Helping to protect the planet – in our own little way

It’s true to say that, historically, the hairdressing industry hasn’t given much thought to the impact it has on the environment yet that impact is not inconsiderable. All those bright lights, powerful driers, chemicals, water and so on. Not much impact for one salon you could say but billions of us head for the salon every month around the world. 

So, at a time when we are all finally starting to understand the impact we’re having on the environment, I had a fundamental decision to make when starting up V&V – was I going to be part of the problem or part of the solution?

Well, to be honest, it was no decision at all. I’ve always had a passion for things environmental so I couldn’t set V&V up any way other than with an eye to being eco-friendly. The design of the salon is based upon repurposed wood and steel. So the workstations were once old metal shelving and the reception desk and shelving have all been made from old wooden crates. All of our products are environmentally friendly which in part flows from our brand relationship with Davines who are pushing the boundaries of everything eco. 

I’m particularly proud of our switch to disposable towels. They’re made from bamboo, are 100% biodegradable and can be composted. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world and can grow up to 100mm per day making it the number one renewable resource. This means that we no longer need washing machines and all that goes with them in terms of energy, chemicals and water usage.

We have implemented a range of other eco-friendly innovations but my purpose in approaching this subject is not to appear ‘holier than thou’. It’s because I happen to come across a scientific study – funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and conducted by Denise Baden of the Southampton Management School – that looked at opportunities for the hairdressing community to lead behavioural change. 

That all sounds a bit heavy but, in essence, the study found that “What was good for the hair was the same as what is good for the environment and utility bills" and that hairdressers, because of the close relationships they tend to form with their clients, are in a good place to both show a lead in eco-friendliness and, in a small way, start to influence their clients.

So – don’t panic – there won’t be a lecture and a grilling on your eco credentials next time you come in! I’m just trying to do my bit as suggested by the study since, in a very real way, we are all effected by environmental change.