Salons all over the country are working to be more environmentally friendly. Visit Modern Salon's special Green Beauty issue to get inspired. Here are what a few owners are doing now:

Rainbow Room Color Salon in Westlake, Ohio, recently took on organic, ammonia-free hair color line from Organic Color Systems. The FDA-approved product contains certified organic ingredients and produces salon-quality results.

"The best thing about organic color is what's left out," says Wendy Kamm, owner of Rainbow Room Color Salon.  "I'm using organic color about 95 percent of the time, and the clients just love it," she adds.

The color is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, predictable and causes no scalp stinging or skin staining. It's a great solution for pregnant women and those with allergies or damaged hair. It's also great for shine and gray coverage.

Though many products advertise low-ammonia formulations, Organic Color Systems bypasses the use of ammonia entirely. Even vegetable-based hair color has chemical additives, so even if a product says that it's "all natural," that doesn't mean it's "organic." 

For more information on the line, visit organiccolorsystems.com.

Patrick Melville Salon in New York City is taking color services in a new direction-green. In the 1960s, colorist used a rubber cap and crochet hook to achieve highlights, or as it was known then-frosting. In the 1970s, aluminum foil was introduced. In the '80s baliage became the rage. For 2008, celebrity colorist Rick Wellman has created a new method-Bio-lights. These 100-percent biodegradable cotton cloths replace the typically used aluminum foils. Wellman, co-owner and color director of Patrick Melville, says the Bio-lights method "compliments the ‘going green' concept prevalent in the hair care industry and throughout mainstream America.

"The Bio-lights technique is original and effective and I am passionate about creating a healthy, beautiful look for my clients all the while making conscious, safe decisions for our environment," he adds.

For more information, visit www.patrickmelvillesalon.com.

When award-winning hairdresser Pasquale Benasillo opened Salon Rocks with business partner Anthony Dell'Aquila, the two knew they had created something special. The Englewood, New Jersey, salon is as green as it gets. From custom-built sinks with cushioned headrests to the stylish recycled rubber flooring to the color area and styling stations crafted from recycled coconut palm trees, the salon is environmentally friendly.

In addition, many windows and skylights allow for natural daylight and recycled tree-bark wall coverings give the space an earthy, but fashionable flare. The client's comfort was not forgotten in this eco-friendly space. Built-in computers allow clients to surf the internet or check e-mail in the comfort of the salon's cool, eco-friendly loft space while they relax under state-of-the-art, wall-mounted clima-zone dryers.

In October, Splish Salon opened its first concept salon in Conifer, Colorado. This fashion-forward salon features all-natural products and trained stylists using an environmentally friendly and socially responsible philosophy as their guiding principles.

"Total customer satisfaction results from the balanced combination of friendly customer pampering and flawless service execution," says Matt Walsh, president, Splish Salons. "That customer service escalates further as it is coupled with an atmosphere inspired by nature and our dedication to the green-built philosophy."

Splish Salons aim to revolutionize the industry using green built finishes, continual educational programs and proven customer service systems.

For more information, visit www.mysplish.com.

When Kim Damato opened Priti Organic Spa in New York City two and a half years ago, she didn't create any old spa.

She build Priti with sustainable materials like bamboo floors, non-toxic paint and reclaimed wood from dumpsters. Cleaning products are all biodegradable and organic and of course, all product lines used on clients are organic. Damato even powers her internet by ThinkHost, a green hosting company that plants a tree for everyone who joins.

"In every way I try to do everything in the greenest possible way," says Damato. "It is an ever evolving process."

Priti's clients are grateful for the haven in an urban jungle. "Our clients range, but a huge percent are prenatal, cancer survivors, allergy sufferers and just an amazing group of young women who are concerned about what they are putting in their bodies," says Damato.

For facials, Damato stocks Dr. Alkaitis skin care line and subscribes to Doctor Alkaitis's theory of "if you can't eat it, don't put it on your face." In addition, Priti carries its own line of dbp, toluene and fomaldehyde-free nail polishes, soy and corn polish remover and organic candles. The candles feature scents that match pedicures like rosemary mint and orange ginger. Priti's Organic Arctic Mud Masks, Organic Mustard Sea Salts and Buddha Nose Organic Balms are among the other products clients enjoy.

"I think the products I carry and represent are some of the best in the organic world so far, but I am always looking for new ones," says Damato. "I try to find products that are healing and also support small organic farming family businesses."

Although "being green" isn't always easy, Damato sticks to her environmental  convictions and offers advice to clients as well.

"I often tell my clients when one thing runs out to find the green alternative. I think this goes for spas as well. It is a little more expensive, but in the long run, it's the only choice for our world and ourselves."

For more information on Priti, visit www.pritiorganicspa.com.