Exploring Airborne Chemical Exposure in Hair Salons
Walk past any hair salon, and you'll be greeted by the familiar chemical scent of hair treatments—the sharp tang of bleach, the distinctive odor of permanent solutions, and the fragrant cloud of hairspray. While customers experience these chemicals briefly during occasional visits, hairdressers breathe this air day after day, year after year. What looks like a creative and social profession conceals an invisible occupational hazard: chronic exposure to airborne chemicals that may affect health and wellbeing.
Over 1.7 million hairdressers work in approximately 400,000 salons across the European Union alone (representing nearly 0.9% of total employment) 1 .
In the United States, nearly 1 million people are employed in hair care professions, facing similar exposure risks.
The Chemical Cocktail of Hair Care
Hair care products contain a complex array of chemicals designed to alter hair's structure, color, and appearance. When these products are applied, mixed, or heated, they can release airborne substances that hairdressers inhale throughout their working day.
Used in hair dyes and bleaching products that can lead to irritation and sensitization 1 .
Volatile Organic Compounds including toluene, ethanol, isopropanol, and various aromatic compounds 4 .
Used in hair bleaches that can cause irritation and are known potent asthmagens 1 .
| Chemical | Primary Product Sources | Health Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde | Hair smoothing treatments, straighteners | Carcinogen, respiratory irritant, sensitizer |
| Ammonia | Hair dyes, bleaching products | Respiratory irritant, skin and eye damage |
| Persulfates | Hair bleaches, lighteners | Asthma induction, respiratory sensitization |
| Volatile Organic Compounds | Hairsprays, dyes, cleaning products | Respiratory irritation, neurological effects |
The daily exposure to chemical mixtures in salons has been associated with various health issues among hairdressers. Scientific studies have consistently shown that compared to the general population, hairdressers have a higher incidence of respiratory conditions such as rhinitis and asthma, as well as skin conditions like contact dermatitis 1 .
The respiratory system is particularly vulnerable to airborne chemical exposure. Multiple studies have documented increased asthma prevalence among hairdressers, with persulfate salts being identified as a primary culprit in occupational asthma development 8 .
Skin problems represent another significant health challenge for hairdressers. The combination of frequent wet work and chemical exposure damages the skin's protective barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation and sensitization.
Several studies have reported reproductive effects among hairdressers, which is particularly significant considering that the profession is predominantly comprised of women of childbearing age 1 .
To understand how hairdressers are exposed to airborne chemicals, let's examine a detailed study that investigated exposure levels among hairdressing apprentices in France 8 .
The researchers employed a two-stage study design:
| Chemical | Personal Exposure (mg/m³) | Workplace Ambient (mg/m³) | TLV-TWA (mg/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | 0.90 ± 0.76 | 0.68 ± 0.42 | 17 |
| Hydrogen peroxide | 0.05 ± 0.04 | 0.04 ± 0.03 | 1.4 |
| Persulfates | 0.016 ± 0.021 | 0.019 ± 0.018 | 0.1 |
To conduct this type of exposure research, scientists require specialized equipment to capture and analyze airborne chemicals. Here's a look at the key tools used in salon air quality studies:
| Equipment | Function | Application in Salon Studies |
|---|---|---|
| Portable air sampling pumps | Draw air through collection devices at precise flow rates | Worn by hairdressers to measure personal exposure |
| Teflon filters (1 μm pore size) | Capture particulate matter and persulfates | Used for persulfate sampling in salon air |
| Titanium oxisulfate-impregnated filters | Chemically react with hydrogen peroxide | Enable colorimetric detection of hydrogen peroxide |
| Ion chromatography system | Separate and quantify ionic compounds like persulfates | Used for precise measurement of persulfate concentrations |
| Gillian and Harvard Chempass samplers | Personal air sampling systems | Worn by hairdressers during work shifts to measure breathing zone exposure |
Not all salons pose equal risks for chemical exposure. Research has identified several factors that influence airborne chemical levels:
The presence and quality of ventilation systems is perhaps the most critical factor determining indoor air quality in salons. Studies consistently show that salons with mechanical ventilation systems have significantly lower concentrations of airborne chemicals 4 .
The specific products used in a salon dramatically affect the chemical profile of the air. Some hair smoothing products have been found to contain as much as 11% formaldehyde by weight 9 .
A recent Johns Hopkins University study found that hairstylists serving Black and Latina clients are exposed to higher concentrations of harmful airborne chemicals 6 .
Unfortunately, product labeling isn't always reliable—some products marketed as "formaldehyde-free" have been found to contain formaldehyde-releasing chemicals under different names.
The evidence clearly shows that hairdressers need better protection from airborne chemical exposure. The good news is that multiple effective solutions exist:
Ventilation system installation represents the most effective way to reduce airborne chemical levels in salons. Simple measures like opening windows and doors when possible during chemical-intensive services can also improve indoor air quality 6 .
Proper PPE—including gloves, goggles, face shields, and chemical-resistant aprons—can reduce exposure through both inhalation and skin contact 3 . For particularly hazardous tasks, respirators may be appropriate.
The most fundamental approach is replacing hazardous products with safer alternatives. Many manufacturers have developed formaldehyde-free hair smoothing treatments that use alternative ingredients like amino acids and organic oils 9 .
Stronger regulatory oversight could drive significant improvements. Currently, safety assessments of hair products are primarily focused on consumers rather than professional hairdressers, despite professionals experiencing substantially higher exposure levels 1 . Extending workplace safety regulations to cover salon-specific hazards would help protect this vulnerable workforce.
The beauty industry brings confidence and self-expression to millions of clients worldwide, but we must confront the uncomfortable truth that this often comes at a cost to the health of beauty professionals. The scientific evidence is clear: hairdressers face regular exposure to complex chemical mixtures that can adversely affect their respiratory health, skin integrity, and possibly even reproductive outcomes.
The solution will require a multifaceted approach involving better ventilation in salons, improved protective equipment, safer product formulations, and stronger regulatory protections for workers. Manufacturers of hair care products need to focus on developing safer options that don't put hairstylists or consumers in harm's way 6 .
As consumers, we can also play a role by supporting salons that prioritize worker safety, being mindful of the treatments we request, and advocating for better protections for beauty professionals. After all, the people who help us look our best deserve to work in an environment that doesn't compromise their health.