As we become more aware of our environmental footprint, it’s important to consider unexamined areas of our lifestyle which may be more harmful than we realise. Unfortunately, the hair salon industry is responsible for a large amount of waste, chemical use, and water consumption every day, with one report suggesting it generates a whopping 397 kilograms of waste per minute.

Several local Melbourne salons have now banded together under the Sustainable Salons initiative – a collective whose sole purpose is to divert salon waste from landfill, generate recycling profits to invest into charity, and provide support to small business owners looking to go waste-free.

Charlotte Archer, director at South Yarra’s Bob Hair Co, has been pursuing the target of becoming a 100 per cent waste-free salon since it opened in 2017.

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“We are definitely seeing increasing demand for both sustainability and healthy products, but like many other industries, there is a long way to go,” Archer tells Broadsheet. “We choose to only stock haircare that’s as natural as we can get, whilst still delivering on results. This means high-grade, quality haircare, devoid of harsh chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, sulphates, artificial silicones, ammonia and artificial fragrance.”

Natalie Ragusa, founder and director at Kensington’s Aerial Studio, also believes the Sustainable Salons initiative is an excellent way for local salons to join the no-waste, low-tox movement. “Hair health is our number one priority, so it is super important to us that we are using products with quality ingredients while creating a sustainable haircare routine,” says Ragusa. “We use ranges that are made without sulphates, parabens, petrolatum, or mineral oil. Harsh chemicals like these are often used in haircare and can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and damaged.”

Despite Sustainable Salons’ work in signing up hundreds of local salons to their low-waste initiative, the hair industry still has a long way to go.

“From a salon perspective, the industry is evolving much slower than it could,” says Archer. “We [also] need to see more initiative from the big players to implement sustainable and healthy products. With the majority of the hair industry made up of small businesses, having leadership from the big end of town will be an important driver of change.”

Five sustainable, no-waste and low-chemical salons in Melbourne:

Mitch Studio, Fairfield
As a follow-up to the Ashburton salon, Mitch Studio recently opened a second uber-chic spot in Fairfield. With gallery-like decor – and scarlet red hues that contrast earthy tones – it’s a new identity for the label, but the same ethos remains. The studio is a member of Sustainable Salons Australia and recycles 95 per cent of all waste produced, plus it’s considered carbon neutral due to an offset partnership with Davines.

Bob Hair Co, South Yarra
This spot is a favourite for those in the know on the south side. It recycles or reuses the majority of its waste, composts food waste, and reduces water usage through Eco Heads in an effort to be 100 per cent waste-free. It also uses mostly chemical-free products.

Everyday Salon, Brunswick
An all-inclusive salon located on Sydney Road in Brunswick. Every single item from its waste – from hair clippings to even broken scissors – is recycled. It’s partnered with Italian haircare brand Davines to offset emissions, meaning the salon is now officially carbon neutral.

Aerial Studio, Kensington
As well as using products that are harsh-chemicals-free, Aerial Studio ensures anything going onto your tresses is also 100 per cent vegan and cruelty-free. It also recycles and reuses everything from foils and hair cuttings to plastics, with profits from its recycling initiatives going to Ozharvest.

Tkay Studio, Richmond
One of Richmond’s favourite local hotspots, this chic studio on Swan Street delivers haircare focused on hair health in a beautiful, modern studio. Tkay’s focus is on clean hair and ethically sourced products. It also offers special “silent” appointments for those who don’t want to talk, or to focus on work.

Additional reporting by Simone Richardson.