With so much focus on sustainability today, it can feel difficult to know where to start. The good news? Making a difference might be easier than you think.
Why not begin with your hair?
Sustainable hair is about small, considered changes. Switching to eco-friendly products, replacing single-use tools, or simplifying your routine can benefit both your hair and the planet, without compromising on results.
Traditional hair products often rely on harsh chemicals that strip the hair of essential oils while polluting waterways and disrupting ecosystems. Natural alternatives offer a more balanced approach, supporting long-term hair health while reducing environmental impact.
Over the past two decades, consumers have become far more conscious of what they use. Transparency, ethical sourcing and sustainability are no longer niche, they are expected.
It also raises a simple question: if sustainable products deliver the same high-quality results, why choose anything else?
We are deep diving into Salons leading the way:
The Hair Salon in Hove has nailed the concept of sustainable hair. Owner Oliver Blackaby, winner of the Colourworld Mindful Genius Award in 2025 for sustainability and ethical practice, showcases his passion for eco-friendliness in every aspect of his business – from stocking exclusively vegan, cruelty-free products to the calming interior design filled with plants, aromatherapy pods and a coffee bar.
After working at a large salon chain and witnessing the scale of waste within the hair industry, Oliver decided to create an environment that reflected his sustainable values. It was important to move away from brands that no longer followed an eco-friendly ethos: “I don’t think you realise how much packaging is used in traditional hair colour and product. Boxes within boxes, it’s maddening.”
Recycling Hair Trimmings
The salon’s partnership with Recycle My Salon ensures that, while many salons’ foils, paper towels and packaging end up in landfill, their waste is properly processed and recycled – even down to hair trimmings.
Hair repels water but absorbs oil, making it effective for cleaning up oil spills: one kilogram can absorb around 7 to 8 litres. It can be made into oil booms and drain mats to clean up oil in the ocean or prevent it from reaching water systems.
Smaller amounts are just as useful. Hair is a natural fertiliser, rich in nitrogen and protein, helping soil retain moisture and improving compost. Oliver has tested this himself: all of his flowerbeds at home contain hair and, according to him, “it really works!”
The YUV Colour System
To further reduce waste, The Hair Salon uses the YUV colour system, which features refillable aluminium cartridges instead of single-use plastic, creating a refill, reuse, recycle model. The formulas are consistent and free from many harmful chemicals found in traditional dyes, aligning with the salon’s high standards and sustainable mindset.
The salon also uses Davroe haircare products with 100% vegan ingredients, including quinoa protein, grape seed extract, kakadu plum and olive leaf extract, packaged in fully recyclable materials. In addition, they use OWAY, a bio-dynamic brand whose ingredients are grown on its own farm and packaged in glass and aluminium.
Together, these choices prove that sustainable haircare doesn’t have to be complicated. A simplified routine and natural alternatives can be easier to maintain while supporting long-term hair health.
Walking For a Cleaner Environment
Sustainability at The Hair Salon extends beyond its doors. On 25 April, Oliver and his team will take on a fundraising walk from Eastbourne to Brighton in support of Leave No Trace.
“The walk will help bring the community together and build a deeper understanding of what Leave No Trace does,” Oliver says. “I feel blessed to be part of a community that loves our coastline… this shows my clients that what I do is not just a business model, but a way of life.”
Leave No Trace is a non-profit organisation that educates people on minimising their environmental impact outdoors, from wild camping to respecting wildlife. It has also inspired initiatives like #LeaveNoTrash, encouraging communities to clean local outdoor spaces.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Sustainability doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul; sometimes it’s as simple as changing the shampoo you buy or visiting a different salon.
For businesses, it can feel challenging, but Oliver encourages others to research local recycling companies and refillable options.
“You might be surprised at what recycling companies can do,” he says.
The Hair Salon demonstrates that sustainable hair is achievable, offering a strong example for any business looking to reduce its environmental footprint. (Leave hair looking fabulous)
The Hair Salon, George Street, Hove
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