If there’s one thing that’s not talked about enough in the salon industry, it’s the potential health risks hair professionals can face while working behind the chair. Hairstylists and colorists are frequently exposed to harmful chemicals in haircare products that can potentially lead to respiratory problems, skin irritations, and in some cases, even cancer.
The good news is that more brands are making an effort to raise awareness about this pressing issue, one being amika. The professional haircare brand is partnering with Citizen Scientist and Airthings to collaborate on the #CleanerAirHaircare initiative, which will evaluate indoor air quality and resulting potential health risks in salons across the amika network. The initiative will kick off by testing the air quality in five salons throughout New York and New Jersey, focusing on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), CO2, and particulate matter, raising awareness about the occupational health risks in the beauty industry.
The Impact of Poor Salon Air Quality on Hair Pros and Their Clients
The goal of the #CleanerAirHaircare initiative is to educate salon pros and consumers about health risks associated with frequent exposure to chemicals in haircare products as well as provide actionable solutions to minimize these risks, promoting safer work environments. Additionally, the initiative hopes to set a precedent for improved safety standards across the beauty industry.
As of May 2023, there are 294,840 hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in the United States regularly exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), high CO2 levels, and particulate matter, according to a release from Citizen Scientist. They highlighted some of the often-overlooked aspects of occupational health in the beauty industry, including:
- VOCs from hairsprays, dyes, and chemical treatments, which can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and other long-term health effects such as reproductive issues.
- High CO2 levels from poor ventilations and crowded spaces, leading to drowsiness, decreased cognitive function, and poor air quality.
- Particulate matter from hair clippings, styling products, and dust, which can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, potentially aggravating conditions like asthma.
Prioritizing Cleaner Air in Salons
All of the salons participating in the #ClearnerAirHaircare initiative—by monitoring and improving air quality—will be featured on a searchable list of clean air providers through amika. This will encourage more salons to address this critical issue and empower consumers to make informed choices.
Jamie Richards, Head of ESG, shared “At amika, our commitment to being the healthiest and most sustainable option drives us to address these hidden risks. By partnering with Citizen Scientist and Airthings, we’re taking proactive steps to ensure a safer environment for everyone in the salon industry.”
“Seeing C02, PM2.5, and other levels rise on the monitor will inspire providers to explore new ways of enhancing air quality in their daily work,” says Julianne Hogan-Smith, Co-founder & Executive Director of Citizen Scientist. “For consumers, choosing a Cleaner Air Haircare salon will encourage them to prioritize healthier environments in all areas of life. That is the power of citizen science.”
JJ Baird, V.P. of North America at Airthings, adds “We’re thrilled to be part of this journey to create healthier salon environments. With amika’s leadership and commitment to safer beauty standards, we believe that combining our Airthings devices with the efforts of Citizen Scientist will help educate and empower both salon professionals and customers to prioritize cleaner air and healthier experiences.
