While working as a hairstylist, you will have to deal with numerous chemicals daily. All these chemicals are not suitable for your health. You will have to deal with many chemicals that can lead you to serious health issues.
You might not notice this because the health issues would take a few years to develop within the body and give symptoms. Hence, it is a good idea to clearly understand how to work with the chemicals present at your salon and stay safe.
Here are some of the most valuable tips that people who work as hair stylists can follow to reduce their overall exposure to chemicals at a salon.
Use less toxic products
You might not be able to purchase cosmetic products that don’t contain any healthy chemicals. This is the main reason why you should think about using less toxic chemicals.
For example, you can look at the VOC formula of a cosmetic product before you get to the salon or use it at the salon. Then you will need to make sure that it comes along with a low VOC formula. If you are not the salon owner, you can politely request the salon owner and ask to get replacement cosmetic products.
Aerosols have an inhalation risk.
Hence, it is better to keep them away from your salon as much as possible. This is where you can think about using an alternative for aerosols. Pump spray products can help you with that.
Formaldehyde is another toxic chemical that we can often see in salons. You will need to minimize exposure to this dangerous chemical as much as possible. Formaldehyde comes along with numerous hair straightening products.
It is better if you can get hair straighteners that don’t contain formaldehyde as an active ingredient. There are lots of hair straighteners like this available in the market, which can deliver amazing results. You just need to keep your eyes open and look out for them.
Properly handle and store the products
You must be mindful about the way how you handle and store cosmetic products that contain dangerous chemicals. For example, you will need to close all the containers while you are not using the products.
You will also need to make sure that you get appropriate trash cans to dispose of the containers used to store these chemical products. For example, you can get trash cans that come with tight lids. You should understand the correct steps to follow when disposing of hazardous waste and stick to them at all times. It is another effective method available to minimize the risk you have to face.
Wear protective clothing while you work
As a hairdresser, you can wear appropriate clothing while at the salon and helping your customers with chemical, cosmetic products. For example, you can wear nitrile gloves or neoprene gloves.
These gloves are able to deliver all the protection needed by your hands against chemicals. We don’t recommend you reuse disposable gloves as they can lead you to major risks.
If there is a need to use a respirator, you should use one without thinking twice. It is better to get an N95 respirator as it can effectively block chemicals from getting into your body.
These are the most effective tips that you can follow to minimize the risk from chemicals while you work as a hairdresser. We strongly encourage you to stick to these and control the risk you have to face.
Blog posts