Hairdressers are exposed to many hazardous agents in the workplace, including vapours, solvents, perfumes and dusts [ 1–7 ], capable of causing adverse health effects, particularly respiratory and dermatological problems. Several studies have shown an excess risk of developing occupational asthma [ 8–15 ], rhinitis [ 15 , 16 ] and other respiratory diseases including hypersensitivity pneumonitis [ 17 ] alveolitis [ 18 ] and reduced lung function [ 19 ]. The latent period (time from first exposure to first symptom) for developing such problems is reported to be variable, probably reflecting differing causation mechanisms (primarily allergic or irritant) and…