For customers who like to get pampered at a salon or spa, it’s a very enjoyable time. Sometimes though, salon goers may not realize the hazards and dangers their attendants are facing to give them the perfect manicure, pedicure, wax or other salon treatment. Salon employees must be aware of the dangers they face working in the salon environment. There are many chemicals you should be aware of, and take proper precautions to protect against them. The best way to protect your hands from coming in contact to the chemicals salon employees encounter daily, is wearing a good pair of chemical resistant gloves.
Acetone
This chemical is one of the most common found in salons because it is found in hairspray as well as nail polish remover. If your skin is exposed to acetone repeatedly and for long durations of time, it can cause mild to severe skin irritation. The best option to protect against acetone is a disposable latex glove. Of course, if there is a risk of latex allergies, nitrile is another good option to protect against acetone. You should not use vinyl gloves; they do not resist acetone.
Toulene
This chemical is another relatively common one found in a variety of salon and beauty products like nail polish, hair dye, nail glue, and hairpiece bonding. While it is one of the most common chemicals found in the salon, it is also one of the most toxic chemicals as well. Direct exposure to this chemical can cause symptoms like eye irritation, headaches, nausea, or skin rashes. Extended periods of exposure to toulene can cause very serious problems like birth defects or miscarriages. Even with vinyl glove use, toulene should only be used in limited time frames because of the high toxicity level.
Dibutyl phthalate
This chemical is mainly found in nail polish, and if directly contacted can cause mile to sever skin irritation. The best option for glove protection for dibutyl phthalate is nitrile gloves. Latex gloves could be used as well, but for a more limited time-period.
Trichloroethylene
In salons this chemical is most often found in products like hair extension glue and lace wig glue. If you come in contact with this chemical directly, it can nausea, disorientation, and eye and skin irritation. If you become exposed to trichloroethylene for an extended period of time, it can cause severe problems such as dermatitis, and damage to your liver or kidney. The best glove option to protect against this chemical is a nitrile glove, although vinyl gloves could be used for a limited amount of time as well.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is typically found in products like nail polish and nail hardeners. In the salon, this is the most high risk and dangerous chemical for employees to handle because it can cause cancer if you are exposed to it for long periods of time. It is even risky for short term exposure, as formaldehyde can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. Luckily, however, there are a few options available for gloves that will protect you against this hazardous chemical. You can use latex, nitrile or vinyl gloves while handling formaldehyde.
Whenever you’re handling chemicals in a salon, double check the safety data sheet from the chemical manufacturer to determine the concentration and that will determine how strong of a glove you will need to protect yourself.
