MENU
SEARCHAccording to Green Circle Salon’s first Circle of Impact Report, an in-depth report analyzing the issue of salon waste and its detrimental effects on our planet, salon waste adds up to a staggering 421,000 pounds daily.
According to Green Circle's report, the largest contributors to salon waste are hair color, hair clippings, and metal.
Photo: Green Circle Salons
Green Circle Salons has released its first Circle of Impact Report, an in-depth report analyzing the issue of salon waste and its detrimental effects on our planet.
This report examines two themes: the overarching impact of salon waste on the environment and the attitudes of salon professionals toward this critical issue. According to Green Circle data, the salon industry in the U.S. and Canada generates an astonishing 877 pounds of waste per minute. To put that into perspective, that’s the weight of an adult grizzly bear per minute. This adds up to a staggering 421,000 pounds daily, assuming an eight-hour workday. The largest contributors to waste are:
Hair Color: the industry throws away over 42,000 pounds of excess hair color daily.
Hair Clippings: Beauty waste includes a whopping 63,000 pounds of hair every day, which emits potent greenhouse gasses when left to decompose.
Metal: salons in North America dispose of 110,000 pounds of metal every day, which is more than half the weight of a commercial airplane.
"When most people sit down in a stylist's chair, they're prepping for a relaxing experience that will leave them looking and feeling good. But neither they — nor, often, the salon workers — are thinking about the tremendous impact they have on the environment at that moment. But it's not their fault. There hasn't been much education about the impact, and in the past, there has been a dearth of solutions. Fortunately, this is a problem that can be fixed, which is our mission here at Green Circle."
— Shane Price, CEO of Green Circle Salons
While momentum is building for salon sustainability, many salon professionals don’t know the industry’s environmental impacts. According to the report, 70% of salon professionals remain unaware of the clean recycling streams for hair color and the significant impact of hair waste on greenhouse gas emissions. The report also revealed that 64% of the general salon sample rated sustainability as "extremely important," indicating that the industry is ready to prioritize eco-friendly practices.
Next stop, Portugal! These winners will represent North America at the Wella Destination Event in the Global TrendVision Awards.
Stylists Yene Damtew and Jamal Edmonds launch Coil Event, a textured hair event for working stylists with hands-on education, live demonstrations, industry conversation, and networking.
Powered by mya, the zero-commission matchmaking tool connects clients with suite owners, setting a new tech benchmark in the salon suite industry.
A reimagined Press Conference and Official Show Launch will feature the artistry and creative direction of the Chrystofer Benson Artist Team, an exclusive first look at America’s Beauty Show 2027, and an invitation to EXPERIENCE the PULSE - The Heartbeat of the Professional Beauty Industry.
Maya Smith, CEO, Founder and Creative Director of haircare brand The Doux, sits down with Nicole to chat about the brand's new Roblox game, My Salon Empire, inspired by salon entrepreneurship and celebrating all hair textures.
This global competition celebrates the artistry, energy, and creative PULSE of the professional beauty community.
Sofia Vergara, Lucy Hale, Alison Brie, John Salley, Brian Austin Green and more honored the best achievements in Science Behind Beauty, Health & Wellness at this glittering event.
Stress was the factor respondents blamed most often when their skin worsened, cited by 54%, followed by diet at 37% and hormones at 35%.
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
Haircare brand The Doux has launched “My Salon Empire,” a free-to-play salon management game on Roblox, helping the next generation celebrate the diversity of textured hair and explore salon entrepreneurship.
The show reported 30% attendance growth. It felt that way. This event for the southwest professional beauty community had heart, spice, and something for everyone.
Wella artists presented the Monochromatic trend movement, introduced new Pure Perfection color and Sebastian styling innovations, while the Wella team created interactive fun throughout Wella Studio in Los Angeles.
Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.
Known for his buttery blondes and a technique for highlighting hair with more precision that he called chunking, Brad Johns died on August 27. His friend and fellow colorist, David Stanko, shares thoughts on his talented colleague and close friend.
As technology evolves at an accelerated rate, you want to make sure you have the best in your business toolkit to help you grow sales, motivate your team, communicate with your current and future clientele, and streamline your managerial tasks. The 2026 SALON TODAY Technology Solutions Guide is designed to help you navigate today's growing landscape of salon and spa technology. In this guide, you'll find a curated look at more than 50 of the latest software platforms, digital solutions, and innovative features to help you compare options and identify the best fit for your business.
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
RÜTE Wash introduces a shower cap designed specifically for crown washing, helping clients with hair extensions cleanse the scalp while protecting the lengths from water.
