How Europe’s hair stylists are cutting carbon & boosting climate action

New research unveils surprising discoveries about hair salons, suggesting that they could play a central role in encouraging public engagement. It has been found that the hair salon may be an unlikely weapon in fueling climate action. The findings from the University of Bath’s Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformation in collaboration with other British universities, elucidate that these “hubs of trust” can be used to foster conversations around climate change.

How hairdressers are going green: The secret weapon for climate fighters

The research team conducted in-depth interviews with 30 UK salon owners and directors about their climate and sustainability interactions. The intriguing study, published in the journal Humanities Social Sciences Communications found that almost 73 percent of salon clients said they were likely to change their haircare routine after conversations prompted by “Mirror Talkers.”

In line with the researchers’ observation, hairdressers have an untapped talent for weaving climate change into daily conversations. Consequently, they are now urging policymakers to implement tools like Mirror Talkers nationally, and recognize that salons are valuable spaces for climate engagement.

In this connection, Matilda Collins, a senior director and stylist at Paul Edmonds London in the UK, stated in an interview with Euro news that the salon is becoming aware of its own environmental footprint and is adopting energy-sufficient measures to reduce the need for constant water heating.

The study’s conclusion underscores the relationship and trust that a stylist builds with clients, which can lead to potential positive changes in behaviour, such as choosing sustainable brands.