Salon Business
Learn tips, tricks and business recommendations from our top salon professionals.
04.12.2022
Impactful Sustainability Measures You Can Take as a Stylist
As we continue to celebrate Earth Month all April, there are many ways that stylists can learn to adapt their working styles to be more sustainable. In today’s world, our clients expect more, and consideration for the environment and awareness of the ingredients you are using are valuable to uphold your reputation as an industry-leading stylist. If you are interested in becoming more sustainable, consider adapting your service options by using products and techniques that are more environmentally friendly. Discover Wella Companies’ sustainable stance on all our color products and learn about the sustainability measures taken with the development of our latest innovation, SHINEFINITY, with Wella Color Expert Meiju Thornley.
WHY WELLA IS THE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE
- ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCT PACKAGING
At Wella, we use recyclable aluminum for our hair color tubes, which you can put straight in the recycling bin when you’re done – no washing up needed. In fact, the aluminum we use is also 100% recycled*, which consumes 66% less energy than making it from scratch.
Meanwhile, all of our cardboard boxes can go in with your cardboard and paper recycling. Plus, our Koleston Perfect, Illumina Color and Color Touch caps are manufactured from 91-100% recycled materials, and they are also recyclable.
- SUSTAINABLE HAIR CARE AND COLOR
When it comes to the formulas inside the tubes, you want color that is kind to clients’ hair and the planet. Our biggest color brands – Koleston Perfect ME+ with Pure Balance Technology and Illumina Color – are both free of animal-derived ingredients.
Our natural EOS Hair Color is also a go-to for the eco-conscious, made with a minimum of 89% plant-based dyes that gently color locks. Each dye is then packaged with the planet in mind, using a 100% recyclable aluminum can and zero plastics.
- MINDFUL MANUFACTURING
The manufacturing of our products is also important. It’s worth knowing that our European manufacturing facility in Germany – where most of our colors are made – uses 100% renewable electricity supply and 100% carbon-neutral gas consumption. The facility also produces zero waste for landfill.
- EASY-TO-RINSE COLOR FORMULAS
Even the speed at which hair color rinses out is crucial to the environment. If a formula washes out quickly, it allows you to use less water in the salon. Did you know that one minute of water flow sends more than 10 liters of H20 down the drain? That’s why we gave Illlumina Color and Koleston Perfect a creamy consistency that’s quick to remove from the hair.
MORE TIPS FOR A SUSTAINABLE SALON
- RE-ORGANISE YOUR RECYCLING BINS
Set your salon up for eco-friendly success by ensuring you have separate recycling bins for different materials. Get one for aluminum, one for plastic, one for paper and cardboard, and one for glass. The local requirements and practices on recycling can vary in each country, so please consult your local recycling center.
- TURN DOWN THE HEAT
Most of the world’s energy is spent on heating water and warming up rooms. That’s why the only thing that should be hot in the salon is your heated styling tools (and your babylights technique). When possible, turn down the temperature on the washing machine, thermostat and backwash tap. Lukewarm water is typically warm enough.
- SWITCH OFF YOUR APPLIANCES
Don’t leave your heated tools on. If you’re giving your client a super-straight ‘do, switch on the straightening iron as soon as you’re ready to use it – not while you’re still blow-drying locks. If you’re pausing styling to do some more trimming, switch the tong off until it’s needed again.
- WAIT FOR THE WASHING MACHINE TO FILL UP
You rely on washing machines to get your towels feeling fluffy and ultra-fresh. Make every spin more sustainable by only switching it on when the drum is full. You should also aim to use laundry detergents that are eco-friendly and work in lower temperatures.
- REDUCE YOUR WATER USE
To reduce your water usage, make sure the tap is closed every second that you don’t need water, and be mindful of how long you’re spending washing and rinsing your clients’ hair. Emulsify color or massage shampoo into locks with the tap switched off. If you let the water flow just one minute less per day, you can save around 2,400 liters of water in a year (per stylist!).
- DON’T FORGET TO RECYCLE FOILS
Did you know? Your used foils can actually be recycled in your aluminum bin, along with your used aluminum color tubes. You don’t even need to clean them first, as the color melts away during the recycling process.
* 95% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR), 5% Post-Industry Recycled (PIR).