Scisters Salon & Apothecary, a pioneering establishment in La Mesa, California, is redefining sustainable beauty standards in the salon industry. Co-founders Easton Basjec and Melissa Parker are committed to creating a low-waste environment that not only prioritises eco-friendliness but also ensures the health and safety of their clients and employees. With a focus on innovative practices and community engagement, this salon is setting a precedent for others to follow.
A New Approach to Hair Care
Upon entering Scisters Salon, the absence of typical salon clutter is immediately striking. Gone are the rows of plastic bottles and overpowering chemical odours often associated with hair care establishments. Instead, visitors are greeted by refillable containers of shampoo and conditioner, lush greenery, and a surprisingly pleasant aroma of bergamot and vanilla. “It’s the smell people comment on straight away,” says Parker. “They walk in and say: ‘It smells good in here.’ That never happens in a conventional salon.”
Established 15 years ago, the salon has evolved into one of Southern California’s leading low-waste facilities, reportedly diverting around 99% of its waste from landfills. This remarkable achievement stands in stark contrast to the broader beauty industry, where salons across North America contribute an estimated 63,000 pounds of hair to landfills daily, along with vast amounts of foil and hair dye remnants.
Transforming the Business Model
The journey towards sustainability began when Basjec, inspired by a documentary on the zero-waste movement, began to scrutinise the environmental impact of the beauty sector. Concurrently, Parker faced health issues linked to long-term exposure to salon chemicals, prompting her to reconsider the products and services offered by Scisters.
“Several studies have shown that hairdressers face a heightened risk of health complications due to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and ammonia,” Parker explains. Faced with the possibility of leaving the profession she loved, Parker and Basjec resolved to transform their salon rather than abandon it.
Their first step was to evaluate their service offerings and product lines. They discontinued perm treatments due to their reliance on formaldehyde and shifted away from well-known brands that, despite their green marketing, used plastic packaging and contained harmful chemicals. Instead, they embarked on a mission to create their own line of products.
After years of development, they launched Element in 2019, a product line made from natural ingredients and packaged in refillable glass and aluminium containers. This innovation exemplifies their commitment to both performance and sustainability.
Rethinking Waste Management
The salon’s waste reduction strategies extend beyond just product packaging. Basjec and Parker have implemented numerous practices to minimise waste throughout their operations. For instance, they collaborated with local waste management to ensure hair clippings are composted rather than discarded.
“We started washing and recycling foils instead of sending them to landfills,” says Bajsec. “And rather than using traditional waxing, we now offer sugaring, which is both compostable and free from plastic.” Even in the bathroom, clients dry their hands with washable cloths, further reducing paper waste.
While 100% zero waste remains an elusive goal, the salon is committed to minimising its environmental footprint. They still offer hair bleaching, which involves ammonia, a chemical associated with respiratory issues. However, they have taken measures to mitigate exposure, including the use of industrial air filtration systems and strategically placed air-purifying plants.
Despite the inherent challenges, Parker and Bajsec have found ways to maintain their sustainable ethos while ensuring the salon’s financial viability. They ship any remaining plastic waste to Green Circle Salons for specialised recycling, investing in eco-friendly processes that ultimately prove cost-effective.
The Financial Upside of Sustainability
The transition to a low-waste model required an initial investment, but Parker has found that it has led to financial savings in the long run. “Overall, it’s actually less expensive. We’re not outsourcing to other beauty brands,” she states. This focus on sustainability became particularly advantageous during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Scisters pivoted to refill sales, allowing them to sustain revenue while other salons struggled.
Denise Baden, a sustainable business professor at the University of Southampton, notes that the experience of Scisters is indicative of a growing trend. “It’s a common misconception that eco-friendly practices are more costly. In reality, reducing energy and water consumption can lead to significant cost savings,” she explains.
Community Engagement and Future Aspirations
Parker and Bajsec are not only committed to their own practices but are also eager to inspire other salons to adopt sustainable methods. They actively participate in local events, such as the San Diego Zero Waste Symposium, and have published an online guide aimed at assisting other salons in reducing waste.
“We get calls from other salons all the time,” Bajsec mentions. “It’s not sustainable if we’re the only ones doing it.” Their ambition is to expand the reach of Element products to other salons, demonstrating that a low-waste model can be replicated across the industry.
Why it Matters
The innovative approach taken by Scisters Salon & Apothecary serves as a beacon for the beauty industry, illustrating that sustainable practices can coexist with business success. As consumer awareness around environmental issues continues to grow, salons that prioritise eco-friendly operations will not only contribute positively to the planet but also differentiate themselves in a competitive market. The commitment to sustainability demonstrated by Basjec and Parker highlights the potential for transformative change within the industry, encouraging a collective shift towards greener practices that could benefit both businesses and communities alike.
