Do you find it challenging to make your salon more sustainable? One simple and effective way to take a step in the right direction is by switching out some of the materials and products you use, offering an eco-friendlier experience for your clients. Simon Hill tells us more…
At SESH, when we decided to become more environmentally conscious, we discovered Enki Towels – a single-use, disposable towel brand that is both vegan and biodegradable. After making the switch, we quickly saw a reduction in our washing costs. We also noticed a significant improvement in hygiene and the overall client experience – both of which are key factors to consider when choosing a towel brand.
Below are some of the key aspects we considered when selecting a new towel partner. These may help guide your decision as you look for ways to make your salon more sustainable…
So, what is there to consider?
- What’s the most hygienic option?
When it comes to what’s the most hygienic towel option for your salon, disposable towels lead the way. Disposable towels offer a fresh, clean towel for every client, with no need for laundering or cross-contamination. Since they’re single use, there’s no risk of reuse, which is especially beneficial for colour treatments, preventing colour transfer between clients. They’re also ideal for beauty salons and spas, helping to prevent the spread of bacteria or fungal infections.
- Do you want your towels to be environmentally friendly?
For salons who take sustainability and caring for the environment seriously, they may opt for reusable towels. Reusable towels can be deemed to be more environmentally friendly, as they are not discarded after a single use and can be reused multiple times, reducing waste being sent to landfill.
However, many disposable towels are biodegradable, which has a profound effect when it comes to reducing pollution. At Enki Towels, their disposable towels are 100% biodegradable, breaking down within 8–12 weeks, and they’re even compostable. Unlike many other disposable towel brands, they prioritise true sustainability – so it’s always worth researching a company’s environmental commitments before you choose.
Disposable towels are also energy efficient, as you do not need to wash your towels at the end of the day. This will significantly reduce your water and energy consumption, while also saving valuable time for you and your stylists time that can be better spent focusing on clients
- What’s the most cost-effective choice for your salon?
Many salon owners will be under the impression that reusable towels will be a more cost-effective choice for the salon, as they will not need to regularly buy large quantities of disposable towels. However, this is where research comes in! Many disposable towel brands offer subscription services that provide a large quantity of towels at a great price, helping you save on costs in the long run.
Reusable towels also still require regular updates due to colour stains and general wear and tear – there’s nothing worse than a beautiful salon that still keeps old, ragged towels.
Taking into consideration how cost-effective disposable towels are when it comes down to energy and water consumption also helps to save money for your salon in the long run.
- What would your clients prefer?
Clients expect luxury, especially when they need to sit with a towel on their head or lie on one during treatments. A towel that feels soft and comfortable enhances their overall experience in the salon, spa or clinic.
Many salon owners opt for reusable towels, as they can give the salon a more upscale appearance compared to disposable options. However, reusable towels, especially those made from lower-quality materials, can quickly lose their softness. Frequent washing, along with excessive use of detergent or fabric softener, often leads to product build up, stiffness, and reduced absorbency over time.
In addition to becoming stiff, reusable towels may also fade, shrink, lose their sheen, or become threadbare – none of which make a good impression on clients.
Fortunately, disposable towels have come a long way. At Enki, they use high-quality natural plant fibres to create towels that are exceptionally soft, luxurious, and eco-friendly, giving your clients comfort without compromising sustainability – our clients always comment on how luxurious and soft the towels feel!
- Do you have a preference on your salon towel materials?
It’s important to research the materials of disposable towels before purchasing to ensure they have great absorbency, softness, and biodegradability. Natural materials such as plant fibres within disposable towels are not only all of these, but they are also incredible for smoothing the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and colour. They also smell fresh all the time.
Cotton towels, which are often the reusable towel material of choice, can be detrimental to hair health. They can pull the hair stands and cause friction. Therefore, silk or satin reusable towels may be a better option for salons who are looking for a reusable option that will look after their client’s hair, but they will also be more costly to purchase.
Choosing the perfect towel brand for your salon can be challenging, but considering factors like comfort, hygiene, and sustainability is essential. If your goal is to run a more eco-conscious salon without compromising client experience, disposable towels are an excellent solution. They offer a more hygienic alternative to reusables, while still delivering softness, luxury, and environmental responsibility.
Round-up
There are many ways to make your salon more sustainable, such as choosing environmentally friendly hair products, recycling wherever possible, switching to LED lighting, and using energy-efficient appliances. At SESH we also recycle our metal waste, including foil and colour tubes and we prevent chemical waste from hair colour from entering landfills or waterways. We focus on reducing our carbon footprint through various measures and are always looking into new sustainable initiatives that we can adopt. Choosing the right towel brand is an initial step towards greater sustainability for salons, but it’s an impactful one that can significantly reduce your water and energy usage.
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