SUSTAINABILITY

The Hair Industry is a big contributor to pollution. Hair colour, hairsprays and heating tools being the biggest culprits. However, salons and independents are starting to think more carefully on how they can become eco-friendly, making their businesses more sustainable.

The top three issues in our Industry are:

1. There are a lot of waste products. Cotton wool, plastic shampoo bottles, colour tubes, foils, tissues and towels.
2. Chemicals such as Hair Colour, bleach, peroxide.
3. It has been reported that just washing one client’s hair a day uses 14,222 litres of water and 1252 kWh of energy annually.

So, how can we make our Suites more sustainable?

1. Firstly, calculate your carbon footprint. Get your energy supplier to do an energy audit. Using a green energy supplier will help massively. Also, check your thermostat & monitor it to save wasting energy unnecessarily.
2. Train your team. Simply turning off staff room lights will contribute to the salon’s sustainability. Encourage your team to think ‘Green’ and invite them to share ideas on how to be more environmentally friendly.
3. Swap out all bulbs for energy saving bulbs.
4. Consider using single-use biodegradable salon towels so you use your washing machine less.
5. Recycle all plastics, paper, glass, hair colour tubes and foils. Research and find someone who will take all hair cuttings to make wigs, oil spill or even fertilizer.
6. Change your showerheads and use a brand which reduces water usage by up to 80%.
7. Go paper-free. Start using a digital platform for booking appointments.
8. Produce oxygen by featuring some potted plants in your salon.

Lastly, inspire Your clients. A large part of living sustainably is your relationship you are your guests. These relationships are to be cultivated and strengthened. As you value your clients, share your salon’s eco-activities with them. You may become their source of inspiration for both beauty and sustainable business practices in the future.