Plenty of factors can influence which salon we choose to go to – perhaps a friend has recommended it or it’s conveniently located. But how many people pay close attention to whether or not a salon is in compliance with state and national guidelines regarding the use of toxic chemicals? The answer, says Dr. Azita Amiri, is not nearly enough of us. "People need to make sure salon owners are following the rules and regulations that will keep their customers safe as well as their employees," says the assistant professor of nursing at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). "And they should use their sense of smell. If a salon smells distinctive, sharp, and strong, it means that there are a lot of chemicals in the air and they should leave as soon as possible."