Mirror Talkers is a partnership between Green Salon Collective, a salon recycling service, and Professor Denise Baden from the University of Southampton. Collaborating on their joint goal of making hair salons more sustainable, Mirror Talkers aims to empower hairdressers to have conversations with clients about sustainable hair care, and for clients to be able to reduce their environmental impact through their hair routine.
You might have landed on this page because you’re enjoying a bit of You Time and your hairdresser has started talking to you about sustainable hair care, or you might be a hairdresser wanting to dive a bit deeper into the world of sustainable hair care so you can chat about it confidently with your clients.
Whatever your reasons, keep reading for some great ideas to lower your energy and water bills while and reduce your waste - all whilst maintaining your gorgeous locks!
Did you know?
90% of the carbon footprint of a bottle of shampoo is the hot water used when washing hair
Did you know?
25% of domestic energy use is attributed to hot water
WATCH: Overview of the Mirror Talkers Study
Eco Tips
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ECO TIP 1: Most of us use too much shampoo and shampoo too often.
This is true. Most of us use too much shampoo and shampoo more often than is ideal or even necessary. Too much hot water and chemicals isn’t good for your hair condition, skin, planet or your bills.
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ECO TIP 2: Running hot water is the most expensive and energy-intensive activity we do in our homes.
DYK that one of the most expensive and energy-intensive activities in your homes is running hot water? Heating water takes much more energy than heating air, so any steps you take to reduce the amount of hot water you use, reduces your carbon footpri
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ECO TIP 3: Showering too often or for too long can make skin dry and irritated.
Showering too often or for too long can make skin dry and irritated and make some skin conditions worse, especially if the showers are too hot. Your hair and skin do not like too much hot water, hot air or chemicals!
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ECO TIP 4: Should you shampoo less?
The answer is yes, probably. Most of us use too much shampoo and shampoo more often than is ideal or even necessary. Too much hot water and chemicals isn’t good for your hair condition, skin, planet or your bills.
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ECO TIP 5: Do you always need to use conditioner?
The answer is, it depends. Research at the University of Southampton asked those who normally use conditioner to try going without and report back on progress. 40% said it made no difference, 30% said their hair was less oily and didn’t need shampooing again so quickly and 30% said it was worse (too dry). So there is a 70% chance you don’t really need it.
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ECO TIP 6: Should you always blow dry wet hair?
The answer is, not really. Salons need to blow dry your hair to get you in and out of there looking gorgeous as soon as possible. But you really don't need to blow dry your hair from wet every time you walk out of the shower....and your hair and wallet may be happier for it.
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ECO TIP 7: Have you ever tried dry shampoo?
Using dry shampoo can transform your haircare routine. Some people use it as a way to boost a shampoo several days ago and others simply alternate shampoo and dry shampoo days. However you use it, it can have a significant impact on the condition of your hair, on your bills and on the environment!
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ECO TIP 8: Have you ever tried leave-in conditioner?
There are many benefits to using leave-in conditioner including improving hair condition, saving on your utility bills and reducing your impact on the environment. If you haven’t already tried it, there’s no time like the present!
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ECO TIP 9: Have you ever tried shampoo bars?
Shampoo bars are solid versions of traditional shampoos which typically contain 80% water. Rather than containing harsh chemicals, surfactants and detergents, shampoo bars are often made with natural oils, butters and gentle cleansers.
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ECO TIP 10: True or false: Lots of hot water, air and chemicals is good for your hair and skin.
False! Too much of these is most definitely not good for your hair condition nor skin. Not to mention the planet or your bills!
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ECO TIP 11: True or false: You can use dry shampoo everyday.
False. There are many benefits of introducing dry shampoo to your haircare routine but it shouldn't be used every day. If you use it several days in a row, you can get build up, so it is better to use it every other shampoo or as a booster several days after a shampoo.
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ECO TIP 12: True or false: Washing hair everyday with shampoo and conditioner is good for the hair and scalp.
False! Most of us use too much shampoo and shampoo more often than is ideal or even necessary. A full haircare routine every single say means your hair and scalp are being exposed to too much hot water and chemicals.
Training videos for hairdressers who want to learn more about how they can discuss sustainable haircare with their clients
In collaboration with GSC member salons and Professor Baden, we've put together a series of training videos and roleplaying videos to help you get to grips with these key sustainable haircare principles, and how you can discuss them with your clients.
About Mirror Talkers & Our Study Findings
‘Mirror Talkers’ is the brainchild of Green Salon Collective and Denise Baden, Professor of Sustainable Business University of Southampton, and looks at the effectiveness of displaying small messages on salon mirrors (hence, mirror talkers), to engage clients in conversations around sustainable haircare.
30 salons were involved in the year-long study, with each provided a selection of thought-provoking ‘Eco Tips’ aimed at getting clients talking about their haircare and sustainability, and how you can make your routine more eco-friendly.. These ranged from ‘Running hot water is the most expensive and energy-intensive activity we do in our homes’ to ‘Do you always need to use conditioner?’
Each Eco Tip had a linked QR code, leading to the training required to navigate those conversations, as well as a separate survey for both client and hairdresser to gauge their feedback on the process. The survey also invited clients and hairdressers to participate in one-to-one interviews to provide further feedback.