Sustainability in Hair Care and Salons
The task of changing the world may appear daunting, but we firmly believe that every individual holds the power to make a difference. By embracing sustainable practices and discarding outdated habits, we can collectively work towards a healthier planet. At Jhos, we are committed to doing our utmost for the environment. From conscientious consumption to responsible disposal, every choice you make contributes to our shared goal of a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and pave the way for a greener, more harmonious world.
If you're interested in making some positive changes to your hair care and beauty routine! Here are some suggestions to help you make greener choices:
Avoid toxic chemicals:
Check the ingredients list and steer clear of harmful substances
parabens, sulfates, phthalates, ammonium chloride, formaldehyde, and certain fragrances.
These chemicals not only pose risks to your health but also contribute to water pollution.
Reduce packaging waste:
Opt for products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging. Look for containers made from FSC Certified paper and printed with soy ink. Consider purchasing larger quantities to reduce the need for multiple smaller containers, and remember to recycle or reuse empty bottles.
Shampoo and conditioner bars: These solid options reduce plastic packaging and often feature eco-friendly ingredients. Plus, they're convenient for travel!
Refillable shampoo and conditioner: Seek out refill stations at zero waste stores or organic grocers to replenish your supplies without adding more packaging to landfills.
Compostable packaging: Some brands offer zero waste shampoo and conditioner packaged in materials that can be fully composted, further reducing environmental impact.
DIY alternatives:
Consider making your own hair care products using natural ingredients. There are plenty of resources available online for creating homemade shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that are gentle on both your hair and the planet.
Experiment with various natural ingredients to find the perfect combination for your hair type and needs. You can customize DIY hair care products to suit your preferences, such as adding essential oils for fragrance or herbs for extra nourishment.
Consider joining or forming a DIY hair care community where you can share recipes, tips, and experiences with like-minded individuals. This fosters a sense of collaboration and creativity while reducing reliance on commercially produced hair care products.
Avoid aerosol products:
Aerosol hairsprays often contain propellants that contribute to air pollution and health issues. Opt for non-aerosol sprays or gel products with firm hold if you need styling assistance.
Explore alternative hairstyling methods such as braiding, twisting, or using hair accessories to achieve desired looks without relying on aerosol products. Not only are these methods environmentally friendly, but they also promote creativity and versatility in styling.
Look for refillable or reusable packaging options for hair care products, as these reduce the need for single-use aerosol containers and minimize waste generation. Many eco-conscious brands offer refill stations or subscription services that prioritize sustainability.
Support eco-conscious brands:
Research the companies behind your hair care products and choose those with a commitment to environmental sustainability. Look for brands that prioritize eco-friendly ingredients, packaging, and manufacturing processes.
Prioritize purchasing from local or small-scale eco-conscious brands to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation and support local economies. These brands often have a stronger connection to their communities and may implement more sustainable practices.
Research certification labels such as cruelty-free, vegan, or organic to ensure that the hair care products you choose align with your values and ethical standards. These labels provide reassurance that the brand is committed to specific environmental and ethical criteria.
Advocate for change:
Take action by reaching out to hair care companies and urging them to prioritize sustainability and transparency. Encourage them to adopt greener practices and provide honest information about their environmental impact.
Share your sustainable hair care journey on social media platforms or personal blogs to inspire others to make environmentally conscious choices. By raising awareness and sharing information, you can encourage a broader movement towards sustainability in the beauty industry.
Support legislative initiatives or petitions advocating for stricter regulations on harmful chemicals in hair care products and promoting greater transparency in labeling. Your voice can amplify the call for change and hold companies accountable for their environmental impact.
How to know if a product is eco-friendly:
Green washing is a significant concern in the beauty and personal care industry. Evaluating the ingredients in your products and considering their environmental impact is a crucial step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Many companies capitalize on consumers' growing interest in sustainability and environmental consciousness by using terms like "natural," "clean," and "organic" without necessarily adhering to strict standards or providing transparent information.
It's crucial for consumers to be discerning and look beyond marketing claims. Checking for reputable certifications, such as USDA Organic, COSMOS Organic, or EWG Verified, can provide assurance that a product meets specific environmental and ethical standards. Opting for products that use natural or eco-friendly alternatives can also be beneficial. Ingredients like plant-based cleansers, natural preservatives, and essential oils can offer effective alternatives without the potential negative impacts on ecosystems.
If you're unsure about which products to choose, look for certifications like USDA Organic, EcoCert, or the Leaping Bunny logo, which indicate that the product has met specific environmental and ethical standards.Reading ingredient lists and researching unfamiliar ingredients can help you make informed choices about the products you purchase. Being aware of terms like "natural" and "clean" being ambiguous and subjective can empower you to ask questions and demand transparency from brands.
