Product / Ingredient Information

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Products & Ingredients

Many salon professionals ask about the safety of products commonly used in salons. They are especially concerned about the possibility of allergic reactions.

The development of an allergy (also known as "sensitization") is a process that causes some people to react to certain materials they come in contact with regularly. Allergies may appear abruptly in individuals who have not had problems before.

Symptoms range from skin effects, such as rash and redness, to respiratory effects such as sneezing or, infrequently, breathing difficulties. Fragrances, preservatives, permanent waves, haircolors, and powdered lighteners are among the salon products that have been associated with allergic reactions.

The best way to avoid allergic reactions is to reduce exposure by wearing gloves when handling or applying materials such as haircolors, permanent waves, or powder bleaches; making sure adequate ventilation is available in areas where products are prepared and applied; and by always using care when working with any salon product.

As a means of identifying people who may be allergic to certain products, federal law requires a skin patch test for clients before semi-permanent and permanent haircolors are applied. Patch tests must be performed 48 hours before each scheduled application.

Helpful Hint:

It is a good practice to keep a record of every product (haircolors, permanents, relaxers) applied to individual clients. This client record can be used to help identify the source of any irritation or allergic reaction that may develop.

Permanent Haircolors & Liquid Lighteners

All permanent haircolors and liquid lighteners contain one of the following necessary active ingredients: ammonium hydroxide (the most common) or monoethanolamine (MEA). When mixed with developer, these ingredients lighten hair and open the hair shaft so colors can penetrate deeper. Ammonia is the most effective ingredient in achieving the high levels of lift required by many of today's haircoloring products.

Despite ammonia's sharp odor, haircolor products that use ammonia only contain between 0.8% and 1.2% when applied to the hair. At these low levels, the ammonia vapor is not hazardous, although some may find its odor mildly unpleasant.

Developers

Developers are generally mixed with many permanent and long-lasting semi-permanent products to activate haircolors, remove pigment, and make the shaft more receptive to coloration. The main ingredient in developers is hydrogen peroxide. The amount of hydrogen peroxide present in a salon product is listed by volume on the label. Greater volume numbers indicate higher hydrogen peroxide percentages. For example, 10 volume means the product contains 3% hydrogen peroxide, 20 volume means the product contains 6% hydrogen peroxide, and so on. Accidental eye or skin contact with developers may cause severe irritation; always use with care.

Powdered Lighteners

All powdered lighteners contain persulfates. Persulfates, when mixed with hydrogen peroxide, help remove color from the hair. The powder used is often extremely fine and may become airborne if handled carelessly. Instances of respiratory and skin allergies (sensitization) among salon professionals are usually associated with improper handling of powdered lighteners. To help prevent sensitization, salon professionals should always:

• Keep product away from face when opening package and mixing.
• Avoid touching the powder by wearing gloves when mixing or applying to the hair.
• Minimize dust by scooping, depositing, and mixing the powder gently.
• Hold down dust by adding the developer to the powder gently.
• Clean up powder spills promptly to avoid unnecessary skin contact.

Hairspray and Aerosols

Hairsprays and aerosols may contain alcohol or other ingredients which give off flammable vapors. Flammables will ignite if exposed to open flames, electric sparks, or other sources of heat, including the heating element of a hair dryer. To avoid problems, use hairspray and aerosols in well-ventilated areas, never discharge near a flame or other heat source, and always keep containers tightly capped.

Helpful Hint:

Using new "dust free" powdered lighteners, such as Clairol Professional's BW2000, will further reduce exposure to "flyaway" dust.