling, salons — often small businesses run by local owners, freelance stylists or family teams — face immediate and long-term challenges. Loss of premises, damaged equipment, interrupted supply chains and the displacement of staff and clients are among the immediate impacts. For many stylists in cities under attack, the priority becomes safety and evacuation rather than service continuity.

• Physical damage: windows, signage, interiors and expensive electrical equipment (dryers, styling tools) can be destroyed or rendered unsafe.
• Supply shortages: imported colour, professional shampoos and single-use items may not be available if transport links are disrupted.
• Workforce displacement: stylists and barbers may be forced to flee or join relief efforts, reducing local capacity.
• Client loss: displacement of clients and damage to residential areas reduce demand and revenue.

Protecting hair and scalp during crises

In the midst of an attack or its immediate aftermath, practical haircare needs to adapt to safety and hygiene concerns. Smoke, dust and debris can irritate the scalp and hair; limited water access or disrupted utilities make normal routines difficult. Here are evidence-based, pragmatic steps people in affected areas can take.

• Shield hair from particulates: if outdoors near smoke or dust, cover hair with a scarf, hat or hood to reduce exposure to ash and fine particles.
• Rinse gently when possible: if hair is coated in ash or soot and water is available, use lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo to avoid scalp irritation.
• Avoid harsh treatments: postpone bleaching, perming or chemical straightening until conditions stabilise — damaged hair is more vulnerable to breakage.
• Manage stress-related shedding: acute stress can trigger telogen effluvium weeks later; adequate nutrition, sleep and a gentle haircare routine help recovery.
• Prioritise hygiene: if water is scarce, use dry shampoo or cleansing wipes designed for the scalp to remove excess oil and debris safely.

Support networks: stylists, refugees and the beauty supply chain

During crises, the beauty industry often pivots to support communities. Salons and stylists may provide practical services — from haircuts to reduce lice risk in shelters, to offering private, reassuring spaces for people who have experienced trauma. International and local organisations sometimes partner with beauty professionals to deliver hygiene kits and training.

For industry watchers and readers concerned about how they can help, constructive options include:

• Donate to verified aid organisations that supply hygiene and shelter support to affected civilians.
• Support trade associations and relief funds created to assist displaced beauty professionals.
• Raise awareness: amplify verified fundraising for salons and freelancers who have lost premises or equipment.

Practical advice for salon owners and freelancers

Business continuity is exceptionally difficult in conflict zones but some measures can mitigate loss and help recovery when it’s safe to return.

• Document everything: photograph damage, keep receipts and inventory lists for insurance and aid applications.
• Secure backups: store client records and booking information in the cloud so they survive physical damage.
• Network with peers: local associations and online industry groups can share resources, temporary workspace opportunities and fundraising efforts.
• Plan for phased reopening: when advisories allow, prioritise essential services and safety inspections before resuming full operations.

Key Takeaways

• Civilian attacks — like the large-scale assault reported in Kyiv on 14 November 2025 — affect more than buildings; they interrupt daily services including haircare and break the livelihoods of salon owners and stylists.
• Smoke, dust and debris present immediate hair and scalp hazards; practical measures such as covering hair, gentle rinsing and delaying chemical treatments reduce harm.
• Acute stress can lead to hair-shedding conditions such as telogen effluvium weeks later; nutritional support and a gentle routine aid recovery.
• Salons and beauty professionals often become part of community resilience, offering hygiene services, shelter support or donating supplies when safe to do so.
• Documenting damage, using cloud backups for business records and connecting with trade networks can help salons rebuild when the situation allows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can smoke or ash permanently damage hair?
A: Short-term exposure to smoke and ash typically causes surface contamination and dryness rather than permanent loss. Rinse hair gently when safe, use clarifying but gentle shampoos and restore moisture with conditioners. If hair has been chemically treated, it may be more fragile and should be handled with extra care.

Q: Will sudden stress during an attack make my hair fall out?
A: Severe psychological or physical stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary increased shedding that often appears two to four months after the stressful event. It is usually reversible with time, improved nutrition, reduced stress where possible and supportive care from a GP or trichologist if shedding is extensive.

Q: What should salon owners do immediately after an incident?
A: Prioritise safety: assess structural damage only when authorities deem it safe. Photograph damage for records, contact insurers and local trade bodies, and move client and business data to secure cloud storage if not already done. Consider temporary closures or partnerships with other salons in safer areas.

Q: Are there safe at-home haircare practices when utilities are disrupted?
A: Yes. Use dry shampoo or cleansing wipes to remove oil and debris, avoid heat styling to prevent added damage, and tie hair back loosely to prevent tangling. If water is available, use lukewarm rinses and avoid vigorous scrubbing of a sensitive scalp.

Q: How can people outside the affected area responsibly help hair professionals in crisis zones?
A: Support verified humanitarian organisations providing direct aid, donate to vetted relief funds for small businesses, and share verified information about crowdfunding or trade-association initiatives helping displaced stylists. Avoid sending unrequested goods — financial support through trusted channels is often the most effective.