Roger OngHairdressing salons are an essential part of Japanese lifestyle, with close to 250,000 hair salons throughout the country providing skilled styling for Japan’s residents. As such, the hairdressing industry can make a significant impact on our sustainable lifestyles and even the nation’s sustainability.
However, the truth is that the hair salon industry relies on releasing between 14,000 to 17,000 tons of chemical substances, consuming large amounts of water resources (75 billion liters per year), and generating considerable waste production (142 billion packages produced globally). It is reminiscent of how the fashion industry was revealed to have a substantial impact on the environment in a way we should not ignore.
The Japan Sustainable Salon Association (JSSA) is a nonprofit organization that aims to contribute to the development of the beauty industry and the realization of a sustainable society. JSSA promotes sustainable salons that are certified to transition to a sustainable industry and take the environment and society into consideration.
Beauty and sustainability do not need to be separate
While it is natural for people to seek glamorous and luxurious things for happiness, the reality of the hair salon industry is that it relies heavily on chemical substances discharge, water resource usage, and massive waste production. These practices create significant environmental burdens and lead to serious issues such as resource depletion, global warming, and negative impacts on ecosystems.
Furthermore, hairdressers themselves are exposed to harmful chemical substances daily, face harsh working conditions, and earn low wages. This results in a short average tenure of 6.2 years, indicating the urgent need to address the environmental and social challenges in the industry.
In a quest for a greener tomorrow, JSSA undertakes numerous endeavors, such as accrediting eco-friendly salons, fostering the adoption of sustainable practices, addressing challenges faced by sustainable salons, enlightening others about eco-conscious methods, conducting research, devising and proposing sustainable salon products, amassing and disseminating information on global standards, collaborating with members striving for sustainable efforts, and orchestrating events, awards, workshops, and other requisite activities to accomplish the association’s goals.
Through these activities, JSSA aims to create a sustainable industry that promotes environmental and social responsibility while contributing to the development of the beauty industry and a sustainable society.
Setting the standard for sustainable salons
JSSA started on their journey when they tried to visualize the impact of hairdressing salons in Japan and put a number to it. Their findings also resonated with salon patrons, and an interest in promoting sustainability among salons was born. JSSA then set out to create a standard for sustainable salons through the certification.
The SUSTAINABLE SALON certification represents the strict checks that certified salons had to go through to receive it. To receive the certification, a salon has to pass nine criteria/considerations: good for the human body, good for the environment, good salon space, usage of energy, usage of water, handling waste, consideration of transportation taken by customers, good for society, and, most importantly, vision and values.
Failing to meet the criterion will mean that the salon is not ready to be certified. However, JSSA gives constructive feedback on potential improvements, nudging the salons to become more sustainable.
Furthermore, JSSA will conduct inspections annually, requiring the certified salons to make two additional improvements compared to the previous year.
Not without difficulties
While there have been many inquiries for certification, JSSA has only approved five of them to date. Most salons are new to the concept of a truly sustainable salon, and JSSA has been able to provide insight into what elements made a salon sustainable.
JSSA shared some difficulties that held back salons from certification. Even though many salons already met the requirements for most of the criteria, “Consideration for salon space” was a hurdle.
The criteria required salons to ensure the physical space was healthy for customers’ well-being, for example, non-toxic paint for the walls and a filtration system to filter waste water. Remember also that hairdressers spend most of their time in the salon, and JSSA wants to make the workplace safe for them.
While it is easy for new startup salons that were renovating to include these features, veteran salons that were built without these considerations have challenges to overcome.
Furthermore, even though JSSA has received many interested inquiries, awareness is still an issue. Many salons still question the merit of being environmentally-friendly. It reflects how the industry is in a blind spot in the discussion of sustainability, and why JSSA’s certification is important at this point in time.
Introducing the “Sustainable Salon” certified salons!
As the beauty industry continues to evolve and consumers become more conscious of their environmental footprint, JSSA’s efforts to promote sustainable practices will become increasingly important. By raising awareness, providing guidance, and certifying eco-friendly salons, JSSA is helping to drive positive change within the hair salon industry in Japan and beyond. As more salons adopt sustainable practices and become certified, the industry will progress toward a more environmentally-friendly and socially responsible future, benefiting both salon professionals and their customers.
Because of the stringency of the certification, we are able to introduce the five salons that have been certified with a high degree of confidence. They will also be listed on Zenbird.life as curated sustainable brands.
