🌊 The Importance of Hydration and Timely Urination when Working with Salon Chemicals 🌊

Many stylists worry it looks unprofessional to go to the bathroom during an appointment and usually hold bodily function needs until the end of the service to not make the client feel that attention is divided.

I am not sure where that started but, an abundance of stylists feel bad for paying attention to their body's needs and signals during a hair service, they feel. guilt and shame for needing to take a drink of water, even tho their body is signaling that they need to hydrate, and they wait till the end of a service to go to the bathroom, if they are running behind they may even wait till the end of the shift to go.

Why?

Maybe because it's not taught in hair school to pay attention to your bathroom and hydration needs, it's the complete opposite, lots of stylists are mocked & ridiculed by instructors for needing to go, and some even docked marks on their grades because it is generally thought as unprofessional in the salon environment to divert attention from your client.

I assure you there are so many other things we do as stylists while working that make the client feel like our attention is divided and going to the bathroom doesn't even make the top 5.

Ignoring the body isn't a practice of love, and is not a habit that should be drilled into students in cosmetology schools. When we are dedicated to taking care of other humans we need to first take care of our basic human needs.

If we educate clients on the way chemicals work and the protocols needed to support the body while working around these chemicals, they will be informed to also take care of themselves and will respect your professional workflow that honors the human body.

When it comes to working with salon chemicals like ammonia, MEA, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, toluene, and others, it is crucial to prioritize hydration and timely urination. Let's dive into why these practices are so important for both your health and the well-being of your clients and how you can prioritize your health before, during, and after services.

💧 Hydration is Key

Staying hydrated plays a vital role in safeguarding your body against the potential adverse effects of salon chemicals. Adequate hydration helps to support your overall well-being and ensures that your body can effectively process and eliminate these chemicals. By drinking enough water throughout the day, you can help maintain proper organ function, dilute any chemicals that may be absorbed, and aid in their elimination. It's important to note if you have ingested a chemical, and are having a reaction many MSDS's say to not drink liquids and to call for medical assistance as well as contact poison control. When we refer to dilution, it could be referred to as assisting your body's natural detox / flushing of accumulated chemicals sitting in your dehydrated system deprived of bathroom breaks.

💦 Timely Urination

Urinating promptly after exposure to salon chemicals is essential for minimizing their contact time with your body. Waiting to urinate until after your client leaves can prolong the exposure and increase the chances of potential negative effects from the chemical. By urinating as soon as possible, you can help flush out chemicals that may have been absorbed through your skin or inhaled.

🚰 How to Prioritize Hydration:

1️⃣ Begin your workday by drinking 16 oz of water to kickstart your hydration. Always drink a minimum of 16 oz of clear fluids before a chemical service, and another after the chemical service is over. If you are not accustomed to drinking that much water start at 8oz, then 12oz, listen to your body and how it is reacting and what it needs.

2️⃣ Keep a closed-top water bottle readily available throughout the day and sip on it regularly but not during chemical services where you could contaminate your bottle with chemicals, wash hands before handling.

3️⃣ Set reminders to hydrate, especially during breaks & after working with chemicals.

4️⃣ Avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or sugary beverages, as they can have a dehydrating effect.

⏰ Timely Urination Tips:

1️⃣ Create & utilize breaks between clients and during services to take necessary bathroom breaks.

2️⃣ Prioritize restroom visits immediately after handling salon chemicals.

3️⃣ Encourage your team to create a supportive environment where everyone understands the importance of timely urination.

Remember, your health and safety, as well as that of your clients, should always be a top priority. Let them know that you will be taking a bathroom break during their chemical service and you encourage them also to use the washroom when they feel they need to as well. Clients often hold it too, and they are being exposed to the same chemicals you are.

By staying hydrated and urinating promptly, you can help minimize the potential risks associated with salon chemicals. Stay aware, stay hydrated, and create a healthy working environment for yourself and your clients.

At some point, we have all heard the joke about stylists' ability to hold their urine while working in the salon. It may seem light-hearted until you think about what that function is doing for your entire system. If you are not peeing regularly throughout your shift your system is not functioning well.

Have you ever held it so long that you don't need to go anymore? eeek!

The only reward for holding toxic urine in the system for longer than it wants to be in it is... Harm to that body.

Bladder cancer is one of the top cancers for those who work in the hair salon. So we do want to take this more seriously.

Where does the chemical our bodies take in go?

Here is a breakdown of how the human body deals with the chemicals we commonly work with in the salon.

The primary routes of exposure are inhalation, skin contact & ingestion.

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The body has several ways to process and eliminate chemicals like ammonia, toluene, and monoethanolamine (MEA).

Ammonia is primarily processed in the liver. It is converted into a less toxic substance called urea through a process called the urea cycle. Urea is then transported to the kidneys where it is excreted in the urine. This is the main pathway for eliminating ammonia from the body.

Ammonia:

1. Absorption: Ammonia can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Inhalation is the most common route of exposure, for example, through salon chemical mixtures.

2. Distribution: Once absorbed, ammonia rapidly enters the bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body, reaching various organs and tissues.

3. Metabolism: Ammonia is primarily metabolized in the liver through a process called urea cycle. Enzymes in the liver convert ammonia into urea, which is less toxic. Urea is then transported to the kidneys for excretion.

4. Detoxification: The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying ammonia by converting it into urea. This process helps to maintain a safe level of ammonia in the body.

