Sustainability is a big topic at the moment. Consumers are becoming savvy and looking at ways they can lessen the impact of their lifestyle on our planet.
From where they shop to where they get their hair and nails done; it’s time to start thinking about ways to make your salon more sustainable so you don’t lose these customers.
The good news is that there are lots of easy wins and in this blog we are going to give you 5 tips to make your salon more sustainable. Try doing one a week and make sure you tell your customers all about what you are doing to make your salon more sustainable.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Having a clean salon is very important, so we aren’t going to suggest you cut back on cleaning or buying cleaning products. Instead, to make your salon more sustainable, you just need to use more eco-friendly alternatives.
We have a range of re-fillable Antimicrobial Disinfectant that is vegan and cruelty-free. It comes in a lasting glass bottle, so much more eco friendly as you can ditch the disposable plastic.
Have you seen those gel capsules you put in a spray bottle you already have, add warm water and viola - you have a full, new cleaning spray?! They’re amazing, no need to throw your old plastic spray bottles away, which go straight to landfill and take years to break down.
You can go one step further with this and get aluminium bottles and label them with a dynamo printer - we’re loving the aesthetics of this! Clients will also be able to see and appreciate your efforts to use reusable products.
If you get through a lot of kitchen roll in your salon, this could be an easy swap to make your salon more sustainable. Not only does it come wrapped in plastic but to get that kitchen roll trees are being chopped down. It’s time to swap it for something you can reuse.
You could grab some of our microfibre cleaning cloths, but to be really sustainable - cut up those old towels you have that are covered in bleach and hair dye!
Sell locally sourced vegan, cruelty-free and plastic-free products
Customers love to be recommended products by professionals so if you aren’t already selling your favourite products in your salon, it might be time to start.
We suggest looking for local sellers as it's a great way to support your local community plus the carbon footprint of getting the product to you is negligible, making it a great way to make your salon more sustainable.
Did you know China have to test products on animals? We don’t have this law in the UK, which is another reason to opt for UK made or local products. Lots more people are becoming veggie, vegan and opting for vegan alternatives so looking out for products with no by-product of animals is another good idea when looking to make your salon more sustainable.
You could also look for plastic free products to sell in your salon. Lots of companies are ditching plastic these days and opting for much more sustainable materials to package their products. Look out for recyclable pouches, aluminium tins and glass jars; all materials to make the products you stock more sustainable.
Use Tools And Equipment That Last
Another way to make your salon more sustainable is to look at the tools you use. If you are using poor quality, cheap tools that you are having to throw away quite often then this is an area you can improve in.
We always recommend investing in your tools, but especially if you are looking at ways to make your salon more sustainable. You know what they say ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ and that cheap item you bought that doesn't last just ends up going to landfill.
We stock a wide range of high quality products that last and even offer a free sharpening service and one year guarantee. This is also a great way to make your salon more sustainable, as you can sharpen your tools properly, rather than dispose of them.
Go Paperless
Most salons have a price list to hand out to prospective clients but this is actually one easy area you can not only make your salon more sustainable but also save money.
People are so used to QR codes since the paperless 2020 pandemic that you should take full advantage of this.
Get the digital copy of your price list and have it link to a QR code where you can display it in a style that fits your salon. You can either print it and frame it or have someone make you one that last a little longer, Etsy have lots of lovely UK sellers for this.
Energy Efficient Bulbs
It’s no secret that salons need good lighting whether you’re doing nails, eyebrows or hair - you need to be able to see what you’re doing.
Energy efficient light bulbs have a bad rep for being dull, but they have come on leaps and bounds in the past few years. You want to look out for LEDs which are more durable and long lasting. They also use less energy to power, meaning you even save on your electricity bill.
For a little bit of investment switching the bulbs you could save yourself lots of money and also make your salon more sustainable and attractive to eco-conscious customers.
To Sum up: How To Make Your Salon More Sustainable
Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products
Sell locally sourced vegan, cruelty free and plastic free products
Use high quality tools that last
Go paperless on your price lists
Use energy efficient light bulbs
Make sure you talk to your clients about your plans to make your salon more sustainable, they will only be impressed and it will probably come up over coffee with friends; hopefully winning you more clients!
And that’s it, our top tips on ways to make your salon more sustainable. Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter for more tips and tricks for your salon and to be the first to know about exclusive offers!