This month, we spoke to three Green Libertines from the Green Salon Collective to find out how sustainability practices can also boost your business.
“Since sharing my journey towards sustainability, I have hugely increased my client list. Promoting my eco tips and solutions not only brings in new clients, but new clients that actually align with my values. Because of this, I have been able to increase my profitability whilst still keeping to my sustainability mission.” – Hayley Penny (@hayleypennyhairstylist)
“At En Route, we’ve been running a sustainable salon for well over five years, and going green has definitely helped improve the salon profits. Winning awards for sustainable practices has attracted new clients who have purposely sought us out because of our environmental ethos.” – Melenie Tudor (@enroutehair) “Not only have our green practises helped us attract new clients who prioritise sustainability, but it has also allowed us to demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility through our £1 green tax. This fee not only funds the collection box that enables us to recycle 90% of our salon waste, but it also brings in a profit whilst setting us apart as a truly eco-conscious business.” – Chris Grimley (@fusionhairco)
In an exclusive interview, we sat down with Aveda’s International Technical Capability Manager, Joe Hill, to uncover the sustainability secrets behind the B-Corp certified brand.
Hi Joe, how would you describe Aveda’s sustainability mission, and how does that translate into the development of your colour products?
Joe: So, Aveda was very much one of the first brands to really think about sustainability within hair colour. It’s important to bear in mind that formulating sustainable hair colour is really difficult, and everything needs to be meticulously researched. This means that everything from research and development to sourcing ingredients and product testing need to always be conducted in an ecoconscious manner. With our manufacturing, for example, the plant where we make our products only uses recyclable solar energy and wind energy.
What are some of the biggest technical challenges when creating high-performing hair colour that’s also eco-conscious?
Joe: Great question! Aveda colour uses 96% naturally derived ingredients, which is a huge thing for us. Every single ingredient comes from a responsible source that can be precisely tracked. The initial caveat we found with this, however, was that it can be very difficult to get a natural product to perform in the same way.
Through our impressive Research and Development teams though, we were able to tackle this problem through making plant-derived ingredients that actually mimic man-made, synthetic ingredients. When you look into the nitty gritty science, it’s literally incredible what they’ve managed to create!
How do you educate hairdressers around sustainability and more eco-friendly ways of working?
Joe: First of all, I think each new generation of hairdressers is more educated on sustainability practices than the last. We find that it’s actually the longer-standing, older salons that potentially struggle more with getting to grips with an eco-conscious mindset. We need to make people understand that now is the time to look after the planet and now is the time to be sustainable. Mother Earth is here to be cared for and there is no planet B!
As a fellow B-Corp, Blue Tit has joined forces with Great Lengths, whose ethical sourcing ensures hair is traceable and collected responsibly. With customisable options in length, volume and colour, its new extension services allow clients to achieve their dream look without compromising on sustainability standards. Maintaining Blue Tit’s commitment to providing beautiful hair for everyone, the new extension services are available for clients with all hair types and textures, meeting the needs of its growing clientele while honouring individuality and self-expression.
