As a permanent makeup artist or beauty professional, you know that almost 80% of the tools and supplies you use in your salon are disposables that are, in most cases, made of non-recyclable materials.
If you’ve been wondering how to take your PMU artistry in a more sustainable direction – you’re not alone!
Many PMU artists and beauty professionals are becoming more and more aware of the impact their everyday practices have on the environment and their clients.
That’s why we decided to bring you a closer look at sustainability in a beauty salon, what some recommended practices are, and how to implement them in your daily work routine. Let’s get to it!
Is the Permanent Makeup Industry Sustainable?
The PMU and beauty industries have been known for their frequent usage of plastic-based and chemical-heavy products, which can contribute to a negative impact on the environment.
However, there has been a growing awareness and demand for sustainable practices in recent years. Beauty salons, including permanent makeup studios, can take steps to become more eco-conscious and work more sustainably.
The main concern, however, is safety-related so single-use sterilized items like needle cartridges and disposable blades will continue to be in use in the foreseeable future, in order to avoid cross-contamination.
Image source: Freepik
How to Practice Sustainability in a Beauty Salon?
As a PMU artist, you’re probably aware of the quantities of disposable PPE you go through by setting up your workstation and protecting your tools from contamination.
Here are some things that you can do to turn your business into an eco friendly beauty salon:
Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics, such as disposable trays, cups, and plastic wraps, are commonly used in PMU and beauty salons.
These items contribute to a significant amount of waste that can harm the environment. You can reduce your salon’s use of single-use plastics by switching to reusable or compostable alternatives.
For example, you can switch to biodegradable salon towels and compostable wraps to protect your tools and equipment from contamination.
Use Sustainable Products
By switching to sustainable and eco-friendly products, you can minimize your salon’s impact on the environment.
Choose to invest in products that are free from harsh chemicals, such as parabens and sulfates, and are packaged in recyclable materials.
Look for brands that prioritize sustainability and have environmentally friendly certifications, such as cruelty-free, vegan, or organic.
Implement a Recycling Program
Setting up a recycling program in your PMU or beauty salon can help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
You can provide recycling bins for items like glass, plastic, and paper. Make sure to properly label the bins and educate your staff on what items are recyclable.
Additionally, consider partnering with a recycling program that will pick up the recyclables from your salon.
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Good lighting is essential in a PMU or beauty salon, but it can also be a significant energy consumer.
That’s why you should consider switching to LED light bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional ones. Additionally, install motion sensors or timers to automatically turn off lights when not in use.
Check out some of our favorite LED salon lighting options here.
Offer Sustainable Services
Offering sustainable services can attract clients who prioritize eco-friendliness.
For example, you can offer plant-based dye treatments like henna brows or henna freckles, that use organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. Additionally, consider offering sustainable and ethical beauty products in your salon.
Partner Up with Sustainable Brands
Partnering with sustainable brands can help reinforce your salon’s commitment to sustainability.
Collaborate with brands that share your values and prioritize eco-friendliness. By partnering with these brands, you can showcase their sustainable products and services in your salon, attracting clients who value sustainability.
Best Products to Use for a Sustainable Beauty Salon
Even though single-use plastic items like latex gloves, plastic covers, brushes, or even containers are still needed in a lot of PMU salons, there are products that are biodegradable that can help you run a more sustainable beauty salon.
Let’s take a look at the best eco-friendly products to incorporate into your business:
Eco-Friendly Microblading Handles
Microblading artists know how many disposable plastic tools they go through each week. To make their service a bit more eco-friendly, biodegradable, green microblading handles aka holders were developed.
These handles are made to fit all types of blades and hold them safely in place while working. They are compatible with scalpels, and even tattoo needles, plus they are quite light and easy to work with, which is great for both experienced artists and beginners.
They’re still disposable, but they’re not as bad for the environment as plastic ones.
Biodegradable Tattoo Cartridge Needles
For artists who do machine work, needle cartridges are items that need to be replaced before and sometimes even during each procedure. So, making these quite wasteful items biodegradable is imperative.
You can find needle cartridges made from natural wheat straw fiber and PP material on the market today. They have similar properties to the plastic ones, but their elements are biodegradable.
They are safe to work with and help maintain a hygienic work environment, while also contributing to a better world.
You can find them in all configurations, from round liners, to shaders, and magnums – just double check which configuration you’re buying, as the list available is quite long.
Biodegradable Face Masks
According to extensive research, face masks are conducted of multiple plastic fibers, mainly polypropylene, which will persist in the environment for decades and possibly centuries while disintegrating into smaller micro- and nanoplastics.
The first step in reducing the number of face masks that wind up in our environment is switching to biodegradable ones or reusable cotton ones that you can wash before each treatment.
Compostable Protective Covers
Pure plastic wraps like Saran wrap seem like a great option for preventing contamination and protecting your gear but trust us, you don’t want to use them in the long run as they pose a real threat to the environment.
Opt for compostable options instead like compostable dental bibs, clip cord covers, and more for keeping your treatments safe and comfortable for your clients.
Biodegradable Tray Protection
Keeping your workstation clean and your pigments accessible is the most important thing during any PMU or beauty treatment.
Since ink cups are quite wasteful items, you can make a significant difference just by opting for biodegradable ones instead.
You can easily practice sustainability in a beauty salon by switching to biodegradable ink cup holders as well, or by using biodegradable food trays as organizers.
Eco-Friendly Disposable Tools
Disposable tools like cotton swabs and pads, paper towels, or even different kinds of disposable applicators and brushes contain microplastics that can potentially harm the environment.
Thankfully, there are organic and biodegradable options on the market so you can find the majority of the disposable tools you use in your daily work in bamboo or another environmentally friendly alternative as well.
So, Should You Give Sustainability a Try?
Sustainability in the beauty and PMU industry is essential for the health of our planet. As a permanent makeup artist with a salon, you can take steps to become more eco-friendly and offer a more sustainable service to your clients.
From reducing single-use plastics to switching to biodegradable products, there are many ways to make your salon more sustainable. By implementing these practices, you can attract eco-conscious clients and contribute to a healthier planet as well.
