Could a simple haircut help the planet? Hair salons, climate change and sustainability

A straightforward trip to the hairdresser might do more for the environment than you’d expect. New research indicates that the ordinary conversations taking place in hair salons could help shift attitudes towards climate change and sustainability.

The study suggests that hairdressers are well placed to shape how clients think about the climate and everyday greener living. While someone is having their hair cut or styled, a relaxed, friendly chat can nudge them towards small day-to-day changes that benefit the planet.

To investigate this idea, researchers from the University of Bath Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), working with colleagues at other universities, examined how salons function not just as places for beauty treatments, but as trusted community spaces where meaningful discussions can begin.

How salons build trust

Salons often foster an unusually close relationship between hairdresser and client.

Many clients return to the same stylist over long periods, and it’s common for people to talk candidly about personal matters while seated in the chair. That familiarity and confidence can make the salon an easy setting for introducing new ideas and exploring different perspectives.

“Hairdressers build trust over months and years. That kind of relationship is gold when it comes to discussing climate change. We found salons to be unique spaces where clients feel safe, relaxed, and open to new ideas,” said Dr. Sam Hampton.

In that calm atmosphere, discussions about everyday routines can naturally broaden. What starts as a conversation about products or hair health can quickly expand into topics such as water use, household energy consumption, or choosing more environmentally friendly options.

Studying hair salon conversations

To understand how this influence works in practice, the research team spoke with 30 salon owners and directors.

Those interviews helped the researchers gauge how frequently environmental issues come up with clients and what tends to prompt those discussions.

The team then trialled an additional approach in 25 sustainable salons across the United Kingdom by introducing small mirror signs known as “Mirror Talkers”.

Placed on salon mirrors, the Mirror Talkers featured simple eco tips connected to haircare. The aim was to encourage both stylists and clients to start talking about sustainability in a practical, non-preachy way.

Even this modest intervention appeared to make a difference: many clients began reflecting on their habits during routine moments such as washing their hair or selecting personal care products.

Hair habits affect the planet

Professor Denise Baden from the University of Southampton pointed out that people don’t always understand what makes a product genuinely better for the environment.

Packaging can look recyclable or appear “eco”, yet the most significant impact can come later, during everyday use.

“Most of us think a ‘green’ product is one with recyclable packaging, but the carbon footprint of shampoo is mostly in the hot water used, so simple messages such as ‘most of us use too much shampoo and shampoo too often’ can prompt conversations about how shampooing less and at lower temperatures saves time, money, energy, water and is better for your skin and hair condition,” noted Professor Baden.

Everyday conversations inspire change

The researchers also found that sustainability discussions already emerge naturally in many salons. Conversations that begin with hair often branch into wider choices and behaviours, including plastic use, food preferences, travel, and energy use at home.

The Mirror Talkers trial produced a measurable response as well. Around 73 per cent of clients said that salon conversations made them think about adjusting their haircare routines.

Some people reported switching to more eco-friendly products, using less hot water, or taking up other environmentally friendly habits.

In the study, hairdressers were described as “everyday influencers”. Unlike online personalities and celebrities, they develop genuine, ongoing relationships within their local communities. That repeated contact can make small, practical suggestions feel more relevant-and more doable.

Salons share eco values

Some salons already put sustainability at the heart of what they do. One example highlighted in the research is B Hairdressing in Bath, which uses vegan and ethical products and encourages conversations about environmentally friendly ways of living.

Harriet Barber from B Hairdressing described the salon’s perspective.

“We believe beauty should never cost the earth – our salon is proudly vegan, eco-friendly, and stocked with ethical products,” she said.

“Clients come to us for more than great hair; they connect with our values and the conversations we have around sustainability, green living, and even growing your own veg – it’s more than a salon, it’s a like-minded community.”

Examples like this show how a business can pair beauty services with environmental awareness, turning values into daily practice.

Hairdressers can influence climate

Dr. Briony Latter from Cardiff University argued that the influence of everyday professionals is often underestimated. When people talk about influence, attention tends to land on celebrities or prominent public figures.

Yet those we interact with regularly-and trust-may have an even stronger effect. “We’re used to thinking of people in the public eye, such as celebrities, as influencers,” said Dr. Latter.

“But what about the people you actually talk to on a regular basis who know you and who you trust with your appearance and sometimes more personal aspects of your life? Hairdressers have an untapped ability to weave climate change into everyday conversations and actions.”

The research underscores how small, familiar interactions can help bring climate topics into everyday life.

Hairdressers support climate action

Across the United Kingdom, there are more than 61,000 hair and beauty businesses, contributing about £5.1 billion to the economy. The researchers argue that this extensive network could also help expand climate awareness.

The study points towards practical steps, such as building sustainability training into hairdressing education and apprenticeships. It also suggests that national initiatives like Mirror Talkers could help normalise more conversations about eco-friendly habits.

“If we’re serious about building a public movement for climate action, then it’s time to invest in these unsung influencers because real change starts in everyday conversations, not just in Westminster,” said Dr. Hampton.