Air Purifier For a Nail Salon: 7 Top Picks To Refreshen Workspace
Are you looking for the best air purifier for a nail salon? Don’t worry, you are at the right place. Having experience using air purifiers for more than a decade, I have already helped multiple salon owners get the right one as per their needs.
Read this review guide and learn about the 7 best purifiers. So without any further delay, let’s head towards the next section!
Quick Answer
Buying an air purifier for a nail salon can be extremely beneficial to you and your business. This is because nail salons use many products such as nail polish, primers, acrylic nails, and thinners which contain toluene, acetone, and formaldehyde. Let’s see how they affect:
These can cause irritation to the eye, skin, and nose.
Can damage the reproductive system, respiratory system, kidney, and liver.
May lead to breast cancer.
In order to make sure the staff and the customers stay safe and sound, you need an air purifier to get rid of harmful pollutants. But how do you decide which unit will serve you best? Well, I have got you covered.
Continue reading to learn about the pros, cons, and top highlights of the 7 best purifiers. I will also explain important considerations to look for when buying and how the air purifier will help you run your nail salon better.
Air Purifier For a Nail Salon: Comparison Chart of 7 Top Picks
Let’s quickly glance at the models I have shortlisted for you nail salon owners:
Now that we have gone through the table, let’s review the products in more depth:
1. Best Option Overall: Shark HE601 Air Purifier
Let’s quickly go over the positives and negatives of the Shark unit device:
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This floor-mounted device can handle large nail parlors with ease and effectiveness. It can capture small particles as small as PM 1.0 using 6 different fan speeds. For those looking to remove smoke particles and pollutants, it can work wonders while tracking the air quality and room temperature simultaneously.
Features
Now it is time to have a look at the features of Shark HE601:
6 Fans: The device has 6 micro-fans which distribute the air evenly and can cater to contaminants at a higher rate.
Anti-Allergen Multifilter: Shark’s Anti-Allergen Multi-Filter gets rid of toluene, heptanes, and other VOCs (volatile organic compounds) with 99.98 % accuracy.
Clean Sense IQ: The sensor monitors the air quality and temperature of your space and adjusts the power setting to optimize the airflow of clean air.
Recommendation: For those looking for comprehensive filtration which is an effective and easy-to-use device. This is the ideal choice to have in your salon. You will love the even distribution of air with its 6 micro fans but on the downside, the remote can only be used in close proximity to the unit.
2. Best For Removing VOC: Winix 5300-2 Air Purifier
Let’s take a look into the benefits and drawbacks of this device:
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This is one of the best models you can get for your salon. It is not only effective for airborne particles but is also perfect for removing VOCs such as Formaldehyde found in nail polishes and nail hardeners. It can clean up to 360 sq ft of space in 12 minutes so even if you have a big space for doing nails, it will effectively remove any toxins and smells lingering around.
Features
Let’s look at the features and specs of this amazing state-of-the-art air cleaner:
Auto Mode: The auto mode in the Winix adjusts itself according to the air quality levels of your salon. During times of high contaminants, it will turn on the highest speed setting to get rid of particles quickly and run on low when the air is optimal.
Timer: It comes with 4 timer options including 1 hr, 4 hr, and 8 hr so you can adjust the running time when the customers are hurled up, and it will turn off on its own when its closing time.
Smart Sensor: The smart sensor is equipped with AQI to monitor your air levels and odor levels in the salon at all times.
Recommendation: I highly recommend this if you want to remove dangerous VOCs such as acetone and formaldehyde from all of the products you are using. It comes with 4 different filters and real-time air monitoring sensors for you to enjoy maximum levels of clean air. But one thing you need to consider is the limited warranty it comes with.
3. Best Smart Features: LEVOIT Air Purifiers 600S
Let’s see what makes it stand out and the low points as well:
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The 600s is designed for large rooms and comes equipped with Smart Wi-Fi and Alexa control. This means while you are working on your customer’s nail to achieve that perfect look you can control the setting using voice control. This is very useful if you are busy hustling. What makes it an even more compelling option is its low noise operation which is only 26 dB.
Features
Let’s have a look at the amazing features this one has to offer:
Smart Notification: The app will provide you with updates such as Wildfire alarms, real-time air quality levels, filter life, and PM 2.5 indicator levels
Voice Command: The most distinctive feature is voice control, you can easily control your fan speed, display setting, and sleep mode with just your voice.
Smart Control: It comes equipped with smart controls like real-time update controls which alert you at all times what your salon air is like.
Recommendation: This is the perfect choice for tech-savvy fashionistas out there. Not only does this come with a compatible app that will help you set up and control your device but to top it off you will get extra benefits from the voice control too! However, this is a bit difficult to move for those looking to use it around the salon.
4. Best Compact Option: Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS
Let’s examine the pros and cons of this one-of-a-kind air cleaner:
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This is the best compact and reliable air cleaner out there with a digital display and remote use. It has all the features you need to get rid of any airborne particles you may encounter while manicuring. It has an easy simple setup and comes with HEPA 13 filtration to get rid of many pollutants.
