A Kenyan medic has issued a cautionary message to men about the dangers of receiving extensive head massages after shaving. In a TikTok video shared on the @healthride page, the medical professional warned that these popular barbershop massages, often offered by female attendants, could have serious and potentially fatal consequences if not done correctly.
The doctor explained that some men insist on these massages, which involve the masseuse holding and rotating the client’s head in a manner that may seem harmless. However, the practitioner emphasized that a slight mistake in handling could cause irreparable damage to sensitive neck nerves. “There are sensitive nerves passing through the neck, and if the massage is done improperly, you could damage them,” the medic explained. This, according to the doctor, could lead to life-threatening injuries or permanent paralysis.
The doctor further added that if the nerve were to be injured during such a massage, the aftermath could require expensive medical interventions such as MRIs, which can cost up to KSh 28,000. The warning resonated with many Kenyans, especially those who had personal experiences with neck injuries caused by such massages.
Several social media users shared their own experiences in response to the doctor’s video. One commenter, Wangui T, recalled a past injury where she suffered cervical damage and was left paralyzed from the neck down for years. Another user, A gal toto🇰_, mentioned a friend who had been paralyzed after receiving a deep tissue massage. These testimonials highlight the severity of such injuries, with some viewers calling for more awareness of the potential dangers.
However, not everyone was convinced by the medic’s warning. Some Kenyans, like chief justice 17, joked that in lower-cost barbershops, clients don’t have to worry about such risks. Others, like Antony, shared their own painful experiences of neck strain after poor posture during simple activities like resting on a pillow.
Despite the mixed reactions, the medic’s video has sparked a conversation about the safety of common barbershop practices and raised awareness about the potential risks men may be exposed to while indulging in these seemingly harmless massages.
