Believe it or not, most hair salons are notoriously bad for the environment.
From potentially toxic products to dismal waste disposal practices, running a hair salon comes with plenty of environmental risks. The worst part is that the average person getting their hair done doesn’t even realize how bad it can get.
Hair salons need to held accountable for their actions. It isn’t enough to set up a blue recycling bin and call it day. Being environmentally sustainable needs to be taken seriously and starts with an internal acknowledgement of hair salon issues.
Educate Your Staff
How is your hair salon going to build sustainable practices if no one knows what they are?
Don’t assume that everyone knows how to keep the environment clean. Your staff likely comes from a range of different backgrounds and cultures where it may not have been as important. If you take the time to explain the how and why behind your efforts, that understanding will grow.
Not only will this help your staff internalize environmental practices, but it will also bring your team closer together. You’re building a comradery among your workforce and saying “we’re in this together.”
This needs to be the mentality for change. Just because the manager is on board, doesn’t mean the rest of the staff is. They’re the ones who will be at the hair salon day-in and day-out making sure these practices are upheld and taught to new hires in the future.
Invest in Organic Hair Products
Here’s some scary food for thought: hair salon product manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients in products sold for professional use.
Think about that for a second. That means your hair salon could have potentially hazardous hair products without even knowing it. This includes products that are used for extensions and bleaching.
While having good ventilation and sealed garbage cans are good when handling these products, it doesn’t actually solve the problem.
In order to create an environmentally-friendly environment, you should always go with organic hair products. There is no better alternative than investing in products that are eco-friendly and non-hazardous. It works two-fold in creating a safer environment for clients and staff as well as minimizing your carbon footprint.
Organic hair products also have been found to have better long-term effects. They won’t destroy coloured hair and instead keep them vibrant. Organic hair products can also repair damage like hair breakage and split ends with regular use.
Make Sustainability a Priority
If you want to make a real difference and contribute to environmental sustainability, committing to an eco-salon mandate is always the best bet.
Become a leader in your community and set an example for others to follow. Don’t put off your environmental aspirations for the “right moment,” do it now. If you can’t fully commit to becoming an eco-salon for any reason, think smaller and make everyday adjustments that can help ease you in.
Remember, if nobody takes the first step then nothing will change. Running an eco-salon is a rewarding experience in itself, but you need knowledge and patience. It’s a complete shift in traditional hair salon mentality and something you need to be passionate about in order to succeed.
If you’re looking for the best eco-salon in town, our trusted team of stylists at designHouse Salon are here to help. Book an appointment today for the best hair salon experience in Victoria, BC.