Harpers Bazaar feature - Australia’s best sustainable hair salon

12 Mar

THERE’S NO BETTER feeling than walking out of a hair salon with a bouncy blow out, spruced up colour or invigorating new cut. It’s a euphoric sensation, which makes you feel like you can absolutely seize (and slay) the day. But what if that luxurious dose of shameless self-care wasn’t at the expense of the environment? Just imagine if your monthly nourishing treatment could actually improve the ecosystem, as well as your hair. It’s a thought which probably hasn’t ever crossed your mind — but it should.

The beauty industry is notorious when it comes to wastage, with hair salons also part of the larger problem. Just think of all the chemicals used in your average hair dye, the number of foils layered throughout your locks, even those dead ends that wind up on the salon floor. Every trim, bottle and toxic chemical goes to waste via our water system or landfill. According to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), over 400,000 kilograms of hair and 1.5 million kilograms of metal waste are sent to local rubbish tips each year. So, if you thought a botched fringe job was the worst possible hair outcome — how about the idea of global warming?

But before you decide to let your hair go wild and free for the sake of our natural environment — there are guilt-free and sustainable alternatives. And don’t worry, these salons are heavy on the all-important luxe feel.

Previously known as Mikki Auld Hair, PALOMA ROAN is luxuriously sustainable. The sun-drenched West End salon is calmingly filled with an abundance of lush green botanicals — with hairdressers ’70s-style cuts (just suss their über cool shag hairdos) — and lived-in colour. However, PALOMA ROAN is also deeply committed to environmentally-friendly practices. They repurpose 95 per cent of their waste and have a no single use plastic policy. All their retail products have refill options to help you make more mindful haircare choices.