THE ORIENTAL JOURNEY (Chiba Prefecture)
THE ORIENTAL JOURNEY, a salon committed to sustainability, encourages clients to embark on a personal journey towards a more beautiful community, society, and Earth. They showcase this dedication through the use of organic products, environmentally friendly packaging, and upcycled newspaper tote bags made by the challenged, promoting a plastic-free approach. The salon’s design features natural plaster walls to reduce allergens and odors, 1920s antique furniture, solid wood decorations, and renewable energy for operations. Sustainable speakers and ethical banana paper hangers are also incorporated in the salon.
THE ORIENTAL JOURNEY employs various eco-friendly practices, such as stocking bamboo toilet paper, serving organic and fair-trade drinks, and using an ozone water system to neutralize chemicals and discharge clean water. Showerheads with a 60% water-saving rate and FSC-certified Easydry towels minimize environmental impact. The salon also collects a 100 yen donation per visit to support developing countries and donates a portion of parking lot revenue to reforestation projects for carbon offsetting. In partnership with Matter of Trust, Oriental Journey repurposes hair scheduled for disposal to absorb heavy oil spills, protecting the ocean.
coconiwa (Tokyo Prefecture)
coconiwa is a sustainable salon that emphasizes beauty from the heart, aging together with customers, and providing a welcoming space. The salon creates a unique and valuable experience by using 100% natural inorganic materials on its walls, employing environmentally friendly products, and utilizing renewable energy sources. Their commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through the provision of organic and fair-trade drinks and snacks, biodegradable straws, eco-friendly cleaning products, and bamboo toilet paper rolls.
The salon uses organic cotton for towels and blankets, as well as 100% biodegradable Easydry towels. They offer products that meet Sustainable Salon Certification criteria and donate a portion of their sales to CIESF, a non-profit organization that promotes mutual understanding between young people in Japan and overseas. coconiwa is accessible to all customers, providing facilities for breastfeeding and diaper changing. Future plans include increasing recycling efforts, reducing waste, participating in Matter of Trust’s initiatives, and hosting events centered around organic and sustainable practices.
Yohaku. (Ibaraki Prefecture)
Yohaku. is a sustainable salon that focuses on providing clients with a comfortable environment for self-reflection and personal growth while promoting eco-friendly practices. The salon features a mymizu spot for refilling reusable bottles and supports fair trade by selling ethically sourced goods. They contribute to the Japan Rescue Association through Hummingbird Electricity and offer clients organic drinks and vegan cookies. To minimize its environmental footprint, the salon uses compost and thinned wood pellets for heating.
Yohaku. maintains a clean environment through ozone air sterilization and ozone water. They are committed to reusing aluminum tubes for colorants and utilizing workshop-made shopping bags to reduce waste. The salon offers microscope scalp diagnosis and organic henna treatments. In the future, Yohaku. plans to further its sustainability efforts by incorporating solar thermal water heaters and solar panel power generation into its operations.
Lita-Lab (Okinawa Prefecture)
Lita-lab is a sustainable salon focused on creating a gentle environment for both people and the planet while enhancing clients’ inner beauty. The salon uses organic products in every aspect, from the space’s design to the shampoo, merchandise, and towels provided to clients. By making eco-conscious choices, Lita-lab demonstrates the significant impact small decisions can have on the future.
Believing that collective action in the beauty industry can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Lita-lab meets the Sustainable Salon Certification criteria and actively participates in environmental and regional revitalization efforts. This dedication is apparent in their use of locally produced honey for treatments, signage made from locally sourced wood, and involvement in planting Okinawa coral. Through these initiatives, Lita-lab showcases its unwavering commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
colorer (Tokyo Prefecture)
colorer, a sustainable beauty salon, aims to create a brighter and more beautiful future for both the Earth and its customers. Committed to protecting the planet’s health, the salon uses certified organic cosmetics, towels, and herbal teas, along with environmentally friendly detergents to minimize its environmental impact. The plaster walls help eliminate chemical substances, contributing to a healthier atmosphere.
Powered by green energy and offering all-hand treatments, colorer showcases its dedication to sustainability. As a professional esthetic salon, the staff has specialized knowledge and qualifications to provide exceptional service. The salon also donates to the non-profit organization CIESF, which promotes mutual understanding among young people in Japan and overseas, and fosters a sustainable society. In the future, Colorer plans to introduce new organic treatments and engage in local and international volunteering efforts, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and community well-being.
