In hairdressing, one area that often goes unnoticed in the eco-friendly conversation is the use of foils. Traditional aluminium foils have long been a staple in hair salons for colouring and highlighting, but their environmental impact is significant. With growing awareness about waste and recycling, many salons are seeking greener alternatives. Here's how choosing more sustainable hairdressing foils can make a difference for both your business and the planet...
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Foils
Aluminium foils are widely used in hairdressing due to their ability to retain heat and separate hair sections during the colouring process. However, the production of aluminium is resource-intensive, requiring a significant amount of energy and water. Furthermore, many salons discard used foils without recycling them, contributing to the 80 million tonnes of aluminium waste produced globally each year. Since aluminium can take up to 400 years to decompose, this waste has lasting effects on our environment.
It's even more disheartening as aluminium hairdressing foils are completely and infinitely recyclable with Green Salon Collective! Learn more about recycling hairdressing foils here.
How you can choose a more sustainable hairdressing foil...
Look for a hairdressing foil with a % of recycled aluminium. Recycling aluminium and using recycled aluminium requires less energy compared to virgin aluminium. This significant reduction in energy use lowers the overall carbon footprint.
Unfortunately, we're not able to make new hairdressing foils out of recycled hairdressing foils due to the quality of the aluminium, so watch out for any potential greenwashing.
Speak to or look at the brand to ensure that their materials are sourced responsibly, supporting ethical practices in the supply chain.
Whilst there are alternatives to aluminium hairdressing foil, they are not always more sustainable or better, despite claims. Many alternatives are made of mixed materials or cannot be recycled once contaminated, unlike aluminium foil.
By choosing a foil with a % of recycled aluminium, and by recycling it with Green Salon Collective, you're able to make a good, sustainable purchase end-to-end.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Switching to sustainable foils may seem like a small step, but it can have a far-reaching impact. With the average salon using thousands of foils a month, choosing an eco-friendly alternative can significantly reduce your carbon footprint over time. It also sends a strong message to clients, showing that your salon is committed to responsible beauty practices. Increasingly, clients are choosing businesses that align with their values, and adopting sustainable practices can set your salon apart in a competitive industry.
By educating yourself and your staff, and by making small but meaningful changes like opting for sustainable hairdressing foils, your salon can lead the way in promoting a greener, more responsible approach to beauty.