Hairstylists serving Black and Latina clients exposed to high concentrations of airborne toxins

Hairstylists, especially those providing services to Black and Latina women, are exposed to high concentrations of harmful airborne chemicals in their workplace, a team of Johns Hopkins researchers has found.   

The study, appearing in the Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment, is the first to report indoor air concentrations of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in U.S. hair salons serving this group of women. This builds on previous Johns Hopkins research that found Black and Hispanic hairdressers had higher levels of chemicals from hair relaxers, dyes, and other salon products in their bodies compared to office workers but did not specifically measure air concentrations of the chemicals.

“At the root of the problem are the products used on clients’ hair,” says Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá, PhD, study senior author and associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering. “Manufacturers of hair care products need to focus on developing safer options that don’t put hairstylists or consumers in harm's way.”   

Female hairstylists are vulnerable because they tend to be of reproductive age and work during critical periods before and during pregnancy. Many also tend to use products like chemical relaxers, straighteners, and smoothing products, which may pose particular health risks. Several of the VOCs in these products have been linked to neurodevelopmental and reproductive effects in animal studies, potentially posing health risks for these women and their unborn children. The compounds have also been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular effects, skin irritation, and cancer. 

“While limiting product use could help, it may not always be practical due to client demands and a lack of safer alternatives.”

According to Quirós-Alcalá, Black and Latina hairstylists make up about 30% of this predominantly female, low-wage workforce. Many women in this profession often face multiple challenges, including exposure to both chemical and non-chemical stressors such as limited access to health care and health insurance, which can exacerbate their potential health risks. This combination of factors can contribute to environmental health disparities among this demographic.  

“While limiting product use could help, it may not always be practical due to client demands and a lack of safer alternatives,” says Quirós-Alcalá. “To reduce VOC exposures in hair salons, it is also critical to prioritize adequate ventilation.” 

Opening doors and windows when available during chemical-intensive services can improve the indoor air quality in salons. Manufacturers recommend that salons use fans and air purifiers, masks, and gloves when providing chemical-intensive services to reduce exposure.  

“These simple measures have the potential to significantly decrease exposures to VOCs and other chemicals in salon environments,” she said. 

The findings were published in the Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment. 

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