All about extraction

Extraction vs. General Ventilation

When we talk about improving the air quality in a salon, two terms often come up: extraction and ventilation. Here is the difference:

Ventilation

• Typically general air circulation that brings fresh air from outside and removes “used” air particles.
• Can be an integrated system in the building, e.g., in the ceiling.
• Provides a more comfortable indoor climate but does not necessarily remove vapors or particles.

Extraction (Local Extraction)

• A more targeted solution where an extraction arm is placed right where the pollution or vapor occurs (e.g., at color mixing, perming, or directly above a wash station).
• Ensures that chemical vapors, aerosols, and other harmful particles are removed before they spread in the room.
• Significantly reduces staff’s — and customers’ — exposure to potentially hazardous substances.

Separately, ventilation and extraction serve different purposes, but in a salon, it can be beneficial to have both: general ventilation to keep the air “fresh” and local extraction to capture harmful vapors at their source.

Legislation and Workplace Requirements

According to the Danish Working Environment Authority’s guidelines, workplaces must have sufficient air exchange to ensure a healthy work environment. For hairdressers working with chemicals, it is even more important to pay attention to:

• Limits for Chemical Substances: Check your products. Certain color and perm solutions may contain substances that must not exceed specific concentrations in the air.
• Work Environment Act: The employer is obligated to ensure that employees are not exposed to harmful health effects. It is not legally required if you work alone, but personally, I would never recommend skipping extraction if you work with color and/or perming.

Failure to comply with these requirements risks not only receiving remarks from the Working Environment Authority but also other consequences.

Why Local Extraction Is So Important

Reduced Health Risks

By extracting vapors and aerosols at the source, the risk of allergies, respiratory issues, headaches, and other health problems caused by prolonged exposure is minimized.

Improved Comfort

A cleaner indoor climate makes it more comfortable to work in the salon throughout the day. This means fewer issues like fatigue and irritation in the eyes or throat.

Compliance with Legislation

By installing local extraction—especially where chemicals are mixed—you are one step closer to meeting the workplace requirements applicable to the industry.

Increased Customer Satisfaction

Customers experience a salon with fresher air and less “chemical” smell, which can be crucial for repeat visits.

What Hairdressers Should Know About Extraction Solutions

• Placement Is Crucial: Local extraction should be placed as close to the source as possible. This could be above or next to the color mixing station, or exactly where you spray hair products.
• Noise Level: Some extraction systems can be noisy—preferably choose a model with noise reduction or have the fan installed further away from the work area.
• Maintenance: Filters and hoses must be cleaned or replaced regularly. A poorly maintained system can lose efficiency and give a false sense of security.
• Advice: Professional help with sizing both extraction and ventilation is a good idea to avoid incorrect installations or insufficient capacity.

What Does It Cost — and Why Is It Worth the Investment?

The price of a local extraction system can vary greatly depending on size, capacity, and installation. However, it is important to see it as a long-term investment in work environment, employee well-being, and customer experience. In the end, a good extraction system is cheaper than the consequences of poor indoor air quality—both in terms of employee sick leave, complaints, and in the worst case, legal consequences for violating workplace legislation.

Good Advice to Get Started

1. Work Areas: Where do you mostly work with chemicals, and where do odors or vapors accumulate?
2. Contact a Professional Supplier: Get advice on which solution fits your salon in terms of capacity, placement, and legal requirements.
3. Also Consider Ventilation: Consider whether you also need a general ventilation system or if you can supplement existing ventilation with local extraction.
4. Plan Maintenance: Make sure to have a regular routine for cleaning or filter replacement so the system continues to perform optimally.

In Short

Extraction in hairdressing salons is not just about avoiding bad odors—it is an active effort to protect hairdressers and customers from harmful substances and create a more pleasant workplace. With local extraction, you can stop the problem at the source while ensuring the salon complies with current legislation and the best possible workplace standards. Buy professional local extraction here.

Need Help?

Do you have questions about extraction, ventilation, or other aspects of a healthy indoor climate in the salon? Feel free to contact us for more information or a conversation about how to best implement professional solutions tailored to your salon’s needs.