A beauty salon is only as beautiful as it smells. Unfortunately, the air can get thick with chemicals that off gas from salon products used for hair and nails. Continually filtering the air with a cleaner that is specifically designed to deal with pollutants related to the beauty industry is crucial. Here are 5 features to avoid when choosing a purifier for your salon.

Avoid Limited Operation Time — Some cleaners, due to the motor type, are only able to run for a certain number of hours each day. The technical specifications will tell you whether this is true about the unit you’re considering. If you don’t see it in print, call the manufacture or distributor to get clear on this point.

The most effective cleaner needs to be able to run 24 hours a day. A split capacitor motor is what you’ll need in your unit. This will insure that the air is able to be cleaned whether you are there or not; and will allow you and your customers to walk into a salon that is literally a breath of fresh air.

Don’t Choose Just One Filter — Pollutants in salon air are made up of both particles and gases. One filter can’t handle both to the extent that is needed in a salon. Instead choose a unit that has a carbon based filter for the gases, chemicals and odors, as well as one that has multiple filter for particles such as hair, and particles that go airborne during manicures and pedicures.

Steer Clear of One-Sidedness — As important as an air cleaner is for your shop, it really shouldn’t have to take center stage. When a cleaner is only able to take in air from one side it limits its placement. You shouldn’t have to put it in the middle of the floor just to have your air cleaned.

Instead opt for a cleaner that has 360 degree intake. This means it will only need about 6 inches of clearance from any surface. This gives you the option of putting in a corner or beside someone’s station or even off towards the back or even at the front of your shop. It can clean effectively from anywhere.

Don’t Choose a Power Hog — If your cleaner uses so much power that all you can think of is dollar signs when you have it running, it’s not very much fun to have around. You might have clean air, but you’ll probably develop an ulcer thinking about all the money you’re spending to get it.

Instead help the environment and your pocketbook and choose a cleaner that goes easy on energy consumption. There are cleaners out there that cost about as much to run as a 60 watt light bulb. With an energy miser like that you’ll be able to breathe easier (pun intended).

Avoid Ugly — Just because you use an air purifier in you shop doesn’t mean it has to look ugly. You really don’t have to sacrifice beauty for function. Opt for a cleaner that gives you lots of color options. Designer colors can make your shop look sleek and beautiful while making the air smell fresh and clean.