As awareness of environmental issues grows, the beauty and hairdressing industries are starting to confront their impact — from high water and energy consumption to single-use plastics and chemical waste. More and more clients are asking: How can I make more sustainable choices without compromising on style?
The good news is that sustainability and self-care can go hand in hand. Many modern salons are adopting greener practices, but with terms like “eco-friendly,” “clean beauty,” and “conscious salon” now everywhere, it can be hard to know what really makes a difference.
What to Look For in a Sustainable Salon
Thoughtful Product Choices
One of the easiest places to start is with the products used on your hair or skin. A truly conscious salon will work with brands that are cruelty-free, vegan, refillable, or committed to reducing their environmental footprint.
Transparency matters — salons that partner with brands that openly share how ingredients are sourced, how formulas are made, and how packaging is handled are usually ones doing their research. For example, KEVIN.MURPHY products are known for their sustainable credentials, using recycled ocean plastics, avoiding harmful sulphates, and maintaining a strict no-animal-testing policy.
At Ours | Creative Studio, we carefully choose each product based on quality and environmental responsibility — and we’re always learning.
Reducing Waste Where It Counts
Hair and beauty treatments can generate a surprising amount of waste — from foil and colour tubes to gloves and product packaging. Some salons are taking waste management seriously by partnering with specialist recycling services or integrating new technology that helps reduce waste at the source.
We use the yuv® colour lab system, which eliminates single-use dye tubes and ensures colour is measured with precision, avoiding overuse and unnecessary waste. It’s a closed-loop system that cuts down drastically on both plastic and aluminium, while also helping us reduce excess product and colour waste.
We’re also exploring creative ways to reuse cut hair — whether that’s for composting, garden fertiliser, or even environmental clean-up projects.
Water and Energy Efficiency
Hair salons use a significant amount of water — especially at the backwash. But there are tools that can help minimise this.
At Ours | Creative Studio, we are using water-saving showerheads designed to reduce water usage while maintaining strong, consistent pressure.
We’re equally mindful of our energy use — from LED lighting to efficient laundry practices — making small but meaningful changes wherever possible to reduce our footprint.
Supporting Local and Independent
Choosing independent salons is a great way to support businesses that often have more flexibility to embed sustainability into everything they do — from using local suppliers to building stronger, values-driven communities.
At Ours | Creative Studio, we believe in uplifting fellow creatives and small business owners. Our space is designed to be collaborative, with pop-up opportunities, brand showcases, and a genuine commitment to supporting those around us.
Sustainability as a Culture, Not a Buzzword
Sustainability isn’t just about what’s on the shelf — it’s reflected in the culture of a salon. Look out for signs that the space has been thoughtfully put together: upcycled furniture, minimal plastic use, signage with real environmental messaging, or collaborations with local artists.
We’ve built our studio with care — using second-hand furniture, vintage finds, and natural materials wherever possible. We talk openly with our clients about our sustainability journey because we believe progress is better than perfection.
Final Thoughts
No salon is perfectly sustainable — and that’s okay. What matters most is honesty, intention, and a willingness to improve. At Ours | Creative Studio, sustainability is an ongoing conversation, not just a marketing line. From the products we use to the way we manage waste, we’re committed to doing things better — one thoughtful choice at a time.
If you’re looking for a beauty experience that cares as much as you do, we’d love to welcome you in.
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