How to pick a green (and clean) hair salon

From clean products to waste disposable, here’s everything you need to know

By
Chatters

Date April 28, 2022

While the buzz around sustainability and clean beauty has been growing these past few years, it can be overwhelming to determine which salons and brands are actually practising what they preach.

Finding a salon that’s both eco-conscious and uses clean products isn’t an easy feat. Luckily, there are organizations that are actively trying to streamline that process. Enter: Chatters’ Style Consciously initiative, a collection of carefully vetted hair and body care products that are clean, cruelty-free, vegan and sustainable. From masks and serums to shampoos and treatments, this ensemble of products will help take the leg work out of researching a long list of ingredients and production processes. Instead, you can browse their selections with ease knowing that each product checks off all your boxes.

In addition to clean products, there are multiple factors that can help you determine whether a salon’s practices are healthy and eco-conscious. From waste disposal practices to sustainable certifications, here are a few key indicators that your favourite salon is green.

Clean beauty products
Nothing feels more relaxing than a head massage at your salon’s shampoo station, and it feels even better when you know the products they’re using aren’t dangerous to you or the environment.

The words “clean” and “sustainable” are quickly taking over the beauty world, but choosing hair care products that are equal parts eco-friendly and effective isn’t always an easy task. A salon that takes this into consideration and makes the process breezy for their clients is key.

Chatters encourages and supports their customers to make mindful choices by offering a wide range of clean, vegan, cruelty-free and sustainable options to pick from—in-store and online.

Recycling programs
In-store recycling programs aren’t a new concept, but they certainly are a great indicator of an eco-conscious salon. Many Chatters salons are currently partnering with Biolage and Green Circle Salons to collect empty shampoo and/or conditioner bottles from clients and offering 20% off their Biolage purchase. Including the community to take part in these initiatives is a win-win in our books.

Waste management plan
Nothing says eco-conscious like transparent waste management. With the beauty industry sending 877 pounds of waste into landfills every single minute, how a salon handles waste is something to keep top of mind – especially since 63,000 pounds of hair gets thrown away every day. From leftover foils to excess toner, salons have a lot of waste to dispose of after each client walks out the door with a fresh new hairdo. Knowing where this waste goes and what happens to it makes all the difference.

Here’s an inside look into how Chatters has upped their recycling game with help from Green Circle Salons.

Sustainable certifications
Green Circle Salons has taken the guesswork out of deep diving into a salon’s sustainability practices. They work to recover and recycle up to 95% of the beauty waste from their partnering salons. With that in mind, if there’s a salon you’ve had your eyes on, you can search it up through their directory to check if they’re a Certified Sustainable Salon.

Ready to clean and green up your beauty routine? Browse and shop through our favourite Style Consciously products below.

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Virtue The Perfect Ending Split End Serum

Kiss your split-ends goodbye with this ultra-healing serum. Packed with Virtue’s patented Alpha Keratin 60ku protein, this formula mends and seals frayed ends and restores your hair to its pre-damaged state.

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Effective on both dark and light hair, this dry shampoo will help refresh your locks by removing oils, boosting volume and preventing damage from extra washes or styling.

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Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

Ideal for dry and colour-treated hair, Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is packed with jojoba, green tea and sage, and offers deep hydration and moisture.

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4/11

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Overnight Moisture Spray

This overnight (pillow-safe) treatment will not only help repair and condition your dry or damaged hair, but it’s also designed to help you get a good night’s sleep thanks to its aromatherapy oils.

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5/11

L’ANZA Keratin Healing Oil Intensive Hair Masque

Ideal for anyone trying to breathe life back into their dry or damaged hair, this masque will help replenish moisture, elasticity and shine without weighing down your locks.

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Hempz Pink Berry Chiffon Herbal Body Moisturizer

Enriched with pure hempseed oil and a blend of essential extracts and vitamins, this herbal body moisturizer will leave your skin soft and nourished.

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DevaCurl Light Defining Gel Soft Hold No-Crunch Styler

Shout out to all our curly girls. This cult-favourite formula will lock in your curl, fight frizz, amplify shine and add bounce, all without weighing your hair down or leaving a crunchy cast.

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This unique formula of oils and proteins will leave your hair stronger, fuller and healthier. It’s packed with essential fatty acids, Vitamins A, C and E and its (not so) secret ingredient: cannabis sativa seed oil.

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Coco and Eve Like a Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque

Infused with coconut, fig, shea butter and argan oil, this ultra-nourishing mask will strengthen and restore your hair from the inside out. What else could you ask for?

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Alterna My Hair. My Canvas. Jelly Fix Repair.

This hair booster will help reverse the damaging effects of pollutants while also preventing future breakage, improving manageability and boosting smoothness and shine.

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AG Hair Conditioning Mist

This ultra-light herbal conditioning mist will instantly detangle your locks without any build-up or residue. Get ready for shiny, hydrated and bouncy hair.

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Click here to learn more about Chatters and their Style Consciously initiative.