Verde, a green salon in Nashua, NH

While the image of a hair salon might bring to mind pungent styling chemicals and dyes, more and more organic, chemical-free hair products are being developed, making a green hair salon not only a practical possibility, but also a brilliant and increasingly relevant business idea.

1. What is a sustainable hair salon?
Salons are where people go to have their hair cut and styled. They can do so sustainably: More and more hair care products are being developed that are organic and made from all natural ingredients, as opposed to the conventional dyes, shampoos and conditioners which are filled with questionable ingredients, often derived from petrochemicals. A sustainable salon offers these healthier, chemical-free hair products and support eco-friendly beauty companies.

Ones we like:
Natural Fusion Hair Studio - Frederick, MD
Verde Salon - Nashua, NH
Shear Bliss - San Francisco, CA

A pile of booms made from hair clippings donated to Matter of Trust to absorb oil from the spill in the Gulf

Hair clippings themselves are also capable of a second life that is nothing short of incredible. In the past, when oil spills like the BP spill in the Gulf took place, the spilled oil was treated with other petrochemicals that would help neutralize it but also create a lasting toxic legacy in our oceans. Phil McCrory, a hairstylist from Alabama, thought there was a better way and demonstrated that hair clippings soak up oil as well as any chemical treatment can neutralize it, perhaps far better. Now, many salons contribute hair clippings to Matter of Trust, a non-profit organization that weaves them into oil-soaking mats and booms, which have become a valuable tool in the Gulf clean-up.

2. What required knowledge or skills are necessary?
Training as a stylist/esthetician will help you establish this company and your own credibility with other stylists.

3. How much money is required to start?
$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)

4. What is the income potential?
$$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)

Natural Fusion Hair Studio, a green salon in Frederick, MD

5. What is the best location for a green hair salon?
Urban (best), semi-urban (very good), suburbs (very good), rural (fair/poor).

6. Three best questions to ask yourself to find out if this business is right for you (if you can answer yes to all three, this business might be for you):

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Interested in starting one in your community? Where do you begin? What permits do you need? Who is your target customer? How do you find them? What is the best use of your limited advertising dollars? What's the best way to attract a great employee or volunteer? What does an average day look like? What strategic tips do veteran eco-entrepreneurs suggest for startups like you?

There's a lot to think about, but rest easy! Our mission is to help you succeed, so set up a free half hour consultation with Scott Cooney, GBO's Principal, and author of Build a Green Small Business (McGraw-Hill). You may also order a free (S&H only) copy of Scott's book by clicking on the picture of the book cover below.