April 10, 2025 Story by: Editor
A new study published in the Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment is the first to report indoor air levels of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in U.S. hair salons catering to Black and Latina women.
This research expands on earlier findings from Johns Hopkins University, which revealed that Black and Hispanic hairdressers had elevated levels of chemicals from salon products such as hair relaxers and dyes in their bodies. However, the earlier work did not examine the presence of these chemicals in salon air.
“At the root of the problem are the products used on clients’ hair,” says Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá, PhD, senior author of the study 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 hair professionals are particularly at risk, as many are of reproductive age and often work during sensitive periods like pregnancy. These workers frequently use chemical-based products, including relaxers, straighteners, and smoothing agents—many of which have been associated in animal studies with reproductive and neurodevelopmental harm.
Additionally, VOCs found in these products are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, skin conditions, and even cancer.
According to Quirós-Alcalá, Black and Latina women represent about 30% of the largely female and low-wage salon workforce. Many also encounter added stressors, including inadequate access to healthcare and insurance, compounding the health risks they face from chemical exposure. These overlapping challenges contribute to ongoing environmental health disparities in this population.
“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.”
Improving airflow—such as by opening windows and doors during services that use strong chemicals—can help reduce VOC levels indoors. Manufacturers also recommend using fans, air purifiers, personal protective equipment like gloves and masks, to limit exposure when handling chemical-heavy products.“These simple measures have the potential to significantly decrease exposures to VOCs and other chemicals in salon environments,” she said.
