Ventilation in hair salons: rules, requirements and guide

Extraction vs. general ventilation

The two terms are often confused, but they solve different problems.

Ventilation

General air circulation that supplies fresh air and removes stale air, often through a fixed system in the ceiling. It creates a more comfortable indoor climate, but does not necessarily remove vapors or particles where they arise.

Extraction (local extraction)

A targeted solution where an extraction arm is placed right where the vapor or odor arises. It removes chemical vapors and particles before they have time to spread throughout the room, significantly reducing both your and your customer's exposure.

They do not solve the same problem. In a salon, I would always recommend both.

Extraction regulations in hair salons

If you have employees, local extraction is not just a good idea—it is a legal requirement from the Danish Working Environment Authority as soon as you work with chemicals. The rules apply specifically to bleaching, perming, hair coloring, and similar processes—in other words, virtually everything a salon does every day.

There is also a specific figure to keep in mind: each extraction point must be able to remove at least 70 cubic meters of air per hour, while the Danish Working Environment Authority recommends 100 cubic meters per hour as the standard. As a rule of thumb, you should plan for one extraction point for every two workstations and one for every two wash stations, so no one has to work without one.

If you mix color and chemicals in a fixed location, the mixing cabinet should also have its own extraction, or you can place an extraction arm right where you mix. And no, opening a window is not enough on its own. General airing can supplement local extraction, but it cannot replace it.

If you are self-employed and work entirely alone without employees, the requirement does not formally apply to you, but personally, I would never go without extraction if I were handling color or perms every day. Your body does not keep track of whether you were legally required to have it or not.

Why local extraction is worth the investment

It is not just about getting rid of the smell. It actively protects you against allergies, respiratory irritation, and headaches, while customers immediately notice the difference a cleaner indoor climate makes.

What you need to know before choosing

Place the extraction as close to the source as possible—that is what determines whether it really works. Ideally, choose a model with noise reduction, as some systems can be louder than expected. Filters and hoses need to be cleaned or replaced regularly; otherwise, performance gradually declines without you noticing. See our selection of extraction solutions, or let us advise you on what is right for your salon.

In brief

Extraction is not just about avoiding bad odors. It is an investment in being able to work in the salon ten years from now without your health having suffered from something you could have prevented. If you have questions about extraction, ventilation, or the regulations that apply to your salon, contact me.