By 2026, UK salons will see a significant shift towards sustainability, driven by a need to reduce waste and cut costs. Nilofer Aydinli of Enki Towels predicts key trends including the rise of refillable hair products, where clients return bottles for refills, minimising packaging. This extends to in-salon refill stations, a collaborative effort with suppliers to curb single-use plastic.
Waste minimisation will also be a major focus. Salons will likely implement dedicated recycling bins for materials such as foils and hair. Auditing waste streams could reveal surprising environmental impacts, pushing businesses towards compostable alternatives. Enki Towels, for instance, offers biodegradable and compostable towels that break down within 8-12 weeks, suitable for compost, food waste, or general bins.
Water and energy efficiency will become a priority. Expect to see salons adopting LED lighting and water-saving showerheads at backwashes. The appeal of disposable, compostable towels like Enki's will grow, as they eliminate laundry costs associated with water, energy, and detergent.
Furthermore, ingredient sourcing is evolving. A move away from harsh chemicals towards natural, eco-friendly alternatives is anticipated for both retail and professional colour products. Ammonia-free colour and vegan retail lines are already gaining traction, catering to a conscious clientele.
Embracing digital tools is another trend to watch. Salons will increasingly move from paper appointment books to online booking systems, and from physical cards to e-gift and loyalty programmes, reducing paper waste and streamlining operations. These changes offer tangible cost savings and align businesses with growing consumer environmental awareness.
