Back to nature

Oxfordshire-based salon group Philosophy is no stranger to innovation; its colour creativity and cutting-edge designs have seen it go from strength to strength in recent years. The trio behind the concept – Mark Creed, Sam Harding and Andrew Hall – have built on the success of the first two salons, putting their energy into opening a third salon that is giving something back to the industry as well as the planet.Their latest venture is a flagship salon situated in Witney, Oxfordshire, which has been designed and constructed with environmental issues in mind, fusing style, form and function to create a salon with a focus on renewable energy and conservation. The salon’s location in the heart of Conservative leader and environmental campaigner David Cameron’s constituency means it is well placed to lead the way for others to become more ecologically sound, making ethical choices and building on the growing trend for style with a conscience. Mark Creed, colouring director and Philosophy partner, says: “We are all passionate about environmental issues and decided to channel this through our business.” The new salon was a year in the making and encouraging energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources was key. “We wanted to try to keep it as green as we could and to utilise renewable energy wherever possible without sacrificing the design aesthetic,” says Mark. The trio decided to run the salon with little or no electricity, where possible, and, as a colourist, it was important to Mark that the salon benefited from as much natural light as possible. Solar power has been utilised to its full extent, with a bespoke glass atrium ceiling installed. “This allows natural, shadowless light to be channelled throughout the building, which is perfect for our focus on colouring,” he says. Roof-mounted solar panels and sun-pipes have been installed in windowless areas, reflecting light into parts that would otherwise be dark. With light an essential element for wellbeing, a conceptual wall has been created in the salon to help combat seasonal adjustment disorder (SAD). “This lets a specific frequency of light flood the salon space to recreate the effects of natural sunlight,” says Mark. These channels of light are strategically spaced around the salon ensuring that clients leave looking and feeling their best – with vitamin D levels boosted as well as their feel-good factor. “This has been a great addition, not just for clients but for staff too – it’s much more uplifting than fluorescent tube lighting and everyone loves it,” says Mark. Ecologically sound initiatives have been implemented wherever possible – from fair trade coffee to recycled copper and the reclaimed oak used to furnish the interior. Water consumption has also been given careful consideration. With salons using a vast amount on a daily basis, jetting nozzles have been added to the backwash units. “This reduces our water consumption by 60%,” says Mark. He believes the business decision has been innovative. “What we have done is not a new concept, but technology has really come on in recent years, enabling us to create a forward-thinking business that sets us apart from other salons.” He believes it’s important for businesses to become more ecologically sound. “Lots of companies are opting to work in this way now and if you can give something back then why not? For us it’s about protecting the planet we live in. We are lucky that we were in a position to implement our initiatives and take the lead. Client response has been great – they see the commercial side of it and love the fact that it is helping the planet.” In fact many of the salon’s clients are keen to install some of the energy-saving ideas into their own homes. “It’s great to see the knock-on effect and to raise awareness.” As new initiatives become available, Mark says the salon will install them where possible. “We see this as an ongoing project. Every time we refurbish we will look at the latest technology and see if it will work for us. I do believe that we have set a precedent; the Philosophy experience is all about being looked after, and clients love that we are also looking after the planet too. It’s pampering with a conscience.” With plans to open more salons, Mark sees the latest venture as a blueprint for further green-inspired salons. “We have tried to combine protecting the planet with the wellbeing of both our clients and staff, and hopefully this will evolve as our business does.” The Philosophy trio have succeeded in putting their energy into a worthwhile project creatively, commercially and environmentally. “With this salon we believe we have arrived at the right formula for our third generation salon, taking the clients and staff through the next decade and beyond,” says Mark.