Have You Thought About Your Salon Toilet Roll?

When salon owners think about sustainability, the first things that usually come to mind are recycling foil, reducing water use, or switching to vegan products. While these are all brilliant steps, there are plenty of smaller changes that can make a surprisingly big impact too.

In fact, some of the most effective ways to run a greener salon are the ones hiding in plain sight. From the toilet roll in your bathroom to the way you wash towels, these everyday details can help reduce waste, save money, and create a more environmentally conscious salon experience for both your team and your clients.

Here are five sustainable salon swaps you might not have thought about yet.

1. Switch Your Salon Toilet Roll

Yes, really. Your toilet roll matters more than you think.

Traditional toilet paper is often made from virgin tree pulp and wrapped in plastic packaging. In a busy salon, where staff and clients are constantly using the facilities, that adds up quickly.

Choosing recycled toilet roll or bamboo toilet tissue is a simple swap that can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Many eco friendly brands also offer plastic free packaging and carbon neutral delivery options.

It is one of the easiest changes you can make because it requires no training, no extra effort, and no change to your daily routine. Yet over the course of a year, it can save hundreds of rolls worth of unnecessary waste.

Bonus points if you stock refillable hand soap and reusable hand towels in staff areas too.

2. Rethink Your Refreshments

Tea, coffee, biscuits, and bottled water are all part of the salon experience, but they can also create a huge amount of hidden waste.

A few simple swaps can make your refreshments far more sustainable:

• Replace single use milk pods with glass bottled milk or plant based alternatives
• Offer filtered tap water instead of bottled water
• Choose locally sourced tea and coffee brands
• Swap individually wrapped biscuits for bulk options
• Use proper mugs and glasses instead of disposable cups

Clients genuinely notice thoughtful touches like this, and it reinforces your salon values without feeling preachy.

3. Wash Smarter, Not More

Salon laundry uses a huge amount of water and electricity every week. There are ways to reduce your environmental footprint without compromising hygiene or client care.

Try:

• Only running full loads
• Washing at lower temperatures where possible
• Using Compostable Salon Towels
  
• Using eco friendly detergents
• Air drying towels when practical
• Investing in energy efficient washing machines

Compostable salon towels are more sustainable than washing and drying reusable ones IF you use just 1 towel per client. For clients who need more towels due to hair length or texture, you're best to stick to reusable ones. Having both options on hand allows you to make the most sustainable decision!

Small adjustments in your laundry routine can lead to lower utility bills as well as a more sustainable salon operation.

4. Look at Your Cleaning Products

Many salons are still using harsh chemical cleaners in plastic spray bottles without giving it much thought.

Switching to refillable cleaning products or environmentally conscious brands can reduce plastic waste and improve air quality inside your salon. This is particularly important in spaces where staff are already exposed to chemicals from colouring and treatments throughout the day.

You can also:

• Use washable cleaning cloths instead of disposable wipes
• Buy concentrated refills
• Avoid heavily fragranced products
• Support ethical cleaning brands with recyclable packaging

A cleaner salon does not have to mean a more toxic one.

5. Think About What Your Clients See

Sustainability is not just about operations behind the scenes. It is also about the message your salon sends.

Clients increasingly want to support businesses that align with their values, but authenticity matters. You do not need to be perfect. Often, the small visible touches create the biggest impression.

Things clients notice include:

• Recycling bins
• Eco friendly retail bags
• Plants and natural materials
• Refillable product stations
• Sustainable refreshments
• Ethical retail brands

Even something as simple as a recycled toilet roll in the bathroom quietly communicates that your salon cares about the details.

Sustainability Does Not Have to Be Complicated

Creating a more sustainable salon does not always require a huge investment or dramatic overhaul. Often, it starts with questioning the everyday things we barely notice.

Your toilet roll. Your tea bags. Your laundry routine.

These small choices may seem insignificant on their own, but together they create a salon culture that is more thoughtful, responsible, and future focused.

And the best part? Clients are paying attention.