Task Force
You can’t open a magazine or turn on the news without hearing about going green. It promises to cut down our utility bills, help the planet and save a few polar bears along the way. But there’s one big question that often acts as a barrier to major change: how expensive will it be?
The potential cost can be off-putting but there are small changes that you can make to the everyday running of your salon to make sure it’s as green as possible. You can start with your salon interior; styling chairs and reception desk through to light bulbs and the paint, there are eco options that won’t cost the Earth, figuratively and literally. Cut down on the power you use and the bills you pay by using LED bulbs, a greener alternative. According to Save Energy Now, which provides eco-friendly lighting ideas to businesses, you can save between £10 and £15 on each spotlight, every year, by upgrading to LED lights.
There are more ways you can be environmentally friendly in the products you use, and we’re not just talking shampoo. Disposable eco towels eliminate laundry costs and increase hygiene levels. Easydry has created towels that are 100 per cent biodegradable as well as disposable, and come in a mixed box that reduces costs and last the average salon a month. “You can massively reduce laundry and even free yourself from it completely” says Anne Butterly, Easydry’s managing director.
Once you’ve used your disposable towel, why not get your recycled foil ready? Hair foils from Procare can be reused, as hair colour and product can be cleaned off the foils, making them ready for the next client. Of course, one of the biggest chemical culprits is the colour itself. All that ammonia can cause damage. Herb UK champions ammonia-free colour through its Organic Colour Systems range. “Not only is ammonia bad for the environment, but it’s bad for the stylists who are breathing in fumes all day,” says Herb UK managing director Raoul Perfitt.
Sounds sensible, but how cost-effective is changing to ammonia–free colour? “When you weigh up product cost, manufacturing, delivery and everything else in between, there isn’t much of a difference,” explains Raoul. “It all comes down to the salon, and how much it charges for the treatment.”
Just a small step, such as changing those light bulbs, it can all make a difference to your business, your salon’s reputation and, hopefully, the planet.
Green enquiries
Karine Jackson, Herb UK’s creative director and owner of salon Karine Jackson London, shares the key questions to ask your manufacturer
What natural ingredients do the products contain?
“Look for gentle surfactants, natural perfumes, plastic-free fixing agents and natural and organic ingredients.”
What level of PPDs does the colour contain? What about PTDs?
“Paraphenylenediamine, or PPDs, are what makes hair colour permanent. The Euro PPD limit is two per cent. Paratoluenediamine – or PTDs, also a colour pigment – are used at twice the percentage for the same result, and are pretty much just as damaging as PPDs. Going ammonia-free isn’t worth doing if PPD levels are high.
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If it’s certified organic, by what association, to what percentage is it organic and where is it manufactured?
“Look for Ecocert and Soil Association stamps – which chemicals need to be included and why? And think about its source – if it’s flown round the world, the carbon footprint makes it pointless.
Action plan
Want some easy eco tips? Paul Mitchell’s Green Team shares a few suggestions…
Offer Fairtrade refreshments in reusable glasses
Clean up with all-natural products instead of paper towels
Use washcloths that can be cleaned and re-used
Reduce paper waste by advertising on the internet and taking appointments with an electronic system
Recycle as much as possible
Be energy efficient by turning off computers and unplugging equipment not in use
Buy and support locally when you can, this saves energy and lessens your carbon footprint
Work with your distributor to buy in bulk, you’ll save on shipping and packaging
