Amidst the vibrant landscape of San Diego, Scisters Salon & Apothecary is redefining the beauty industry with its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Co-founders Easton Basjec and Melissa Parker have transformed their salon into a low-waste haven, championing eco-friendly practices that significantly curtail environmental impact while setting an innovative precedent for small businesses.
A Unique Salon Experience
Stepping into Scisters Salon is a breath of fresh air—literally. The typical clutter of plastic bottles and chemical-laden products is conspicuously absent. Instead, the salon boasts shelves filled with large refillable containers of shampoo and conditioner, while the absence of harsh chemical smells is a testament to its eco-conscious ethos. “It’s the smell people comment on straight away,” Parker notes, reflecting on how this welcoming atmosphere contrasts sharply with conventional salons.
Located in La Mesa, a mere nine miles from downtown San Diego, Scisters has evolved over its 15 years of operation into a leading example of sustainable beauty. The salon has successfully diverted up to 99% of its waste from landfills, a remarkable feat considering the beauty sector’s notorious environmental footprint.
The Environmental Challenge
The beauty industry often grapples with significant waste generation. In North America alone, salons reportedly dispose of around 63,000 pounds of hair daily, alongside considerable quantities of used foils and chemical products. According to Green Circle Salons, a Canadian organisation dedicated to salon sustainability, the environmental toll is staggering. Many conventional products contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and ammonia, which pose health risks to both clients and staff.
However, Basjec and Parker are on a mission to prove that beauty does not have to come at the expense of ecological integrity. The duo’s journey began when they recognised the need for transformation within their salon and the broader industry.
From Conventional to Conscious
Basjec and Parker’s partnership began while they were working at another salon before attending business school together. In 2010, they launched Scisters, initially following the traditional salon model and offering a wide range of branded products. The turning point came after Basjec was inspired by a documentary on the zero-waste movement, prompting her to reassess the salon’s environmental practices. Concurrently, Parker faced health challenges linked to salon chemicals, further motivating their shift towards sustainability.
The duo embarked on an extensive review of their services and products. They discontinued treatments that involved harmful chemicals and sought alternatives that aligned with their newfound commitment to sustainability. A pivotal moment occurred when they decided to create their own product line, Element, which they launched in 2019. This line is crafted in California and packaged in refillable containers, featuring ingredients like organic aloe and wheat protein.
Innovations in Waste Management
Scisters Salon’s innovative approach extends beyond product offerings. The salon has implemented a comprehensive waste management strategy, working with local waste companies to compost hair clippings and recycle materials traditionally deemed disposable. Parker elaborates on their approach to hair removal, stating, “Instead of waxing, we offer sugaring, which is not only compostable but also eliminates plastic waste.”
Moreover, the salon has integrated sustainable practices into its operational framework. This includes utilising energy-efficient LED lighting and installing Ecoheads sprayers in their shampoo bowls to reduce water usage. The decor itself reflects their values, with furniture sourced from second-hand shops, further minimising their environmental footprint.
While some compromises remain—such as the necessity of certain chemical treatments—Scisters actively mitigates risks through robust ventilation systems and the use of air-purifying plants.
Financial Sustainability Through Eco-Consciousness
Transitioning to a low-waste model required initial investment; however, Parker affirms that the long-term financial benefits have been substantial. “Going green has been the greatest thing we’ve done for our business financially,” she asserts, noting how the refill model played a critical role during the pandemic, maintaining revenue when traditional services were suspended.
Denise Baden, a professor of sustainable business at the University of Southampton, supports this observation. She emphasises that eco-friendly practices often lead to cost savings, particularly in energy and resource consumption. Hairdressers wield significant influence over their communities, making their commitment to sustainable practices vital for broader societal change.
Empowering Change in the Industry
Scisters Salon is not only focused on their own practices; they are dedicated to uplifting the entire industry. Both Parker and Basjec actively participate in local events to share their expertise and have published guides to assist other salons in adopting sustainable practices. They are keen to distribute their Element products to other businesses, advocating for a collective shift towards sustainability in beauty.
“We get calls from other salons all the time. It’s not sustainable if we’re the only ones doing it,” Bajsec emphasises, highlighting their vision for a collaborative future.
Why it Matters
Scisters Salon & Apothecary represents a pivotal shift in the beauty industry, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can coexist. By prioritising eco-friendly practices and sharing their knowledge with others, Basjec and Parker are not only transforming their own business but also inspiring a movement towards a greener future in beauty. Their journey serves as a reminder that small businesses can lead the way in making significant environmental impacts, encouraging others to follow suit in their quest for sustainability.
