Developing allergies to products over the years. Using an astronomical amount of water while you find the right temperature to wash your clients’ hair. Paying a sky-high electricity bill every month. Suffering from musculoskeletal disorders… So many situations you face every day as hair professionals. What if the answer were to go for an eco-friendly hair salon? This week, we explain why you should go green, and how to get there. Let’s go!
Eco-friendly hair salons: a trend that’s here to stay.
You can ride the green wave too. Whether you already have a hair salon or you’re just getting started, your salon’s environmental responsibility shouldn’t be overlooked. That’s right! Clients care about it more and more. To meet these new expectations, labels have been created and adopted by dozens of salons in France.
Clients are asking for it more and more
As you’ve probably guessed, environmental responsibility is now a top concern. According to a study reported by Biblond (in French), 97% of clients believe sustainability is important. And nearly half of them even consider it a priority. That shows just how much your salon’s image could benefit.
A label for eco-friendly hair salons
While the trend has grown in recent years, some saw it coming long before. That’s the case for many hairdressing organizations which, in 2009, created the “Sustainable development: my hairdresser is committed” label (“développement durable, mon coiffeur s’engage”). It rewards green salons that commit to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Today, more than 100 salons have earned it by meeting these 6 criteria:
- Putting practices in place that promote employees’ health, safety and comfort
- Adopting more appropriate hygiene and cleaning principles
- Respecting clients’ health and well-being
- Cleaning up and improving the air in the salon
- Putting more economical practices in place to reduce water and electricity use
- Reducing the salon’s environmental footprint by buying more suitable equipment and supplies.
What’s in it for you if you go green?
Of course, if we’re telling you about eco-friendly hair salons, it’s because we believe you have everything to gain. Here are 2 good reasons that won’t leave you indifferent.
1- Attract new clients
As we said, almost all your clients care about sustainability, and nearly half think it’s a priority. But the numbers go further! And that’s where it gets interesting for you. To start with, 2 in 3 French people are drawn to so-called “green” salons. And almost as many particularly like salons that use organic products. So it’s no surprise to learn that 50% of French people would be willing to leave their current salon for a green hair salon.
That makes it a great opportunity for you. First, you could build loyalty with all your current clients by offering them an added value they believe in. But you’d also have the chance to talk about your new commitments and attract new clients.
2- Save money in the long run
So yes, you’re right: committing to environmental responsibility takes an initial investment. For example, you’ll have to buy new appliances that use less energy. You’ll use products that are admittedly more expensive, but also kinder to the environment and to your health. Either way, we have good news: these investments pay off! Even if it sometimes takes a while, you can start seeing results from the second year.
There are many savings to be made. Some salons have seen savings of 70% on water and 45% on electricity. No less! Using healthier products will also help justify higher prices for your services… In short, you’ll come out ahead.
Which eco-friendly practices should you adopt in your hair salon?
Morphologisme, a salon that leads by example
To illustrate these tips, here’s a 100% eco-friendly salon (in French) that fully embraced the idea and is now reaping the rewards. The Morphologisme salon turned to eco-friendly practices after many problems with allergies to the products it used. The team started the adventure by using natural products, then wanted to think bigger and go further. Today they’ve set a zero-waste goal: after buying a product at the salon, clients can come back and refill their empty bottle. A great example of an eco-friendly hair salon, then.
Use new products
To “go green,” you can start by using new products in the salon. Today’s products cause many allergies and are harsh on your hands and on your clients’ hair. So they’re harmful to your health and to the environment. Go for non-toxic styling products, ideally organic. For example, you could join the 31 “organic” hair salons listed on Moncoiffeurbio.com (in French).
Choose your equipment carefully
A second solution is to invest in more energy-efficient electrical appliances! You’ll considerably reduce your electricity use. The same goes for your washing machine. Choose a model that uses less, for real savings in the long run. Finally, for lighting, think LED or energy-saving bulbs.
Change your habits
That’s right: an energy transition means turning your habits upside down. But it’s for a good cause, isn’t it? Make yourself sort your waste. Use natural or organic cleaning products. Switch off appliances that aren’t in use. It’s a bit like at home, really. Eco-friendly habits are something you learn first, and then come to enjoy.
Improve your salon’s layout
The final step toward an eco-friendly hair salon, or at least the most complicated and time-consuming one to put in place, is to remodel your salon. You can do insulation work (walls, windows, roof, etc.) and improve ventilation in your salon. It may also be the right time, if you haven’t done so already, to make your salon easier to access for people with reduced mobility.
So, sold on the idea?
If the idea appeals to you and you’re about to open your 100% eco-friendly salon, check out our new business offer, which gives you 50% off our premium hair salon management plans. You’ll be able to see the financial savings from the very first months.
