Being a "green" salon easier than it sounds

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Wednesday, 28 April 2010 00:00

Going green means evaluating products and services. (Photo credit: PRPhoto.com)

Energy-efficient tools, organic products top list of changes

By Sherrell Dorsey, My Salon Scoop writer

Finding environmentally friendlier ways to do business seems to be popping up everywhere, and the hair industry is no exception. Though doing so is currently not an industry-wide mandate, many hair salon owners across the country are voluntarily taking a turn for "greener" pastures.

Michael Angelo, a Redken-certified hairstylist and business owner, is among those taking the green plunge.

"We are approaching a point (environmentally) where we will not be able to turn back easily and this is a major reason why so much attention is being given to this issue," says the Tampa, Fla. stylist of the Michael Angelo Hair Studio. "The big question remains, ‘How do we as salon owners go about making these changes and implementing eco-friendly routines?'"

Going green is a lifestyle change, he asserts, that includes using planet friendly products within services and creating an easy business system that the entire salon staff can follow. If salon owners really want to make the switch, they should keep employees up to date with salon eco-makeover choices, use energy-efficient appliances, and turn off any appliance when not in use.

Helps the bottom line

Adopting such a lifestyle within the scope of the salon also makes good business sense. Using CFL light bulbs and power strips for multiple appliances that can be turned off when not in use, help to emit less energy thereby reducing costs to the salon.

These simple steps really helped salon owner Marianne Strokirk reduce her bottom line. She submitted her Chicago, Ill.-based salon, Marianne Strokirk Salons, to the Smart Energy and Design Assistance Center for a green evaluation and carbon footprint analysis. SEDAC is a team of strategists that provides private and public groups in Illinois advice on how to increase their economic viability by using energy-efficient resources. The audit identified lighting as being one of many energy cost-reduction measures Strokrik could take. By replacing higher-watt halogen lamps with lower-wattage bulbs, she saved a total of $2,409 per year.

Keeps hair, body healthy

In addition to appliance usage, products are the next most important aspect of the salon business. There are several certified-organic and natural products currently on the market. Among them include notable brands like Rahua, Giovanni Organics and EcoColors, all of which deliver beautiful results without harsh chemicals.

Green salons add value to clients as well as stylists. (Photo credit: PRPhoto.com)

Another brand is Aveda. Sandy Scarborough, senior stylist at Turning Heads Salon & Day Spa in New York City, partnered with this hair and skin care giant to offer clients services using plant-based products. According to a recent article in Scientific American.com, Aveda "supplies natural hair care and personal care products to 7,000 professional hair salons and spas in 29 countries."

Many stylists recommend stocking these products on back bar and retail areas. Scarborough agrees. "Our clients are looking for natural products to maintain healthy hair."

Salons go green
There are many salon owners across the country joining the green movement. Jessica Westlake is among them. Her salon, Green With Envy Organic Hair Studio in Scottsdale, Ariz., is a complete clean-air salon located in a LEED-certified building. Insulation is made from recycled denim, all appliances are energy star, and the salon uses a tank-less water heater to reduce water waste. Stylists donate hair clippings to Matters of Trust, which uses the hair to make hair mats to clean up oil spills.

"We can tell how eco-friendly we are by how many times we have to empty the trash, which is typically one time per week," Westlake explains. "Our customers appreciate what we are doing and they are fiercely loyal. When customers see what a hip and modern salon we have and love their hair, they know that our products are better for their health and that they are contributing to the welfare of the environment."

To find a green salon near you, visit www.GoGreenSalon.com. This is a service and Web directory dedicated to assisting and promoting eco-friendly salons worldwide.

Sherrell Dorsey is a beauty writer and skin therapist in New York City. She currently writes beauty, lifestyle and fashion articles for popular blogs and online magazines as well as her blog at www.OrganicBeautyVixen.com. You can reach out to Sherrell by contacting her at sherrell.dorsey@gmail.com.

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written by Yolande Williams Bailey, April 30, 2010

Ms. Sherrell:

I'm so proud of the woman you've become and your artcile on organic hair salons was well written. It got me to thinking about my own salon choices, so I'm going to talk with my haridresser about it. Take care and your Seattle family misses you.
Aunt Yolande

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written by Bridget Lee, May 20, 2010

Sherrell,

WOW! What a wonderfully written article. You never cease to amaze me. May you continue to have an abundance of success on your journey through life. God bless and always remember, "Seattle is proud of Ms. Sherrell Dorsey."

Aunt Bridget