By making informed choices about your hair care products, you can contribute to a healthier environment for both yourself and future generations.
Ultimately, staying informed and skeptical of marketing claims can help you navigate the crowded landscape of eco-friendly products and make choices that align with your values while minimizing your environmental impact.
Other practices you can adopt to for a more eco friendly routine:
Opt for energy-efficient tools: Choose hair tools equipped with energy-saving features like adjustable temperature settings, automatic shut-off, and quick heating to reduce electricity usage.
Use wisely and adjust settings: Limit usage of plug-in tools and adjust heat settings to lower levels whenever possible. High heat not only damages hair but also increases energy consumption.
Embrace multi-functionality: Select hair tools that offer multiple functions to minimize resource consumption and electronic waste.
Share resources: If living with others, consider sharing hair care tools to reduce clutter and overall energy usage.
Support eco-conscious brands: Prioritize brands committed to sustainability, utilizing eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies in their manufacturing processes.
Unplug after use: Even tools with automatic shut-off features can consume energy in standby mode, so unplug them when not in use.
Repair rather than replace: Explore repair options offered by manufacturers or local repair cafés to fix hair tools with issues, reducing the need for replacements.
Responsible disposal: When it's time to retire a hair tool, ensure it's recycled through an electronic waste recycling program in your area to minimize environmental impact.
Brushes and combs: Look for brushes and combs made from sustainable materials like bamboo, wood, or plant-based plastics such as corn or sugarcane. Opt for products with bristles crafted from boar hair or bamboo for a natural touch.
Hair ties: Say goodbye to traditional plastic hair ties and opt for plastic-free alternatives made from organic cotton or natural rubber. These options are both eco-friendly and gentle on your hair.
Shower caps: Invest in a reusable shower cap to replace single-use plastic versions. Look for durable, waterproof options that can be easily cleaned and reused, reducing plastic waste in your bathroom routine.
At Jhos Hair Designers we make it our mission to lower our environmental impact however we can. Choosing salons that prioritize their environmental impact is crucial in contributing to a more sustainable world. By supporting these salons, individuals align their personal care choices with their values of environmental responsibility. Such salons demonstrate a commitment to reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing their carbon footprint, thus mitigating the negative impacts of traditional salon practices on the planet.
This is why we team up with certified B-corporations such as Davines and Green Circle Salons to give our clients the green salon experience.
But what are b-corporations?
B-Corporations:
B Corp Certification signifies that a business meets rigorous standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency across various facets, including employee benefits, charitable contributions, supply chain practices, and input materials. To achieve certification, a company must:
Demonstrate high social and environmental performance by attaining a B Impact Assessment score of 80 or higher and passing a risk review. Multinational corporations must also meet baseline requirement standards.
Make a legal commitment by adjusting their corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not solely shareholders, and strive to achieve benefit corporation status where available.
Exhibit transparency by allowing information about their performance against B Lab’s standards to be publicly accessible on their B Corp profile on B Lab’s website.
As pioneers in the movement for economic systems change, B Corps enjoy significant benefits. They establish trust with consumers, communities, and suppliers; attract and retain employees; and appeal to mission-aligned investors. Since B Corps must undergo the verification process every three years for recertification, they are inherently committed to continuous improvement, fostering their long-term resilience.
Davines
Our vision of beauty draws inspiration from the notion of balance between substance and form. We embrace simplicity, harmony, and refined taste in our approach.
Through our pursuit of beauty, we aim to foster a culture of self-care, environmental stewardship, and appreciation for the things we cherish. Our goal is to inspire individuals to nurture themselves, their surroundings, and the environment they inhabit.
Simultaneously, sustainability guides our actions, reflecting our commitment to accountability towards ourselves, our collaborators, our clientele, and the global community. We recognize our responsibility to uphold ethical standards in every facet of our operations, reflecting our dedication to the well-being of both people and the planet.
Green Circle Salons
Their award-winning program, developed in collaboration with industry experts and our CEO, empowers salons to significantly reduce their environmental footprint while enhancing their business. By participating, salons can offset up to 95% of their emissions and effectively manage beauty waste, including previously challenging items like hair clippings, foils, excess color, aerosol cans, and tubes.
Their mission is to assist salons and spas in adopting eco-friendly practices that not only benefit the planet but also drive revenue growth, attract new clients, and reduce costs. They are committed to simplicity and ethical principles, ensuring that their operations are carbon-neutral and sustainable. Recognized by B Corp certification, they adhere to the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility