The Italian-born hairdresser said that he was inspired to take out the policy by “footballers and models”, who often insure the body parts which guarantee their fame and work.

He was able to arrange it thanks to a friend and regular customer who works for local insurance company Basler Versicherung and set up the unique policy.

However, the stylist explained that he would only receive the full payout of 750,000 Swiss francs (around $750,590) if an injury or illness left him completely unable to do his job. “There are different levels,” he explained. “For example, the little finger is much less essential than the thumbs.”

Cianciarulo's salon in Niederuzwil, which also offers a range of beauty treatments, is called 'Tocco d'angelo' – which translates as 'touch of an angel'. On its Facebook page, it has received an average rating of 4.9 stars out of five, with reviews including “simply the best” and “snip snip, hair gone – you did a super job”.

Cianciarulo says that his clients are pleased he takes his job seriously enough to protect his hands. “It is proof that I love my job!”