How my beautician saved my life - as many are now trained to spot subtle signs of serious illness and how to deal with it By JULIE COOK Published: 07:45 EDT, 27 March 2025 | Updated: 07:45 EDT, 27 March 2025 e-mail View comments They trim our hair, polish our nails and ease our tired muscles – but beauticians, manicurists, hairdressers and barbers can do far more than that. In fact, many are now trained to potentially save our lives. For example, the charity Skcin has been offering training to hair and beauty professionals to help them spot potential signs of skin cancer among their clients.
Meanwhile, various groups around the country have been helping to train barbers, to make them aware of even subtle signs that their clients may be suffering with depression - and if they are, the barbers also know where to direct them to get help. Here we talk to three people whose beautician, massage therapist or barber spotted signs that saved their life..
. Nail technician urged me to seek help for a brown toenail Louise Whymark, 35, a customer service assistant, lives in Harwich, Essex. She says: When I spotted the strange brown mark that suddenly appeared on my left big toe in January 2022, I thought it didn't look right - but I didn't think it was bad enough to see the doctor.
Instead I took a picture of the nail and sent it to my nail technician. I have been going to her for years for regular manicures and pedicures. Louise Whymark, 35, a customer service assistant, believes her n.