If you own a beauty shop, you know first hand how fumes from the products you use can cause you to have burning eyes, dry throat, headaches, a lack of energy, and lack of enthusiasm for going to work. Here are 3 things you can do immediately that will eliminate the fumes, and make your shop a breath of fresh air for you and your customers.
Rethink the Products You Use-Volatile organic chemicals are found in many of the products that are in constant use for hair and nail care. These chemicals evaporate easily into the air and can linger for hours.
The more stylist in your salon, the greater the potential is for volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) to be released into the air. And more chemicals in the air mean the air will not only smell bad, but be unhealthy for you and your clients. There are products available now that give you an alternative.
The PBA (Professional Beauty Association) is an excellent resource for finding products that should and should not be used. They have a list of chemicals that are now illegal to use, sell or distribute. Since legislation changes frequently, check your shelves regularly to make sure that older products do not contain chemicals that have been banned.
Store Chemicals Properly--Dispose of products that can not be resealed, and store unopened products in air tight containers. This prevents leaks and constant off-gassing of chemicals. A metal trash can with a lid that can be opened and closed with a foot pedal is a good idea. The top minimizes the smell, and not having to touch the container to open and close it means less chance of having some of the chemical remain on the outside of the can. Any items that have chemicals on them such as towels gloves aprons should be stored away from the salon are and washing or disposed of as soon as possible.
Remove Airborne Chemicals with an Air Purifier-An air cleaner with a filter that is specifically designed to remove chemicals from the air can be a partner for good health in your salon. It is important to look at the technical specifications of the cleaner to be sure that it will eliminate airborne chemicals. A purifier that can safely work 24 hours whether you are there or not means you can look forward to opening the door each morning no longer afraid of how taking a deep breath will make you feel.
Clearing the air of chemicals is not only good for you, the other stylists, and your customers, but it's good for business as well. A beauty shop that is free of fumes makes a terrific first impression with potential customers and means they are much more likely to give your shop a try.