As we step into 2025, the push for sustainability continues to grow, and the hairdressing industry is no exception. More than ever, clients are looking to support businesses that align with their values and are taking active steps to reduce their environmental footprint. Hair salons and stylists have a unique opportunity to make meaningful changes that positively impact the planet. Below are five sustainable resolutions for hair salons to consider adopting in 2025.
1. Start Recycling Hair, Foil, and Colour Tubes
One of the simplest yet most impactful changes salons can make is adopting a recycling programme for items like hair, foil, and colour tubes. Hair can be collected and recycled into useful products like wigs or even used to create mats that help with oil spill clean-ups. Aluminium foil, a staple in many salons, is recyclable, yet many waste companies just incinerate it or sent it to landfill. By partnering with Green Salon Collective, you can make sure your foil waste is put to better use. Making the shift to recycle these items ensures less waste ends up in landfills, contributing to a cleaner, greener future.
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2. Switch to Compostable Salon Towels and Use Only One Per Client
A growing trend in sustainable salons is the use of compostable salon towels. These towels, made from plant-based materials, offer the same performance as traditional towels, but they can be composted, and sometimes, are the more sustainable option! By using just one compostable salon towel per client, you're often being more sustainable than using a reusable towel. By adopting these towels, you can cut down on laundry and water consumption, further reducing your salon’s environmental footprint.
3. Educate Clients on Sustainable Haircare Options
Clients often look to their hairstylists for advice on haircare products, and this presents a perfect opportunity to educate them about more sustainable alternatives. This could be as simple as placing mirror talkers in your salon, highlighting eco-friendly brands and products that are made with natural ingredients or have minimal environmental impact. Offering information about refillable or recyclable haircare options, as well as brands with ethical sourcing, will help guide clients toward more sustainable choices. Not only will this reduce their personal environmental impact, but it will also foster goodwill, as clients will appreciate the guidance on making better choices for the planet.
4. Use Natural and Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Most salons rely on a variety of cleaning products to maintain a hygienic environment, but many conventional cleaning solutions contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to both people and the planet, especially when they're down the train. Making the switch to natural, non-toxic cleaning products like On Nature's Side is an easy but effective step toward sustainability. These products are often biodegradable, cruelty-free, and free from harmful chemicals. By choosing non-toxic alternatives, you're helping reduce the overall chemical load in the environment while ensuring the safety of both your team and clients.
5. Offer Clients a Vegan Alternative in the Salon
As more people adopt plant-based lifestyles, offering vegan alternatives for hair treatments and products is becoming a crucial part of any modern salon's offering...as well as in their drinks and snacks! Vegan haircare products are free from animal-derived ingredients and are typically more environmentally friendly as they often focus on cruelty-free and sustainable sourcing. Whether it’s shampoos, conditioners, or styling products, having a vegan option available shows that your salon is responsive to current trends and cares about its environmental impact. It also provides an option for clients who are looking for products that align with their ethical beliefs.
So, what will your resolution be?
As the world moves toward more sustainable practices, hair salons have an incredible opportunity to make a lasting difference. By incorporating these five resolutions—recycling hair, foil, and colour tubes, switching to compostable towels, educating clients on sustainable options, using non-toxic cleaning products, and offering vegan alternatives—you can ensure your salon stays ahead of the curve in 2025. Not only will these steps help reduce your environmental impact, but they’ll also help build a loyal customer base that appreciates your commitment to sustainability. So, let’s make this year the start of a greener, more eco-conscious salon experience for all!