many of us are realizing the importance of lessening our negative impact on the environment, not only at home but within our work life as well. we know it's not just up to businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, and there are ways to adapt our everyday lives that help us as individuals practice sustainability at work.
hairdressers are high users of our planet's resources, so it's vital for the hairdressing community to adopt sustainable practices. whether you're working for a salon and are one stylist within a team of 10, or an independent stylist working for yourself, here are a few key ways you can decrease your carbon footprint. knowing that you're doing good makes you feel good!
a. stylists can preserve water usage by not overusing shampoo at the shampoo bowl. using too much shampoo can not only be harsh on the hair but takes more water to rinse out. be more conscious about the amount you pump into your hand before applying it to your client. turn off the water while you scrub and massage your client's hair.
b. apply leave-in conditioners in place of rinse out conditioners when possible. this will shorten the time and water used at the shampoo bowl because it eliminates that second step of applying and rinsing. leave-in conditioners help to detangle and are great for fine-haired clients as they lightly condition without weighing hair down and add body to flat limp strands.
c. spread the word about dry shampoo! get your clients into the habit of using dry shampoo to save them time, energy and water in the mornings. not to mention by shampooing less, they will preserve their beautiful hair color longer!
the brands you choose to partner with should reflect your ideals as a stylist. when selecting a color or retail brand to use, research their website and social pages. be sure they meet your standards for sustainability. a few things to look at are: (1.) does the brand use natural, non-toxic ingredients that are gentle to the environment when washed down the drain? (2.) is their packaging biodegradable, and can it be recycled? (3.) do they practice sustainability within their company?
privé hair products are a great example of a sustainable brand. their products use the most natural ingredients that are not harsh to the environment when washed down the drain. their product packaging is recyclable. the privé team practices sustainability in their warehouse and offices. privé has invested in a machine that shreds all their cardboard boxes to reuse as packing material in their shipments. reuse. reduce. recycle. they promote less plastic use by installing water bottle fountains in their buildings, require recycling and minimize the use of plastics like garbage bags and water bottle consumption.
hair is 100% biodegradable, so there are other ways to repurpose hair that isn't long enough for wig donation. hair works great for composting as it helps add nutrients back into the soil and retains water. human hair also works in repelling animals. many local gardeners compost materials, so get in touch with one and start saving those trimmings.
many people may not know this one, but hair can be collected and donated to the Matter of Trust Clean Wave Program. hair, fur, and fleece clippings are used to soak up major oil spills and help keep storm drains and waterways clean.
if you have your own salon and work independently, it’s effortless to implement these simple steps and make them your new norm. if you work in a salon with other stylists and team members, encourage and educate them on how they can become sustainable stylists. it only takes one person to start the change to a safer and healthier environment where you work.
get one step closer to becoming a more sustainable hairstylist. log in or register to shop privé.
hairdressers are high users of our planet's resources, so it's vital for the hairdressing community to adopt sustainable practices. whether you're working for a salon and are one stylist within a team of 10, or an independent stylist working for yourself, here are a few key ways you can decrease your carbon footprint. knowing that you're doing good makes you feel good!
1. decrease water usage
it’s no secret we should help preserve water to save the environment.a. stylists can preserve water usage by not overusing shampoo at the shampoo bowl. using too much shampoo can not only be harsh on the hair but takes more water to rinse out. be more conscious about the amount you pump into your hand before applying it to your client. turn off the water while you scrub and massage your client's hair.
b. apply leave-in conditioners in place of rinse out conditioners when possible. this will shorten the time and water used at the shampoo bowl because it eliminates that second step of applying and rinsing. leave-in conditioners help to detangle and are great for fine-haired clients as they lightly condition without weighing hair down and add body to flat limp strands.
c. spread the word about dry shampoo! get your clients into the habit of using dry shampoo to save them time, energy and water in the mornings. not to mention by shampooing less, they will preserve their beautiful hair color longer!
2. partner with a sustainable brand
the brands you choose to partner with should reflect your ideals as a stylist. when selecting a color or retail brand to use, research their website and social pages. be sure they meet your standards for sustainability. a few things to look at are: (1.) does the brand use natural, non-toxic ingredients that are gentle to the environment when washed down the drain? (2.) is their packaging biodegradable, and can it be recycled? (3.) do they practice sustainability within their company?
privé hair products are a great example of a sustainable brand. their products use the most natural ingredients that are not harsh to the environment when washed down the drain. their product packaging is recyclable. the privé team practices sustainability in their warehouse and offices. privé has invested in a machine that shreds all their cardboard boxes to reuse as packing material in their shipments. reuse. reduce. recycle. they promote less plastic use by installing water bottle fountains in their buildings, require recycling and minimize the use of plastics like garbage bags and water bottle consumption.
3. repurpose hair trimmings
if the hair you're cutting is long enough, donate it to Locks of Love to be made into a hairpiece for children with hair loss conditions. also check out any local charities who collect hair for making wigs.hair is 100% biodegradable, so there are other ways to repurpose hair that isn't long enough for wig donation. hair works great for composting as it helps add nutrients back into the soil and retains water. human hair also works in repelling animals. many local gardeners compost materials, so get in touch with one and start saving those trimmings.
many people may not know this one, but hair can be collected and donated to the Matter of Trust Clean Wave Program. hair, fur, and fleece clippings are used to soak up major oil spills and help keep storm drains and waterways clean.
4. recycle
this may seem like common sense, but everything from plastics, cardboard, paper, cans and glass is recyclable. simply designate a recycling bin to place your materials in and adopt a daily habit of using it. reduce the amount of plastic you consume by switching to a refillable water bottle that can be used throughout the day.if you have your own salon and work independently, it’s effortless to implement these simple steps and make them your new norm. if you work in a salon with other stylists and team members, encourage and educate them on how they can become sustainable stylists. it only takes one person to start the change to a safer and healthier environment where you work.
get one step closer to becoming a more sustainable hairstylist. log in or register to shop privé.