Is Your Salon Sustainable? Here’s How Going Green Can Also Grow Your Business

The future of beauty isn’t just about style—it’s about sustainability. At the recent ANHC PRO Business Mastery Series, Kay Cantrell delivered a compelling session that challenged salon owners and independent stylists to rethink what sustainability really means for the beauty industry. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional—and profitable—while doing good.

Sustainability: More Than Just Buzzwords

“Sustainability is what’s going to sustain your business,” Kay emphasized during the webinar. “It’s not just about recycling or using natural products—it’s about your systems, your processes, and your entire ecosystem.”

In her presentation, Kay outlined the three pillars of sustainability for salon professionals:

1. Environmental – Reducing waste, choosing refillable and eco-conscious products, and conserving water and energy.

2. Social – Fair labor practices, community involvement, and transparency.

3. Economic – Building long-term profitability without sacrificing ethics or quality.

Even solo stylists can make a difference. Switching to LED bulbs, reducing water use, or simply offering an eco-friendly product option can make a meaningful impact. Kay also stressed the power of digital systems, like paperless checkouts, as another layer of sustainability.

Why It Matters

Your clients are watching. In fact, Kay shared that one of her clients saw the highest Instagram engagement all month after simply posting about switching to low-waste packaging. Today’s beauty clients are increasingly eco-conscious. If they don’t see your efforts to be sustainable, they may seek out alternative stylists who align with their values.

That’s not just talk—it’s business. Sustainable practices can lower your utility bills, reduce product waste, and increase client loyalty.

Avoiding Greenwashing

Kay cautioned against claiming to be a “sustainable salon” without backing it up. Instead, highlight specific practices: “We offer plant-based styling products,” or “Our salon has reduced paper use by going digital.” Just like ingredient transparency on beauty labels, honesty builds trust.

Start with One Step

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. “This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress,” Kay reassured attendees. Whether it’s switching to energy-efficient lighting or properly disposing of salon waste, even small changes add up—especially when they’re part of a consistent, intentional process.

Curious how sustainable your salon really is?

Take Kay Cantrell’s quick Sustainability Quiz to discover where you stand—and how to grow your business with purpose + profit.

🕒 Takes just 2 minutes

📊 Get a personalized score + next steps

🏱 Includes an invite for a free 15-minute consultation

👉🏽 Take the quiz now

Sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a transformation. And salons that embrace it now are poised to lead the future of beauty. As Kay reminded attendees, sustainable practices aren’t just good for the planet—they’re good for business. When your systems support both profitability and purpose, you create a feel-good foundation that uplifts both you and your clients.