Buying an air purifier for hair salons

According to an overview by the European Commission, the demand for hairdressing and beauty salons in Europe and the UK is one of the largest in the world: in Italy alone, there is approximately one hairdresser for every 400 inhabitants¹. As a result of daily exposure to cosmetic chemicals, hair and nail specialists are some of the most at-risk professions when it comes to exposure to indoor air pollutants and poor indoor air quality (IAQ). This puts hairdressing and beauty professionals and customers at risk of negative health effects daily. Which chemicals are the most harmful for these individuals? How can an air purifier for hair and beauty salons help? Read on to learn more.

Hair salons: a high-risk area

A hair salon is a place where people go for hair and other cosmetic treatments. Whilst types of treatments and services offered vary depending upon the salon, one thing remains consistent: customers leave feeling refreshed. In the UK, demand for hairdressing has increased in the past decade. In 2015, there were 10,000 registered hair salons throughout the country, a number that jumped all the way up to 43,000 in 2018².

Sources of air pollution in hair salons

Unfortunately, inside a hair salon, the breathing air in the space consists of a cocktail of airborne chemicals. Additionally, most hair salons do not have sufficient ventilation, creating the perfect storm for indoor air pollution. Products used for hair care and treatments may include those used for cleaning (shampoos, conditioners, powders, and lotions), for hairstyling (ointments, oils, lacquers, gels, hairsprays, and brilliantines), and for changing hair’s colour and texture (bleaches, dyes, and treatments for straightening and curling)¹.

All of these products have a different chemical make-up. Over 5000 substances are contained within the EU Inventory of Cosmetic Ingredients, and a hairdresser may be exposed to over 100 of them on a typical day. According to a 2021 study, 56% of hairdressers work over 10 hours per day, and 45% work the whole week, creating an environment where exposure to chemicals is nearly constant³. Exposure typically occurs through the skin and respiratory system¹.

The air pollutants and particles found in hair salons that are known to cause the most danger to employee and customer health are:

• Benzene
• Formaldehyde
• Toluene
• Acetaldehyde
• Ethylbenzene
• Xylene⁴

Indoor air is significantly more polluted than outdoor air, usually between 2 and 5 times but sometimes up to 100 times or more if polluting products are being used.

SEE OUR PRODUCTS

Dangers to health caused by poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in hair salons

Multiple researchers have targeted their studies on uncovering the extent of the negative health impacts due to indoor air pollution in hair salons. Each study found that cosmetic products used in hair salons emit significant levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter, specifically PM10. Each also reported that the concentration of air pollution was substantially higher in the hair salons than outdoors as seen in the chart below.

Source ⁴

Regarding the above list of air pollutants and particles found in hair salons, benzene and formaldehyde are both known carcinogens in humans. Formaldehyde is notably linked to nasal and lung cancers. Toluene leads to irritation of the skin, mucus membranes, eyes, and respiratory system. The remaining ingredients are all known to cause various irritations of the nose, throat, respiratory system, skin, vomiting, nausea, and headaches⁵.

Volatile organic compounds and PM levels in hair salons pose significant problems for employees and customers. One study identified more than 50 VOCs in hair salons and PM levels that far exceeded the WHO’s guidelines for indoor air pollutants². This same study published a list of negative health effects that are caused by VOCs found in hair salons including:

• Cancer risk (lung, kidneys, liver, bladder, urothelial, leukemia, multiple myeloma)
• Respiratory irritation
• Allergic reactions
• Skin rashes/dermatitis
• Odour hypersensitivity
• Nausea/dizziness
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Neurological indications
• Reproductive effects like infertility or heightened risk of miscarriage²

When the release of chemicals and particles in hair salons is combined with poor ventilation, concentrations of indoor air pollutants reach extremely harmful levels. Moreover, staff members and customers may unintentionally bring in biological pollutants and allergens like pet dander, mould spores, pollen, dust and dust mites, and bacteria and viruses like COVID-19, all of which may be transmitted to other individuals.

Occupational asthma in hair salons

In addition to the aforementioned effects on health, occupational asthma in hair salons has been well-documented. A 1986 study performed in one hair salon found that out of 23 hairdressing staff members, 4 of them (17%) had symptoms of occupational asthma⁶. Other statistics claim that occupational asthma affects nearly 30% of hairdressing professionals.

Ways to limit exposure

Certain measures can – and should – be taken to protect hairdressers and customers. Some easy ways to reduce exposure to air pollutants and particles in a hair salon are as follows:

• Use products that do not contain toxic ingredients (natural or ecological products whenever possible are best)
• Improve ventilation and control humidity levels
• Keep product bottles and garbage bins firmly closed so that volatile ingredients do not evaporate
• Be sure to properly dispose of chemicals in hair salons as recommended by the manufacturer
• Wear gloves, goggles, and masks as much as possible to protect your eyes, skin, and respiratory system from exposure and inhalation
• Always keep food and drinks covered
• Invest in an air purifier for hair salons to limit exposure to dangerous chemicals

The benefits of an air purifier for hair salons

An air purifier is simple: using its powerful fan, the device pulls in polluted air, treats it inside the device using one or more air purification technologies, then recirculates it back into the air. Air sterilisers may vary in the technologies and fan speeds they offer. Investing in an air purifier for your hair salon brings a great deal of benefits to both your employees and customers.

Protect employees and increase employee loyalty

Keeping your hair salon employees safe from air pollutants and chemicals from harmful products is an excellent way to improve employee loyalty. Installing a high-quality air cleaner with a powerful fan helps reduce exposure and remove the three main types of air pollution from your space: 1) fine particle pollution like PM10, 2) chemical pollution like VOCs, and 3) biological pollution like pollen, dust mites, and pathogens (bacteria and viruses). By preventing occupational diseases and pathogen transmission in hair salons, you can improve well-being whilst reducing hairdresser sick leave and absenteeism.

Protect your customers and increase their comfort

A hair salon that invests in improved indoor air quality shows customers that you take their health and well-being seriously. As mentioned above, an air steriliser with features for hair salons removes harmful fine particles from the air that are released by all types of hair products. Exposure to fine particles, even in small amounts, may lead to serious health problems in sensitive individuals, especially those suffering from allergies or asthma.

Enhance your salon’s brand value

Thanks to your air purifier, you can differentiate yourself from your competition by promoting your clean indoor air. Eoleaf provides stickers that you can place on your window or door to allow you to promote the professional-grade air purifier in your hair salon. Purchasing an air purifier is a smart investment: you can let customers and potential customers alike know that you value them and the air that they breathe in your establishment!

How to choose an air purifier for a hair salon