5. Elimination: Urea, the final metabolite of ammonia, is eliminated from the body primarily through urine. Some small amounts of ammonia may also be eliminated in sweat and exhaled air.

MEA, is broken down through a process called metabolism. It is primarily metabolized in the liver by various enzymes. The breakdown products of MEA are then eliminated through urine.

Monoethanolamine (MEA):

1. Absorption: MEA can be absorbed into the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. It is commonly found in products like cleaning agents, hair color mixtures, cosmetics, and personal care items.

2. Distribution: Once absorbed, MEA is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, reaching various organs and tissues.

3. Metabolism: MEA is metabolized in the liver through oxidative processes. Enzymes in the liver convert MEA into various metabolites, including glycolic acid and glycine.

4. Detoxification: The metabolites of MEA undergo further processing in the liver to make them more water-soluble, aiding in their elimination. This involves conjugation, where the metabolites are combined with other substances to facilitate excretion.

5. Elimination: The elimination of MEA and its metabolites occurs primarily through urine. A small portion may also be eliminated through sweat and exhaled air.

It's important to note that individual variations and exposure levels can affect the breakdown and elimination of these substances. If you have concerns about ammonia or MEA exposure or experience any symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.

The time it takes for the body to process and eliminate these chemicals can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's metabolism, the amount of the chemical ingested, and other factors such as age, overall health, and hydration status. Generally, it can take a few hours to a few days for the body to fully metabolize and eliminate these chemicals. However, it's important to note that this is a general estimation and individual variations can occur.

Toluene, a solvent commonly found in hair dyes and chemicals that change the hair color and texture, nail polish, paint thinners, and other products, is processed and eliminated from the body through a series of metabolic processes.

Toluene:

1. Absorption: Toluene can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Inhalation is the most common route of exposure in salon settings.

2. Distribution: Once absorbed, toluene quickly enters the bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body, reaching various organs and tissues.

3. Metabolism: Toluene is primarily metabolized in the liver through a process called oxidation. Enzymes in the liver convert toluene into various metabolites, including benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid. These metabolites are less toxic than toluene itself.

4. Detoxification: The metabolites of toluene are further processed in the liver to make them more water-soluble, allowing for easier elimination. This process involves conjugation, where the metabolites are combined with other substances to facilitate excretion.

5. Elimination: Once metabolized and detoxified, the body eliminates toluene and its metabolites primarily through urine. A small portion may also be eliminated through exhaled air and sweat.

It is important to note that individual variations, such as metabolism rate and exposure levels, can affect the breakdown and elimination of toluene. Additionally, chronic exposure to high levels of toluene can overwhelm the body's detoxification capacity, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound that can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Once in the body, it undergoes a process of metabolism and elimination, which typically involves the following steps:

Formaldehyde:

1. Absorption:

   - Inhalation: This is the most common route of exposure in occupational settings. The formaldehyde gas is absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream.

   - Ingestion: Though less common, ingestion of formaldehyde leads to its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

   - Dermal Contact: Formaldehyde can also be absorbed through the skin, although this is generally a less efficient route compared to inhalation or ingestion.

2. Metabolism:

   - Once absorbed, formaldehyde is rapidly metabolized, predominantly in the liver, but also in other tissues.

   - The primary enzyme responsible for this metabolism is formaldehyde dehydrogenase, which converts formaldehyde to formic acid.

   - Formic acid can further be broken down into carbon dioxide and water in the body.

3. Elimination:

   - The metabolites, mainly formic acid, are then eliminated from the body through the kidneys in urine.

   - Some of the formaldehyde is also exhaled directly through the lungs in its original form.

4. Detoxification:

   - The body's detoxification mechanisms, such as glutathione, play a role in reducing the toxicity of formaldehyde.

   - These mechanisms help to mitigate the adverse effects of formaldehyde, especially at low exposure levels.

It's important to note that the toxicity and health effects of formaldehyde depend on the concentration and duration of exposure. High levels of exposure can overwhelm the body's ability to metabolize and eliminate formaldehyde, leading to various health effects, particularly respiratory issues, skin irritation, and potential carcinogenic effects.

In occupational settings, such as salons where formaldehyde may be present in hair products, adequate ventilation, proper handling procedures, and protective equipment are essential to minimize exposure and reduce health risks. Formaldehyde is often hidden in synthetic fragrances, companies do not have to disclose or label their proprietary blends, and many times the amount in the formula is under 2%.

To protect yourself, it is essential to follow safety guidelines, such as working in well-ventilated areas with ventilation systems that meet OSHA requirements, using personal protective equipment such as gloves, air-tight goggles, and chemical source capture units, and minimizing direct skin contact with hazardous products. If you have concerns about exposure or experience any symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional specializing in toxic substances.

Ok so looking through that and seeing the important role urination plays in supporting our body while working with chemicals will you hold it next time you have to go?

No client expects you to do that. And if they do they don't need to be your client anymore.

Build care for yourself into your services your bodddd will thank you so much for it!

Cheers to a safer and more enjoyable salon experience! 💦🌸

Interested in some resources to help you track your chemical exposure and hydration? We have a safety checklist and workflow templates!

Check out our Safety Materials Page

Thanks for reading you little hair hugger, think of us the next time you honor your body by drinking up and eliminating your chemicals through your urine cycle. LOL.