How to Create a Healthy Salon Environment for Stylists

Shared from: Suzanne Quinn President, Glow Communications

Sustainability is a priority for most business owners, yet the focus seems to be on the effect waste, energy and products have on the environment.  Co-owners of Salon Audace and Blow Dry Bar, Christopher Saint John and Nathan Creger, strongly believe in the sustainability of their staff.  Their mission is to create a healthy salon environment for them to ensure balance, happiness and longevity.

“Sustainability is not just about the environment, it’s about your body too!” explains Saint John, who meticulously thought out every inch of the salon design for optimal workflow and efficiency to help prolong the careers of his staff.  “It started with lighting and hanging blow dryers and then literally every aspect of our salon was upgraded to offer a healthy experience for both our stylists and guests.”

A Green Circle Salon for 7 years now, Saint John offers tips on how to make a sustainable salon environment for stylists.

Lighting

Strive for 100% LED and focus on three things – 

·         Lumens = Brightness

Old incandescent bulbs were commonly rated by watts (75w or 100w),

but that doesn’t pertain to LED lighting. 

·         Kelvin = Color Temperature (blue vs yellow, cool vs warm or 6500k-2300k).  

·         Color Rendering Index (CRI) = Accuracy on a 0-100% scale.  

Strive for 90% accuracy, a perfect daylight balance and no shadows.

 Hanging Blow Dryers

The Freestylist Support System is the best hanging blow dryer system on the market.  It makes blow dryers (and blow drying) ergonomic and weightless, so stylists do not strain their neck, back and shoulders.  There’s no bending down to set the dryer on a counter and no finger manipulation to work controls.  It’s all done automatically when the dryer is pulled up or down from the aerial support.  Stylists like health benefits and clients love the aesthetic See it in action!

Minimize Bending Over

Shampoo bowls are set at a higher height, so stylists do not have to bend over as low when shampooing, which reduces neck and back strain, as well as fatigue.

Efficient Workflow Design

Workstations and cabinetry are designed for optimal workflow – the number of steps needed to execute services were calculated and minimized to help conserve energy and promote optimal efficiency.

Air Filtration System

A special air conditioning system circulates air and filters out allergens such as dust, dirt, chemicals and hair, allowingo staff to breathe cleaner air which improves mood levels.

“We initiated a $2 eco charge to help pay for the recycling services and upgrades and our guests are happy to pay it.  The fact that we are into sustainability has helped us attract like-minded stylists and consumers looking to do their part and support green- minded initiatives,” says Saint John.  The salon is 98% sustainable – only the vinyl gloves and bathroom waste are not recycled.

“We’re proud to be doing our part to make people and the planet beautiful.  Creating a better work environment for our staff ensures that they are always bright and sunny in the salon…and our guests reap the benefits!” adds Saint John.

Learn more about Salon Audace and Blow Dry Bar on www.salonaudace.com,  Facebook @salonAUDACE and 405-234-0456.

Freestyle Systems is a leading technology provider of patented health-conscious solutions for salons and spas.  Their products elevate décor, aesthetics and function, as well as provide solutions to problems that can threaten stylists’ careers.  The Freestylist Support System is the world's first and only weightless blow drying system and the most ergonomical in the industry.  Thousands of stylists rely on it to reduce repetitive stress injuries, eliminate cord tangles and optimize blow drying efficiency for longer healthier careers.  See it in action!  SpectraLights are the first LED lights designed for salons and the most energy efficient salon lights in the world.  They closely match the sun’s visible spectrum to provide optimal lighting for accurate color rendering for both colorists and guests. Learn more on freestylesystems.com, YouTube @Freestyle Systems, Facebook @FreestyleSystems and Instagram @FreestyleSystems.