A Stylist’s Guide to As hairstylists, we shape more than just hair; we have the power to shape a more sustainable future. On Carbon Neutral Day, we’re reminded of the beauty industry’s environmental footprint and the steps we can take toward creating a greener, healthier planet. The push for carbon neutrality isn’t just a trend—it’s a crucial movement to reduce our impact on the environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy a more balanced ecosystem.
Why does carbon neutrality matter?
Carbon neutrality means balancing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted into the atmosphere with actions that remove an equivalent amount. As the world faces a growing climate crisis, transitioning to carbon neutrality is essential for slowing global warming and protecting ecosystems. For the beauty industry, adopting sustainable practices can reduce the industry’s environmental harm, conserve resources, and create a more ethical beauty standard.
The Beauty Industry’s Carbon Footprint
While the beauty industry is a source of creativity and self-expression, it also contributes significantly to carbon emissions.
Product Manufacturing
The production of beauty products, particularly those made with synthetic chemicals, is energy-intensive. Many beauty products rely on non-renewable resources, from petrochemicals in formulations to plastics in packaging.
Packaging Waste
Single-use plastic bottles, containers, and wraps are a massive contributor to waste. Globally, the beauty industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging annually, much of which ends up in landfills, contributing to CO₂ emissions.
Water and Energy Use
In salons, water usage—especially for washing and rinsing hair—adds up, and heating tools like hair dryers and flat irons require substantial electricity, often generated by fossil fuels.
Shipping and Distribution
Global beauty brands often rely on complex supply chains that require shipping products over long distances, further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
How can you make an impact?
Hairstylists play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s move toward sustainability. By making conscious choices in the products and practices used in the salon, stylists can contribute to the collective effort of achieving carbon neutrality. Here are some actionable steps:
Reduce Water and Energy Use
Simple shifts in daily routines can make a big difference. For instance, limit water waste by installing water-efficient faucets and encouraging clients to wash their hair less frequently. Consider energy-efficient hair tools and switch to LED lighting in the salon to reduce energy consumption.
Recycling and Waste Management
Join a salon-focused recycling program like Green Circle Salons. Since 2009 they’ve kept over 8 MILLION POUNDS of beauty waste out of landfills by recycling and repurposing a multitude of products sent in by their salon partners that traditional recycling programs don’t always accept. They even repurpose hair waste and leftover hair color. Here are just a few of the ways salon waste is repurposed.
- Excess hair color is turned into clean energy
- Metals are sorted and used to make products like bicycles
- Paper and cardboard are recycled into cellulose insulation
- Hair clippings are turned into bio-composite plastic
Encourage Reusable or Refillable Products
Providing your loyal clientele with a refill station is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices within the salon. In addition to reducing carbon emissions and consumer waste, proper implementation can reduce product prices by 15% for your clients and increase retail profit by 20%. Download the Refill Station Guide to get started!
Opt for Sustainable Brands
Choose haircare and styling products from brands that prioritize eco-friendly ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and carbon-neutral production methods. Clean beauty brands that use minimal packaging, biodegradable materials, or offer recycling programs are a great start.
Brands Making a Difference
Haoma
Founded on the belief that plants hold the transformative ability to heal and nourish, Haoma invests in renewable energy sources like solar power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They offset any remaining emissions through carbon offset programs ensuring a neutral environmental impact.
Reforestation Initiative
Every purchase of a Haoma product directly plants a tree in a forest garden owned and operated by farming families living around the globe. Trees.org, Haoma’s reforestation partners, have planted over 191 million trees since their inception in 1989.
By working with the local farming communities to sustainably end destructive farming practices, the Forest Gardens project allows farmers to gain food and income access in their own backyards while flattening the curve of environmental harm.
Recycling Initiative
Thanks to their partnership with Terracycle, recycling Haoma’s packaging has never been easier. This way, even the harder-to-recycle elements of their packaging can be transformed into a format that can be used to make new products.
- Visit Haoma.earth/recycle to order a FREE prepaid envelope to your home.
- Fill the envelope with anything not accepted by your curbside recycling program.
- Place the envelope in the mailbox and let Haoma do the rest!
Areté
ARETÉ is a classic philosophical concept meaning the pursuit of “excellence” in everything. This word speaks to the heart of our mission — promoting wellness through dedication to excellent choices, ingredients and experiences.
In keeping with excellent choices, their vessels are crafted with infinitely recyclable olive glass, aluminum or other natural and upcycled materials. Not only does this protect their precious formulas from photoaging and damage, it hold endless upcycling and repurposing possibilities. In addition, every care and treatment product is produced with 100% wind energy, further decreasing their carbon footprint.
Oway
Small changes can make a big impact. That’s why Oway has committed to becoming a 100% carbon-neutral company. Their circular approach is based precisely on these concrete choices: starting from the use of raw materials from organic and biodynamic agriculture up to the choice of 100% infinitely recyclable packaging, passing through the elimination of all superfluous packaging and the adoption of virtuous production processes managed with 100% green energy.
The Future of Sustainable Beauty
As the beauty industry continues to evolve, embracing carbon neutrality is key to its future. By choosing sustainable practices, stylists not only contribute to a healthier planet but also position themselves as leaders in the clean beauty movement. On Carbon Neutrality Day and beyond, every small step you take in your salon adds up to meaningful change.
Together, we can create a beauty industry that cares as much about the planet as it does about people. So, let’s celebrate Carbon Neutrality Day by taking action, one conscious choice at a time.
