One of the growing trends in the hairdressing industry is to become more environmentally friendly, and to offer products for environmentally-minded clients. Due to this, many salons are considering going environmentally friendly to make their footprint a positive one. However, if you decide to make a claim that your salon is eco-friendly, there are some things you need to know. False advertising can lead to legal consequences, so consider your language carefully.
Secondly, if you decide to go eco-friendly, it means every part of your salon must be eco-friendly, even your towels. Before you begin, you’ll need to make sure that you do plenty of research. The process of going green can be difficult, so compiled below are some tips to help you in the process.
Being an eco-friendly salon can be worth it, particularly if you live in an area where this is important to the local community.
When buying your products for your eco-friendly salon, you should ensure that these products do not contain Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Phthalates. Studies show that these products can cause negative impacts on the human reproductive system, among other consequences. Even the packaging is important: is it recyclable?
It is also necessary to choose products that have not been tested on animals. The International Humane Society estimates that approximately 100,000-200,000 animals suffer and die every year around the world. These are rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats and mice. Using and selling products that do not use animal testing will show your clients they are supporting a cruelty-free salon.
You can also find products that have a low carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is the sum of all emissions of CO2 (carbon dioxide). The best way is to calculate the carbon dioxide emissions based on the fuel consumption. One way you can reduce the carbon footprint of your products is by sourcing local products.
Using re-fillable products may be a healthy step into the right direction. Simply Organic Beauty is an example of a producer that allow re-fills. This means that you pay for the product, but re-use the old bottle. By doing this, you are reducing the amount of plastic that is potentially being released into the environment.
You should also begin considering ammonia-free hair dye. Ammonia has been proven to release toxins and odours into the air, making your salon uncomfortable. Ammonia has also been shown to result in many health issues for both the hairdresser and client. While ammonia is extremely beneficial for dying hair as it results in a vibrant colour, other products have been made to allow the same result to be achieved without using harmful chemicals.
You can also help improve your salon’s eco credentials by using décor that is eco-friendly. The appearance of a salon can mean a lot to the customer, and you will want the furniture that decorates your salon to be gorgeous and clean. If you are painting your salon, you can use VOC free paint, which can be found at your local paint shop. You can also go a step further by buying decorations and furniture that are recyclable. If you want to think outside the box, consider second-hand goods, upcycled treasures and thrift shop finds!
This tip can be hard to follow as in a salon, you are constantly using appliances. You always need the blow dryer and lights to see your client’s hair. However, there are solutions to this problem. You can start by buying eco-friendly appliances and installing lights that conserve energy. To save water and lessen your bill, you can install water-recycling systems. These allow you to re-use your water for many other tasks within the salon.
Cleanliness if next to Godliness, right? Towels always need to be washed, and you may choose to do this at the salon itself or in your own home. Whatever the case, you can purchase washing machines and dryers that conserve energy and water. An environmentally friendly washer and dryer may be a big financial investment, but it will pay off in the future with reduced water and electricity bills. You can use natural detergent which may also benefit your client, as some can react to some detergents.
The salon is a place that can totally be re-vamped to allow for a healthier and safer environment. Simple things such as washing your towels with different detergent and choosing different products for your salon can have a huge impact. Even decorating with recyclable products will have a lasting impact.
Buying high-quality tools for your salon means that you won’t need to constantly replace your scissors. We offer high-quality scissors at amazing prices. When you buy something that’ll last a lifetime, it’s a decision that reduces your overall carbon footprint. And that can’t be a bad thing!