You’ve done what you can to be green inside the salon. Now it’s time to look outside.
That was the message from many salon owners in new research by PhD candidate, Stephanie Hodgson, in her latest study on circular economy challenges in hairdressing. These professionals weren’t lacking motivation. They were up against contracts, landlords, stockists, and systems that weren’t designed to support circular goals (think: reducing, reusing, recycling).
Some felt locked in. Others simply couldn’t afford the sustainable options available. And for many, the same question kept coming up: How can I go circular when the system makes it so hard?
Here’s what we can learn from this research and why your sustainability journey shouldn’t hinge on you alone.
Work with, not around
Several salons reported that their suppliers wouldn’t allow refills for back of house or to offer their clients . Others admitted that sales pressure encouraged product over-ordering. More than one owner said that when they were able to reduce colour waste by using a colour management system, there was backlash for ordering less. One said, “These big brands have got such a chokehold on us.”
If your suppliers are holding you back, it’s worth exploring other options.
“I know that’s easier said than done. When the same brands dominate the industry and the pressure to stay loyal is real, change can feel, well, almost impossible.” - Stephanie, the researcher behind this study
Good news? Switching is possible and you’re not alone! The study found that some salons teamed up with others in their area to collectively access more sustainable suppliers. That kind of collaboration not only makes circular options available. It makes them affordable.
Know what you’re buying into
Just because something says ‘eco’ doesn’t mean it’s actually sustainable. Look out for features that truly reduce waste, like flexible ordering and refill systems.
But don’t beat yourself up if the 'better' option is out of reach. One study participant loved the idea of a refill station but said, “It costs an absolute bomb.” Until the better options become the accessible ones, you can only do what works for your business.
Start the landlord chat (or not)
Landlords came up a lot in this research. Some wouldn’t allow solar panels. Others refused to insulate walls and roofs. Most didn’t share the same goals.
If you’re renting, and your landlord isn’t interested, that’s not on you. But a few salon owners did say that small wins (like a conversation about energy bills) opened the door to future changes. Start there…if you’ve got the headspace.
Start with one aligned partner
Sustainability doesn’t have to be all or nothing. One recycling provider (hmm, like Green Salon Collective), one natural product range, one stockist who doesn’t push minimum orders. Just one good partnership can shift what’s possible and propel your business forward.
Start small, go further
Even with the right suppliers, progress isn’t always smooth. Sometimes the challenge isn’t access. It’s appetite. You might have a great product, system, or provider lined up, but if your team isn’t on board (or you’re still on the fence yourself), it’s easy for that progress to stall.
That’s where small wins come in. One salon manager described them as a deliberate part of their sustainability journey because they built momentum. Introducing compostable towels or setting up a recycling system weren’t just easy swaps. They were proof of concept. Something the team could see, feel, and get behind.
Final thoughts?
Sustainability isn’t just a business decision. It’s a system-wide shift and the system needs to meet you halfway.
So yes, keep pushing for better. Ask more of your suppliers. Review your contracts. Try that collective. But if it still feels hard? That’s because it is.
Sustainability needs cooperation across industries, not just effort from small businesses. You’re not meant to carry this alone.
There’s more to come.
This article is the second in a series that shares key insights from Stephanie Hodgson’s latest research on circular economy challenges in hairdressing. Our next article will take a deeper dive into the biggest challenge of all: balancing sustainability with service quality.
Let’s work it through together.
Read the previous article in the series:
Is your team on board? What salon owners need to know about staff and sustainability