Air pollution in hair salons

Air quality in hair salonsis an issue that should concern all professionals in the hair industry. After all, they work daily inspaces that can be confined, where they use products that are often chemical-based and harmful to both clients and staff. So how can you purify the air in a hair salon? NatéoSanté is NatéoSanté help and provide NatéoSanté with the tools to purify your salon.

What are the regulations for hair salons?

Facilities with specific pollution issues

Under French law, hair salons are classified asestablishments with specific pollution. Establishments with specific pollution are defined as places “in which hazardous or harmful substances are emitted in the form of gases, vapors, or solid or liquid aerosols, other than those resulting solely from human presence.”
The law requires hair salon operators tocomply with certain standardsregarding the salon’s air circulation and ventilation. In particular, this legislation mandates the installation of a ventilation and air circulation system appropriate for the professional activity carried out.

This breakdown serves two purposes:

• Renew indoor air by bringing in outdoor air under the same conditions as those originally specified for premises without specific pollution
• Comply with the permissible exposure limits for dust, gases, aerosols, etc.

Ventilation in Hair Salons: Key Statistics

According to a study conducted by “Santé au Travail en Iroise” in collaboration with Carsat Bretagne, 20% of hair salons in France have inadequate ventilation, and 60% of salons do not have a ventilation system.

The consequences of air pollution

Why is air quality in hair salons important?

The indoor air quality in a hair salon affects not only the well-being of clients but also the comfort and health of the professionals working there.
By improving the air quality in a hair salon, the manager can reduce the number of sick days and , consequently, canceled appointments—a factor that is significant for the salon’s financial health.

What are the risks for hairdressers?

Exposure to various sources of pollution can have short-, medium-, or long-term health consequences for hairdressers.

In the short term (immediate effects): 

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritation (nose, throat, eyes, etc.)

In the medium and long term: 

• Respiratory problems (cough, rhinitis, bronchitis, etc.)
• Skin allergies (eczema, etc.)
• Respiratory allergies (occupational asthma, etc.)

 A Look at Occupational Asthma Among Hairdressers: Key Statistics

• 30% of cases of occupational asthma occur in the hairdressing industry
• 1 in 10 hairdressershas asthma
• It is thesecond leading cause of occupational illnessesamong hairdressers

Solutions and best practices

Precautions and Prevention: A Few Simple Tips

• Make sure tothoroughly ventilatethe living room every day: open the windows for at least 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening
• Useless volatile products(compact powder, cream, oil, etc.) whenever possible
• Prepare solutions (dyes, etc.) in a well-ventilated area
• Ideally,wear a maskwhile preparing and mixing
• Equip your hair salon with aprofessional air purifier
• Keep harsh products (hairspray, hair dye, etc.) as far away from the respiratory tract as possible
• Clean work surfaces regularly with a damp cloth to minimize the release of volatile pollutants into the air
• Use a vacuum cleaner instead of a broom to clean floors (since a broom will scatter dust and hair into the air)

Solutions for improving air quality and ventilation in your living room

Ventilation:Ventilation refers to the practice of regularly airing out the salon byopening the doors and windows of the hair salon.

Exhaust hood:This localized ventilation system helpsminimize the spread of pollutantsduring procedures (such as hair coloring) by drawing air from a specific area and expelling it outside. Because it operates in a localized area, it does not purify the air in the entire salon.

CMV:CMV (Controlled Mechanical Ventilation) is a mechanical system designed to ensure air exchange within various spaces (particularly in so-called "wet" rooms). CMV creates an airflow between the outside and inside to regularly refresh the air in the living room and regulate the CO2 level in the indoor air.

Professional air purifier:A professional air purifier is a device that removes all sources of pollution found in a professional setting, such as a hair salon. NatéoSanté air purifiers NatéoSanté multiple filtration levels and various filter cartridge models to meet the specific needs of each profession. The “special hair salon” filters have been designed and developed to specifically address the challenges faced by hairdressers. The air purifier complements other ventilation systems(air circulation, exhaust hoods, mechanical ventilation, etc.) and purifies the indoor air in the hair salon.

The NatéoSanté Professional Air Purifier

The EOLIS Air Manager professional air purifier is equipped with high-performance filters specifically designed to address the challenges of the hairdressing industry. They are designed to capture and remove airborne pollutants. 

NatéoSanté and supports hairdressing professionals on a daily basis, enabling them to practice their craft under optimal conditions throughout their careers. NatéoSanté more than 200 hair salons in 2019 and works in partnership with industry organizations to raise awareness among hairdressers about air quality in salons. Discover our professional solutions designed for hair professionals.