Molecules in Motion: How Size and Weight Interact with Salon Chemicals & Environments

Let's break down the risks of heating chemicals like MEA and Ammonia...

Understanding molecular weights is crucial for salon chemical services for several reasons:

1. Product Penetration and Effectiveness: The molecular weight of a substance influences how easily it can penetrate the hair shaft. Lower molecular weights typically penetrate the hair more easily, which is important for treatments like deep conditioning or color penetration.

2. Mixing Chemicals: When mixing different products, understanding their molecular weights can help predict how they will interact. This is crucial to avoid unwanted chemical reactions that could damage hair or pose health risks.

3. Safety and Health Precautions: Knowing the molecular weights of chemicals helps in assessing their potential health impacts. For example, smaller molecules might be more easily inhaled or absorbed through the skin, necessitating specific safety measures.

4. Regulatory Compliance: In some cases, regulations may dictate the use of chemicals with certain molecular weights due to their environmental impact or health risks.

In general, when referring to molecular aspects, we use the terms 'molecular weight' to talk about how heavy a molecule is and 'molecular size' or 'molecular dimensions' to discuss how large or small it is. This distinction is important in hairdressing and cosmetology, as it affects how hair care products interact with hair and scalp, their efficacy, and safety.

Molecular Weight:

- Definition: Molecular weight, often referred to as molecular mass, is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. It is a measure of the total mass of a molecule.

- Units: It's generally measured in atomic mass units (amu) or Daltons (Da).

- Importance: Molecular weight is crucial in determining how much of a chemical is needed for a reaction, understanding the concentration of solutions, and predicting the behavior of molecules in different processes.

Molecule Size:

- Definition: Molecule size refers to the physical dimensions of a molecule. It can be thought of as the space a molecule occupies or the distance between its atomic components.

- Units: Molecule size is often measured in nanometers (nm) or angstroms (Å).

- Importance: The size of a molecule can influence its physical and chemical properties, such as solubility, viscosity, and how it interacts with other molecules. In hair treatments, for example, the size of a molecule can determine its ability to penetrate the hair shaft.

molecular weight = how heavy

molecular size = dimensional size

Let's look at the molecular size of ammonia (NH₃), & Monoethanolamine (MEA):

1. Ammonia (NH₃):

- Ammonia is a small molecule. In terms of its physical dimensions, it has a trigonal pyramidal shape. The nitrogen atom is at the apex, and the three hydrogen atoms form the base. The N-H bond length is about 101.7 picometers (pm), and the H-N-H bond angle is 106.7 degrees. This compact structure contributes to ammonia's characteristic properties, such as its pungent smell and high solubility in water.

2. Monoethanolamine (MEA):

- MEA is a larger molecule compared to ammonia. It consists of an amino group (NH₂) attached to an ethyl chain ending with a hydroxyl group (OH). This structure gives MEA a longer and more flexible molecular shape. The exact dimensions vary depending on the molecule's orientation and interactions with other molecules. Its larger size compared to ammonia affects its ability to penetrate substances like hair.

It's important to note that in a salon setting, the molecular size of these chemicals impacts how they interact with hair and skin. For example, smaller molecules like ammonia can penetrate the hair shaft more easily than larger molecules. This influences the effectiveness of products containing these chemicals, as well as the safety precautions needed when handling them.

Here's the molecular weight of ammonia compared to MEA and how these two chemicals respond to heat and hot water.

Molecular Weight: Ammonia vs. MEA

Before delving into their heat and hot water interactions, let's first examine the molecular weight of ammonia and MEA.

1. Ammonia (NH3):

- Molecular Formula: NH3

- Molecular Weight: Approximately 17.03 g/mol

2. Monoethanolamine (MEA):

- Molecular Formula: C2H7NO

- Molecular Weight: Approximately 61.08 g/mol

As you can see, MEA has a significantly higher molecular weight than ammonia. This difference in molecular weight plays a crucial role in how these chemicals behave under different conditions.

Molecular Weight Affects How Chemicals Like MEA and Ammonia Penetrate Your Hair

The lighter the molecule, the deeper the penetration is generally true in the context of hair care and cosmetology. This principle is based on the size and weight of the molecules in relation to their ability to penetrate the hair shaft.

