There’s nothing quite like a fresh hairstyle to lift your mood. A new look can make you feel more confident, refreshed, and ready to take on the world. But if your beauty routine includes chemical treatments like perms, there might be more going on in your home than just a makeover. That strong “salon smell” you notice when getting a perm? It may linger longer than you think, and it could be a sign that your indoor air quality (IAQ) has taken a hit.
What’s Actually in a Perm?
Perms work by chemically altering the structure of your hair, transforming straight strands into curls or waves. The process involves two main steps: first, breaking the natural bonds in your hair, and second, reforming them into a new shape. To do this, many perm solutions rely on powerful ingredients like ammonium thioglycolate, hydrogen peroxide, and in some cases, formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents.
These chemicals are effective at reshaping hair, but they don’t just sit on your scalp. They can also release gases into the air, which are classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Once released, VOCs can linger indoors for hours or even days, especially in smaller or poorly ventilated spaces.
The Health Impact of VOCs from Hair Treatments
VOCs are a group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. While some VOCs are relatively harmless, others can contribute to a range of health issues. In the case of perms and other salon treatments, the most common symptoms people may notice include:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Headaches or lightheadedness
- Nausea or dizziness
- Aggravated asthma or allergy symptoms
- General feelings of discomfort or fatigue
Formaldehyde, which may be present in some straightening or smoothing systems, is a known respiratory irritant and potential carcinogen. Even if it’s not listed directly on the label, some ingredients break down into formaldehyde during the treatment process.
Why At-Home Perms Can Be More Problematic
While professional salons often have ventilation systems, open spaces, and protocols for minimizing exposure to fumes, at-home treatments usually take place in small, enclosed areas like bathrooms or bedrooms. Without proper airflow, the concentration of VOCs in the air can build up quickly, especially if doors and windows remain closed during or after the treatment. These chemicals may settle into the air, soft surfaces, and even HVAC systems, where they can continue to impact indoor air quality long after the treatment is over.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Indoor Air
Taking steps to reduce your exposure and clean up your air doesn’t mean giving up your favorite beauty rituals. You just need to be informed and proactive. Here are some simple tips to help:
- Ventilate the space before, during, and after your treatment. Open windows, turn on ceiling or exhaust fans, and keep air moving as much as possible.
- Avoid enclosed spaces. Try to do the treatment in a well-ventilated room or even near an open patio door if weather permits.
- Use an air purifier. Choose one with a VOC-specific or activated carbon filter to help remove chemical pollutants from the air.
- Read labels and do your research. Look for products labeled low-VOC or formaldehyde-free, though it’s worth noting that some chemicals may not be disclosed clearly.
- Test your indoor air. After any chemical-heavy activity, an indoor air quality test can give you peace of mind and help identify what may be lingering in your environment.
Breathe Clean, Feel Confident
Getting a perm or using any chemical hair treatment should leave you feeling good, not wondering what’s in your air. By staying informed and taking a few precautions, you can enjoy the results of your beauty routine without compromising your home’s air quality.
If you’ve recently done a perm at home and noticed lingering odors or physical symptoms like headaches or stuffiness, it may be time to test your indoor air. A professional-grade test like Home Air Check can help you identify levels of VOCs and other hidden pollutants so you can take action quickly and confidently. Clean air and great hair? You really can have both.