Features
Let’s compare the characteristics and other hallmarks of this powerful machine:
HyperCaptive™ Air Filtration: Enables utmost filtration reducing the levels of viruses, dust, and other airborne chemicals you regularly find in acrylic nail paints.
Voice Control: Allows to turn on/ off, and set timers, and modes using Google Home and Alexa.
Timer Options: Set different varying schedules of 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours running time depending on when you have most clients.
Specs
Following are the specs of AP-1512HHS:
Specification
Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS
Recommended Room Size:
325 sq ft.
Filters Employed:
Prefilter, Activated carbon filter, Green HEPA 13 filters
Recommendation: For anyone looking to buy a device that looks seamless and doesn’t take up much space. Then go for the Coway Airmega. The chic black interior coupled with voice control, mobile app, and hypercaptive technology makes it the perfect blend of style and power. But I should let you know that using it on the highest speed setting might get a tad bit loud especially if you are maintaining a serene environment at the parlor.
5. Best Medical Grade Filtration: PuroAir HEPA 14 Air Purifier
Firstly I’ll go over the potential benefits and drawbacks you need to know if you want to buy this unit:
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You can breathe cleaner, better air with this PuroAir purifier. It can tackle all kinds of viruses, allergens, dust, and pollen. It can cover your nail salon with ease having a coverage area of 1115 sq ft. It is perfect for nail salons as it comes with medical-grade filtration and an auto sensor you can rest easy knowing your place is getting cleaned without you having to do anything.
Features
Now it is time to go over the key attributes of why I have added this unit to the list:
HEPA 14 filter: The device comes with a medical grade HEPA 14 filter to provide you with the best results.
Automatic Air Sensor: The particle sensor monitors the air at all times and automatically cleans out any pollutants.
Quick Operation: It has a powerful motor and fans that can quickly clean air in a matter of minutes.
Recommendation: I believe if clean air is your utmost priority, then you should definitely check this one out. It comes with a HEPA 14 filter which will provide you with the best filtered air while maintaining a peaceful and quiet environment around your customers. The price tag is a turn-off if you are trying to save some bucks.
6. Best Air Intake: AROEVE Air Purifier
Let’s dive into the positives and negatives of this device:
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AROEVE will make your salon comfortable to breathe in with its dual technology air intake from 360 degrees. It not only purifies air using the HEPA filter 13 which can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. But also equipped with UV light for a more comprehensive filtration for you and your clients.
Features
The following are the top highlights of this purifier:
PM 2.5 Sensor: The built-in sensor monitors the particles 24/7 and will adjust the unit’s setting according to the pollutant density in the parlor.
Dual Filtration: These not only have medical-grade high-efficiency particle air filter but also comes with UV light filtration to kill any germs that may contaminate your place.
Timer Settings: The Picturesque clear control panel also comes with the option to set how long you want the device to run. It has 3 options; 8 hrs, 12 hrs, and 24 hrs running time.
Specs
Listed below are the specs of the AROEVE Air Purifier:
Recommendation: Do you want a device that can be placed anywhere around your nail bar? Then I suggest trying out the Aeroeve. With dual channel technology, the air is pulled through from all sides and filtered through the 4 levels of filters inside it. So you’ll enjoy the clean air in no time. One thing to look out for is the limited options for changing fan speeds.
7. Best For Coverage: BISSELL Air180 Air Purifier
Here are the pros and cons of air180 to decide if it is the right choice for you:
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The air180 is perfect for large salon owners who want to get rid of odors and VOCs produced from acrylics and nail tarnishes. The medical grade filters will do the job for you. The filters are easy to maintain and come with a filter indication light to tell you when it is time to change them. Moreover, the unit comes with 4 various fan speeds so you can adjust the levels according to your needs.
Features
Let’s see what makes the Bissel stand out from the rest and glance over the specifications and key features:
3-Stage Filtration: This enables the device to capture both large and small particles, odors from nail paints, and VOCs.
360Complete™ Airflow: The air is pulled in from all directions using a 360-degree suction technology.
Honeycomb-Structured Carbon Filter: The carbon filter is structured in a honeycomb-like design to capture any kind of gaseous pollutants that you may face.
Dimmable Display: You can choose between two varying levels of brightness of the control panel buttons.
Recommendation: Bissel is perfect for covering if your salon has an open floor plan. It can easily cover a massive area of around 1300 sq ft. It is also effective in capturing particles with its featured honeycomb-structured activated carbon filter. One thing I have noticed is that you may have to push the buttons with strength as the touch panel sometimes doesn’t respond.
So Do You Really Need An Air Purifier for a Nail Salon?
Hair and Nail salons are a common hotspot for high levels of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. This is why it is crucial to learn what chemicals are present in the product you are using and how they can impact you.
According to EPA and a study done by Hadie et al., 2018, these are the substances found in nail salons:
Chemical
Source
Health Effects
Benzene
Found in haircare products and air pollutants
Can cause leukemia, anemia, and other blood disorders
Toluene
Present in nail polishes and hair sprays
Can affect the nervous system, cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea
Ethylbenzene
Found in various cosmetic products
Can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and cause hearing loss
Xylene
Common in nail polish and hair products
Can damage the liver, kidneys, and nervous system
Formaldehyde
A preservative used in some beauty products
Can cause cancer, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems
Acetaldehyde
Present in hair dyes and cosmetics
Can cause DNA damage, mutations, and cancer
Now that you know how dangerous it can be to use certain nail salon products. Let’s see how buying an air purifier for a nail salon can help you out:
1. Removal of Harmful Chemicals
Nail salons have exposure to numerous chemicals such as:
Acetone;
Formaldehyde;
Toluene;
Methacrylate.
