For many of us, a trip to the salon is about more than just good hair – it’s about confidence, self-care, and connection. But behind the scenes, the beauty industry is one of the biggest producers of waste, from plastics and packaging to the tools we rely on every day.
When I opened The Straightening Salon, I knew I wanted it to be about more than sleek, frizz-free hair. For me, it was equally important that the way we ran the salon reflected the values I hold close: community, care, and responsibility for the world we live in. The beauty industry has long been associated with waste, but I see that as an opportunity to do better. By rethinking the way we handle everyday items like tools, metals, paper, and plastics, we’ve been able to reduce our impact and become part of something bigger through the Sustainable Salons network.
Being sustainable isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making conscious choices, every day, that add up over time.
Closing the Loop on Tools and Metals
Every hair professional knows the importance of their tools. But when blow-dryers, straighteners, and clippers eventually wear out, most end up in landfill. At The Straightening Salon, these tools are instead sent through e-waste recycling, contributing to thousands of kilos of equipment saved from landfill.
The same goes for metals – from foils to product tubes – which are repurposed into new metal products. Even better, the proceeds from recycling are donated to OzHarvest and KiwiHarvest, turning waste into meals for those in need.
Paper with Purpose
From appointment notes to salon magazines, paper is unavoidable in a busy salon. But here, it’s never wasted. Every scrap is collected and recycled, joining hundreds of thousands of kilos of paper that Sustainable Salons have already diverted from landfill.
Rethinking Plastics
Heavy plastic use is one of the salon industry’s toughest challenges, but through Sustainable Salons, we give them a meaningful second life through innovative recycling and upcycling initiatives. Bottles, packaging, combs, and brushes are all collected for recycling, where they’re either turned into products like combs and glasses, or directed into innovations such as Plastoil, a pure, high-quality resource oil that can be directly used in industry and the community.
Why It Matters
For The Straightening Salon, sustainability isn’t just a trend, it’s a daily practice. Creating a sustainable salon doesn’t happen overnight, but every choice we make adds up. It’s about doing what we can, where we can, and being part of something bigger – a growing movement proving that beauty can be both transformative and kind to the planet.
Here are some other sustainable salons across Australia:
Perth: Tao of Hair
Tao of Hair combines modern luxury with sustainability, using eco-certified products and energy-efficient salon practices to create a mindful yet indulgent experience. Their approach proves that high-end haircare can be both glamorous and green.
Adelaide: Olá Bonita Hair Studio
Olá Bonita Hair Studio is a cruelty-free, low-tox salon dedicated to enhancing natural beauty while minimising its environmental footprint. Every service reflects their passion for ethical products and conscious self-care.
Melbourne: Off The Top Of My Head
Off The Top Of My Head is Melbourne’s go-to for effortless, sustainable style, offering eco-friendly colour and care without compromising on results. The salon’s relaxed energy and mindful ethos make sustainability feel chic and accessible.
Hobart: Eye Am Hair
Eye Am Hair takes an artistic approach to sustainable hairstyling, prioritising vegan products, minimal waste, and creative expression. The team’s commitment to conscious beauty makes every visit feel personal and purposeful.
Darwin: Helmet Hair Studio
Helmet Hair Studio leads the way in Darwin’s sustainable salon scene, focusing on eco-smart products and innovative recycling systems. Their forward-thinking approach ensures clients leave looking and feeling good — inside and out.
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