We've recently been discussing how the current economic crisis may have had an impact on your colour service bookings, particularly in regards to three different groups of clients: The One with Virgin Hair, The One Cutting Back Financially and The One Reducing Appointment Frequency. However, there is another client we are yet to discuss: The One Worried About The Environment. While perhaps not as common as a client worried about potential damage to their hair, clients who are concerned about the impact of colour services on the environment are growing in number, which is why it is vital to start considering how you can best serve them.
Know Your Stuff
If a client comes to you with concerns of colour causing damage to their hair, it is your job to ease their worries – and it’s no different when it comes to environmental apprehensions. Shu Lan Cheung, FFØR Technical Educator, explains: “The world of sustainability is complex, and sometimes feels overwhelming, but as hairdressers we can do our bit by making positive choices to reduce our impact on the environment.
“Being knowledgeable about natural ingredients, and ways in which clients can reduce their impact on the environment will help you to build trust and provide worried clients with the assurance that they need.
“Sometimes clients don’t associate natural products with being effective, so make sure that you’re up to speed with the environmentally friendly products out there and understand how they work. For example, FFØR’s ammonia free colour range for example uses a Natural Oil Enrichment System, which uses a blend of natural and derived oils, to gently open up the cuticle, slow down the reaction (ensuring that the smaller colour molecules absorb into the hair cortex more easily) and nourishes and conditions.”
Innovative Ideas
Being clued up on the best products, and ingredients, is just one way you can ease concerns about the impact of colour services on the environment. Staying up to date with the latest technology and working methods can also go a long way in boosting colour bookings.
Lucy Bone, Senior Stylist at Jodie Young Colour Bar & Salon, Newquay, and Vish Waste Warrior Stylist of the Year 2023, explains: “Not only does using Vish mean we can ensure clients are only changed for the colour used in their services, it also allows us to be more mindful of colour waste, helping us to reduce the amount of chemicals rinsed down the drain every day.”
We always ensure that clients are charged only for colour used and not for any excess or waste by using Vish technology to monitor our formulas. Not only does using Vish mean we can ensure we’re not overcharging our clients, but it also gives us the tools to track and be more mindful of colour waste, helping the salon save money while reducing the amount of chemicals rinsed into the water every day.”
Meanwhile, Ceri Cushen, Art Director at Metropolis and Revlon Brand Master Artist, suggests another method to managing sustainability, sharing: “If a client wants a foil-free colour we can also discuss the options of a freehand air balayage as a more sustainable option. We find clients are happy to hear that we are trying to do the right thing for the environment.”
It’s The Thought That Counts
As Ceri suggests, many clients will often be reassured to hear that your salon is taking steps to reduce its impact on the environment – after all, no one is perfect. Taking on one small change at a time may be more manageable than trying to completely overhaul your business in one go, and you will be less likely to fall at the first hurdle. Plus, not only can boosting your environmental credentials put current clients at ease, but it can be a great way to attract new people to your business, too.
