We use it every day, yet we likely don’t mull over the fact that it’s the culprit for so many bad hair days. It is a diminishing resource, yet we waste it almost every time we use it. It’s life-giving, and if we run low, it would mean disaster. We are talking about water. August is Clean Water Month, and it’s a topic that frankly doesn’t get enough airtime considering how much we rely on it for our service outcome.

Key reservoirs in the Southwest have dropped by 60% over the past 25 years, while government tests found that one in five US aquifers (where much of our drinking water comes from) is contaminated. Inevitably, costs are escalating.

“Across the country, but especially in the center and in Florida, salons are already struggling with water that ranges from hard through to very hard to downright extremely hard, and that all impacts hair and skin,” says Valorie Tate of Sustain Beauty Co. “Hard water can make hair dull and lifeless, exacerbate scalp issues, and hamper or even alter color processing. Inevitably, as water loss accelerates, costs will keep rising.” 

Valorie and her team have been championing water conservation and spreading awareness about the importance of clean, fresh water for years, advocating innovative practices and products to make it easier to save the wet stuff. To mark the end of Clean Water Month, she offers top water-wise strategies to help salons access better water and cut back on costs: 

More Than a Faucet Issue

It seems an obvious piece of advice, but cutting back on water use is often difficult in a busy salon, but there are ways to conserve it. Start by considering the whole water map, including laundry, dishes, and facilities, rather than just what flows from the faucet. Laundry can be replaced or supplemented with compostable, disposable towels (which are much nicer for the client anyway), and every restroom should be low-flo these days. Don’t forget to act quickly on leaks – they are costing you money. 

Ease Up On the Product

Use less product and there is less to rinse away, and we are talking about at the basin as much as the color bar. One cool side effect of a water softener is you’ll find you need less shampoo and conditioner to get the job done. And, upgrading your color bar with new tech like ThePing X, makes color go further and glide on easier, so you’ll quickly find you need less. And if it isn’t obvious, it will be once you install color management tech, which, by guiding stylists on formula quantities, can cut color costs in half overnight. Less color, less chemicals rinsed into the water system.

Be Adventurous

It may seem like an impossible leap, but shifting over to low-tox supplies not only reduces chemical exposure for you, your team, and clients, it also stops toxins flowing into our aquifers. Explore planet-friendly alternatives where you can, and while you are at it, have a look at non-toxic cleaning products, like Cutler Pro. 

Clean Up the Mess

And lastly, let’s discuss hard water which is hideous for color. If you live in an area with ultra-hard water, consider adding a chelating treatment before color services. Install filters and softeners to combat the hard water in your salon, ensuring you don’t reintroduce minerals after each service. 

You can instantly impact mineralization by installing high-filtration showerheads, such as ECOHEADS. Easy to swap with your existing showerheads, filtered versions will strip the nasties from the flow and save up to 65% of water and energy used on every client while also upping the pressure. It makes rinsing easier and quicker, protecting hair and color.

Remember, every little drop we save and every bit of chemicals prevented from contaminating our water helps sustain a resource that is intrinsic to delivering the best service possible. 

For further info on how to be water wise explore the Sustainable Salon Checklist published by Sustain Beauty Co and available to download for free here

About SBCo: Sustain Beauty Co was born with the mission to help identify authentic, credible and environmentally responsible brands that put stylists at the forefront of their purpose. All Sustain Beauty Co products must: 1) Reduce the footprint of consumables in our industry. 2) Empower artists to create beauty responsibly.3) Protect the stylist and the environment equally. 4) Come from ethical sources and responsible manufacturing facilities.