L'Oreal Majirel 60ml tubes
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The strong ammonia smell in salons comes from the chemical process that lifts the hair cuticle during colouring. While essential for pigment penetration, it releases harsh fumes that affect air quality, staff health, and client comfort. Thankfully, salons can tackle this with better ventilation, smarter mixing practices, and low-odour or ammonia-free professional colour systems

Why the Ammonia Smell Can Impact Your Salon

Every stylist knows the scenario: you’re mid-colour application, your client is getting their new look, but the sharp tang of ammonia fills the air. You both may laugh it off, but inside, you may be wondering, “Is this safe?”

For stylists, exposure to ammonia needs to be considered even more, as they handle it every day. This can lead to headaches, throat irritation and a salon atmosphere that drops your and your clients' mood. It's a complaint you can't afford to ignore.

L'Oreal Majirel 60ml TubesL'Oreal Majirel 60ml Tubes

Changing the Way We Use Ammonia in Hair Colouring

Traditionally, ammonia has been the backbone of permanent hair colour. It certainly works, but at a cost:

  • Before: Ammonia-based products had a harsh odour, caused throat irritation, and created an atmosphere that changed the whole vibe.

  • Now: Thanks to science, products have been formulated to reduce or trap odour, protect health, and deliver the same or better colour results.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Solve the Ammonia Salon Smell

Step 1: Get the Foundations Right

You can have the world's best products, but if we don’t get the foundations right, they won’t be fully effective. These are the salon-wide best practices that reduce odour exposure:

  • Adequate ventilation – ensure you have an extractor near your colour stations and maintain heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

  • Mix carefully – follow the ratios according to the manufacturer's instructions to reduce waste and excess fumes.

  • Train stylists – technique matters for both performance and safety.

  • Add greenery – plants like peace lilies naturally help filter the air.

  • Protect your skin – ammonia can irritate as well as be inhaled; professional gloves are non-negotiable.

Step 2: Smarter Product Choice

Today, we have colour technology that makes ammonia odour less of an issue. One standout is L’Oréal Professionnel Majirel with Odour Trapping Technology (OTT):

  • Captures ammonia molecules before they’re released.

  • Creates a fresher, more comfortable salon environment.

  • Still delivers 100% grey coverage, intense colour, and softer hair.

  • Comes in sustainable packaging (95% recycled aluminium).

Step 3: Alternatives and Add-Ons

For salons ready to go further:

  • Consider an ammonia-free colour system if you want to cut out the middleman.

  • Offer your staff or other hair professionals complementary training on mixing and handling to reduce unnecessary fumes.

  • Use bundled solutions with recommended developers for consistent results and odour control.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Ammonia odour comes from the chemical process of lifting the cuticle, but it doesn’t have to define your salon.

  • Simple changes in ventilation, technique, and skin protection make a measurable difference.

  • New colour technologies like L’Oréal Majirel with OTT dramatically reduce odour while enhancing results.

  • Going ammonia-free offers salons a future-proof alternative.

With the right colour systems and practices, this solution will avoid having to choose between results, and client comfort never has to be a problem with this solution. In turn, future-proofing your salon to attract and retain loyal customers.