“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's 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, a hanging blow-dryer system, makes blow-dryers (and blow-drying) ergonomic and lightweight, 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.
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, allowing 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.