1. Molecular Weight and Hair Penetration:

- Hair strands have a complex structure with layers (cuticle, cortex, and medulla). The ability of a molecule to penetrate these layers is influenced by its size and weight.

- Smaller and lighter molecules can more easily penetrate the hair shaft because they can slip through the tiny spaces in the hair's cuticle. This is why molecular weight is a crucial factor in formulating hair care products, especially those designed for treatment and conditioning.

2. Examples with MEA and Ammonia:

- Ammonia (NH₃): Ammonia has a relatively low molecular weight. This low weight contributes to its ability to easily penetrate the hair shaft, making it effective in hair color treatments where deep penetration is required.

- Monoethanolamine (MEA): MEA has a higher molecular weight compared to ammonia. This means it's generally larger in size and might not penetrate the hair shaft as deeply as ammonia. MEA is often used as an alternative to ammonia in hair color products for those seeking a less intense penetration and a milder odor.

3. Implications in Hair Care:

- The choice between using ammonia or MEA in hair products depends on the desired outcome. For deeper color penetration and intense lifting, ammonia might be preferred. For more surface-level treatment and gentler application, MEA could be a better choice.

- Safety and effectiveness also depend on how these chemicals interact with the hair's natural structure and chemistry, as well as other ingredients in the product.

In summary, while molecular weight is an important factor in determining how deeply a chemical penetrates the hair, it's also necessary to consider other factors such as the overall formulation of the product, the condition of the hair, and the desired outcome of the treatment.

How Ammonia and MEA Interact with Hot Water

Hot water, as a common solvent and medium, can also influence the behavior of chemicals.

1. Ammonia:

- Solubility: Ammonia is highly soluble in water and forms a strong alkaline solution when dissolved. It can even generate heat upon dilution due to its exothermic nature.

- Reaction: Ammonia readily reacts with water molecules to form ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), a compound that can further dissociate to release hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution.

2. MEA:

- Solubility: MEA is also soluble in water, but it does not produce the same alkaline effect as ammonia. It forms a weakly alkaline solution when dissolved.

- Reaction: MEA does not undergo significant chemical reactions with water under normal conditions, making it less reactive in aqueous solutions compared to ammonia.

Ammonia and MEA have distinct molecular weights that influence their behavior when exposed to heat and hot water. Ammonia has a lower molecular weight, a low boiling point, and reacts more readily with water to form an alkaline solution. On the other hand, MEA has a higher molecular weight, a higher boiling point, and is less reactive with water, forming a weakly alkaline solution.

Understanding these differences is crucial when working with these chemicals as it can impact their applications, safety precautions, and overall effectiveness. Always exercise caution and follow proper handling procedures when working with chemicals, especially when heat and hot water are involved.

For detailed, specific information related to molecular weights in chemical services, it's recommended to consult specialized chemistry resources or product-specific information from manufacturers found in the MSDS.

Heat Interaction: Ammonia vs. MEA

Heat can affect the physical and chemical properties of substances, including their boiling points, vapor pressure, and reactivity. Let's explore how ammonia and MEA react to heat.

1. Ammonia:

- Boiling Point: Ammonia has a low boiling point of approximately -33.34°C (-28.012°F). This means that it readily evaporates at room temperature, even with relatively mild heating.

- Heat of Vaporization: Ammonia has a high heat of vaporization, meaning it absorbs a significant amount of heat energy when it transitions from a liquid to a gas.

2. MEA:

- Boiling Point: MEA has a much higher boiling point compared to ammonia, at approximately 170.9°C (339.6°F). It requires much more heat to vaporize.

- Heat of Vaporization: MEA has a lower heat of vaporization compared to ammonia. It does not absorb heat as efficiently during the phase transition from liquid to gas.

What Happens When You Heat Ammonia?

Heating ammonia (NH₃) can lead to several outcomes, depending on the conditions and the extent of heating. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Increase in Pressure and Expansion: Ammonia has a low boiling point of -33.34°C (-28.012°F). When heated, it readily expands and converts to a gas. This can increase pressure in a closed container, posing a risk of explosion if the container isn't designed to handle such pressure.

2. Decomposition at High Temperatures: At very high temperatures, ammonia can decompose into its constituent elements, nitrogen and hydrogen. This decomposition is more likely to occur at temperatures above 450°C (842°F).

