Risks and infection control recommendations at the hairdressing salon

Question

Hello, are there any infection control recommendations at the hairdressing salon? Should we provide recommendations to the hairdresser? Thank you

Answer

There are many water points at a hairdressing salon but without stagnant water. However, in case the hairdresser needs to use a waterspray bottle, he should better change the water inside the bottle. Some products are apt to irritate the respiratory tract as the ammonia used for coloring but also persulfate (powder) for bleaching. This powder is very volatile and remains quite long in the air. Consequently it is more advisable that your hairdresser prepares this product in another part of the room, unless there is an exhaust system located, which is rare (only 10% of hairdressing salons have one while 40% are equipped with general ventilation). However, if there is no ventilation, your hairdresser should ensure good general ventilation of the room.
To avoid waiting too long, it would be better to ask your hairdresser to respect your appointment or to warn you if there is a delay.
Dr. Gilles Rault

10.09.2012