The HSE draws attention to heat stress at work. The best working temperature in hairdressing salons is between 15.5 and 20°C.
Humidity (the amount of moisture in the air) should be within the range of 30–70 per cent, although this will vary if your salon has a sauna and steam area. They should be in a well-ventilated area away from the main workrooms, whilst still being accessible to clients. There should also be sufficient air exchange and air movement, which must be increased in special circumstances, such as chemical mixing and usage. There are different types of ventilation that may be used within the salon.
Mechanical ventilation: extractor fans, which can be adjusted at various speeds.
Natural ventilation: open windows are fine, but be careful of a draught on the client.
Air-conditioned ventilation: passing air over filters and coolers brings about the desired condition, but of course, this is the most expensive method!
A build-up of fumes, or strong smells from chemical preparations such as perm lotion, bleach and tint, may cause both physical and psychological problems, which affect not only clients but staff, too!
Physical effects
Headaches
Sweating
Palpitations
Dizziness
Nausea or fainting
Psychological effects
Irritability
Aggressive behaviour
Nervous fatigue, which may result in mistakes
being made
Lethargy
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