3. Chemical Reactivity: Heated ammonia can react with other chemicals in different ways. For example, it can react with oxygen to form various oxides of nitrogen, some of which can be hazardous.

4. Release of Toxic Gases: The heating of ammonia in the presence of certain substances (like chlorine or bleach) can lead to the formation of dangerous gases, such as chloramine.

5. Corrosiveness: Ammonia, especially when heated, can be corrosive to certain materials, including copper, brass, and zinc. This means that care must be taken in terms of the materials used in containers and piping for ammonia.

6. Fire and Explosion Risk: While ammonia itself is not highly flammable, it can form explosive mixtures with air under certain conditions. The flammability range of ammonia in air is approximately 15% to 28% by volume. When heated, the likelihood of reaching these concentrations can increase, especially in confined spaces.

Safety Precautions:

- Ammonia should be handled in well-ventilated areas to avoid the buildup of gases.

- It's important to use containers and equipment that are compatible with ammonia and can withstand the pressures associated with its expansion when heated.

- Personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and eye protection should always be used when handling ammonia.

- It is crucial to avoid mixing ammonia with chemicals like bleach or acids, as dangerous reactions can occur.

Heating ammonia must be done with caution due to the risks of pressure buildup, toxic gas formation, and potential reactivity with other chemicals. Proper safety measures and handling procedures are essential.

What Happens When You Heat MEA?

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a chemical compound used in various applications, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and as a gas treatment agent. When heated, MEA undergoes physical and potentially chemical changes, which can be hazardous under certain conditions. Here's what can happen if MEA is heated:

1. Increase in Vapor Pressure: As with most liquids, heating MEA will increase its vapor pressure. This means it will start to evaporate more rapidly. In a confined space, this can lead to a buildup of vapors, which can be harmful if inhaled.

2. Release of Ammonia Gas: MEA can decompose when heated, especially at high temperatures, releasing ammonia gas. Ammonia gas is irritating and toxic, and its inhalation can lead to respiratory distress and other health issues.

3. Risk of Combustion: MEA has a relatively high flash point (about 93°C or 199°F), but it can still pose a fire risk if heated in the presence of an ignition source. The vapors can ignite, leading to a fire or explosion, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.

4. Chemical Breakdown: At high temperatures, MEA can undergo thermal decomposition, leading to the formation of other potentially hazardous compounds. This breakdown can affect the efficacy and safety of the product containing MEA.

5. Physical Burns: Direct contact with heated MEA can cause thermal burns, as the compound can retain heat and cause skin damage.

Safety Precautions:

- Avoid heating MEA unnecessarily and always do so in a well-ventilated area.

- Use appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when handling heated MEA.

- Store MEA in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

- Ensure that containers and equipment used with MEA are suitable for the temperatures involved.

Heating MEA should be done with caution and proper safety measures to avoid health risks, chemical accidents, and potential fires.

Understanding Boiling Point & Flash Point

1. Boiling Point and Heat of Vaporization: These properties describe how a substance behaves when heated, specifically how easily it turns into vapor and how much heat it absorbs in this process. MEA has a higher boiling point and lower heat of vaporization compared to ammonia, meaning it requires more heat to vaporize and absorbs less heat during this phase change.

2. Risk of Combustion: The flash point of a substance is the temperature at which it can form an ignitable mixture in air. MEA's flash point is around 93°C (199°F). This means that at or above this temperature, MEA vapors can ignite if there's an ignition source. This is a separate consideration from boiling point and heat of vaporization. While these latter properties describe the transition from liquid to gas, the flash point is concerned with the conditions under which the vapors can ignite.

In summary, while MEA requires more heat to vaporize due to its higher boiling point, once it reaches its flash point, it poses a combustion risk. This risk is particularly relevant in environments like a hair salon, where electrical equipment and other potential ignition sources are present. The fact that MEA doesn't absorb as much heat during vaporization (lower heat of vaporization) doesn't directly impact its combustibility. Combustibility is more about the temperature at which its vapors can ignite, not about how much heat the liquid absorbs during vaporization.

WHAT TEMPS DO WE WORK WITH?

If we are working in a bustling salon, many stylists are heating all kinds of chemical products at the same time that could interact, and alter the chemical services happening in the salon. Here are a few tools that can heat chemicals in the environment.