These can have a no. of health impact on you. It can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and affect the nervous system and the liver. To get rid of these harmful substances, an air purifier will help you do that.
2. Removal of Unpleasant Odors
Many times as you walk into a nail bar, you will feel the pungent smell of nail polish, remover, and primer. This can be unpleasant and a mood killer for some customers. To minimize the odor and smell, getting an air cleaner will definitely be a good investment.
3. Reducing Airborne Diseases
You need to be very careful for airborne diseases as people tend to be in close proximity to one another. You are in close contact with the workers and customers with hands and other equipment being shared. So to avoid the spread of diseases and pathogens such as flu, cold, virus, or COVID, you should opt for an air purifier for your nail salon.
4. Removal of Harmful Radon
Your building may be exposed to Radon especially if your establishment is in a basement or crawl space. Randon can lead to an increased risk of cancer in the lungs.
So in order to keep yourself and your staff members safe, I would highly recommend looking into an air cleaning unit.
5. Removal of Hazardous Asbestos Particles
Asbestos can be found in insulations, tiles, and ceilings. They release tiny fibers in the air causing serious health issues such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. An air purifier can aid in removing such fibers from the air making it safe for you and your customers.
6. Maximizing Life Expectancy
The improved air quality that you will enjoy from an air purifier for a nail salon will have tremendous positive effects on you. Not only your productivity increase but the reduced risk of disease will also increase your overall life expectancy.
8 Things to Look for Before You Buy The Air Purifier of Your Dream
These are some of the things you should consider if you want a healthy nail salon program.
Let’s check them out:
HEPA Filter: Go for a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters can help you capture smaller and finer particles such as nail debris and excess.
Activated Carbon Filter: Nail primers and acetylenes can have a strong smell, so you need to look for an activated carbon filter that will help you remove these strong pungent smells from this product and make your nail bar pleasant to your customers.
Filter Life and Replacement Costs: As a business owner, you also need to consider the cost and availability of replacement filters. Try to opt for long-lasting filters that are washable and last up to at least 6 months.
Air Exchange Rate: You need to opt for a purifier that can clean the air at a high exchange rate so your workers and customers can rest easy and enjoy a comfortable environment in the salon.
Size and Portability: If you have a large space consider going for something like Shark HE601 which covers around 1200 sq ft. But if you have a small nail workstation then something like the Winix 5300 would suffice. Also, look at the movability of the device in case you may need it at different places at times. Going for a unit with wheels will make all the difference.
Ozone-Free: Make sure that the device is ozone-free approved air cleaner so that you and your customers are safe while the purifier is doing its job.
Adjustable Fan Speeds: You need to select a model that has multiple fan speeds. This will help you during those peak business hours with loads of customers and their procedures taking place.
Smart Features: Purifiers with smart features can take some of the stress away. You will be able to adjust timer settings, auto mode will help in continuous monitoring and help control pollutant levels. Having a remote control can also help you as you won’t need to get off from your treatments as often.
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FAQs
Do air purifiers help in nail salons?
Yes, air purifiers help in nail salons. They aid in removing harmful airborne chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, n-heptane, benzene, and acetates found in common nail salon applications. If these are not removed from the air, you may experience dizziness, nausea, or headaches.
Where is the best place to install an air purifier in a nail salon?
The best place to install an air purifier in a nail salon is near the workstation where you will be filling the nails, applying primer, and polishing nails.
Which air purifier is best for nail salon chemicals?
The Shark HE601 is best for a nail salon. It comes with a remote control, has large coverage, honeycomb-activated carbon filters, and multiple fan speeds for optimal cleaning.
How often do you need to change the filters in an air purifier installed in a nail salon?
You need to change the filters in an air purifier installed in a nail salon at around 3-6 months on average. Some HEPA 13/14 can last you up to a year. I have shared a few models that have permanent washable filters and UV lights that do not need replacement.
Conclusion
So to sum it up, air purifier for nail salon is very crucial. As the nail bar is filled with toxins and chemicals such as toluene, acetates, and formaldehyde. These can have ill effects such as irritation to the eyes, and nose, damage to kidneys, livers, and reproductive system, and even cause cancer.
Therefore you should buy an air purifier to combat this problem. My personal recommendation is the Shark HE601. It covers up to 1200 sq ft. of coverage with a 3-stage filtration. It also has a honeycomb-activated carbon filter with a 360-degree air intake, an IQ sensor for real-time monitoring, and 6 micro fans. With it, you and your customers will be safe.
Danny is a passionate writer who loves to share his knowledge about air purifiers. He’s been writing for 10 years, and he’ll share all that experience with Very Well Home viewers to help you make the best decision when it’s time to buy an appliance!