Blow Dyers:

Professional hair blow dryers can vary in temperature range, but generally, on the hottest setting, they can reach temperatures between 135°C to 185°C (275°F to 40

0°F). The exact temperature can depend on the brand, model, and technology used in the dryer. High-end professional dryers often come with multiple heat settings and additional features like ionic technology.

Hair Hood Dryers:

Hair hood dryers, commonly used for drying hair in rollers, deep conditioning treatments, foils, or drying semi-permanent hair colors, typically operate at lower temperatures compared to handheld blow dryers.

- The temperature range for hood dryers can be anywhere from around 30°C to 70°C (86°F to 158°F).

- Hood dryers are designed to provide even heat over a longer period, rather than the intense, direct, quick heat of a blow dryer.

Heat Processors for Hair:

Heat processors are used for accelerating chemical treatments, like color, lightening, smoothing, & perm processing. They typically operate at a range of temperatures, often between 35°C to 70°C (95°F to 158°F).

- Some advanced models might have more precise temperature controls or higher maximum temperatures, but the key is to provide consistent, controlled heat that accelerates processing.

After looking at multiple heat processors I noticed two things:

#1 They have a disclaimer and liability statement on their website, you assume the high risk using such a tool.

#2 They are about the price of a ventilation unit.

This is something to think about, especially when setting up a business, invest in ventilation that will protect the health and lead to comfortable, safe hair experiences, or invest in a tool that will lead to faster, more high-risk services that will affect your staff's health long term.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN PEOPLE SAY THE CHEMICAL DISSIPATES?

When people say that a chemical like ammonia or Monoethanolamine (MEA) "dissipates," many think it means it just goes away. But the term dissipation has to do with a chemical being spread out, diluted, or evaporated, reducing its concentration in a given area. Here's how this works for different scenarios:

1. Dissipation in Water:

- When chemicals like ammonia are diluted with water, they spread throughout the water, reducing their concentration in any particular area. This process doesn't make the chemical disappear; it simply distributes it more evenly in the water, lowering its potency in any given volume.

- For chemicals used in hair treatments, rinsing with water helps to spread and remove the chemical from the hair, reducing its potential impact.

2. Vapor Dissipation:

- Ammonia, due to its high volatility, readily evaporates at room temperature, turning from a liquid or solution into a gas.

- When it evaporates, ammonia molecules spread out into the air, reducing their concentration in the immediate vicinity. This is known as dissipation.

- However, this doesn't mean the ammonia has disappeared or ceased to exist. It's just dispersed into the atmosphere, and in enclosed spaces, this can still pose a risk of inhalation or irritation.

3. Chemical Reactions:

- Some chemicals might also dissipate through chemical reactions. For instance, ammonia can react with acids in the air to form ammonium salts, effectively removing ammonia gas from the air.

Ammonium salts?

When ammonia vapors react with acids in the environment, they can form ammonium salts. These salts are generally less volatile and less irritating than ammonia gas, but they still pose health risks, particularly if they accumulate in enclosed spaces. The health risks to humans and animals from exposure to ammonium salts include:

1. Respiratory Irritation: Inhalation of ammonium salts can irritate the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, bronchial constriction.

2. Skin and Eye Irritation: Ammonium salts can cause irritation if they come into contact with skin or eyes. This might lead to redness, itching, or burning sensations.

3. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals might experience allergic reactions to these compounds, characterized by dermatitis, rashes, or other skin irritations.

4. Chronic Exposure Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure, even to low levels of ammonium salts, may lead to more severe respiratory issues, such as chronic bronchitis or asthma-like symptoms.

5. Environmental Impact: Accumulation of ammonium salts in the environment can have ecological impacts, particularly in water systems where they can contribute to eutrophication.

Eutrophication is the excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water, frequently due to runoff, which causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen.

In a salon setting, where ammonia is commonly used in hair coloring and perming solutions, proper ventilation is crucial to prevent the buildup of ammonia vapors and any resultant ammonium salts. Salons should adhere to occupational safety guidelines, including using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), to minimize exposure risks to both workers and clients. Additionally, regular air quality checks can help ensure that ammonia levels remain within safe limits.

That was an article. My brain is officially mush. This was interesting to learn and what I learned is there's so much more to learn. There will surely be more!

Hair Hugs to all!

xx Whit