IN a world where climate change is becoming ever more important, and veganism is more than just a trend, one salon in Glasgow’s City Centre is hoping to do its bit for the planet around us.

Self-described as Scotland’s “first organic, mineral, vegan and sustainable salon, Salon Zero on Cambridge Street is doing things differently.

“We operate a sustainable business model to reduce, re-use and recycle. Our ethos is zero harsh chemicals, zero animal products, zero animal testing, zero carbon, zero waste,” explains director Alison Baxter.

She took over the old Fusco’s Salon back in January and got to work maximising the space.

Things were going well until the coronavirus pandemic hit just before they were due to launch, with the salon finally opening its doors on July 15.

Salon Zero took inspiration from Daniel Field of London, who since 1981 has been creating cruelty free, safe, gentle and effective alternatives to harmful hair products.

To that end, they are also opening a “Daniel Field Suite” in the salon. This will be a private room where people on their cancer journey can receive specialist services and products to reduce hair loss and help hair and skin impacted by cancer treatments.

Speaking about the idea to the Glasgow Times, Alison said: We are constantly on a journey to find the most eco-friendly solutions for our services and for use in and around the salon.

“We strive to walk as gently on the earth as possible.

“I have brought my personal values into my business and am enjoying the challenge of finding the products and solutions to meet our ethos.”

It’s impossible to find something in the salon that is not eco-friendly. They use foil-alternatives when colouring. Their paper rolls are recycled – and even their refreshments are eco-friendly.

But they didn’t stop there. Alison added: “We couldn’t find gowns made in eco-friendly material so we made our own out of organic cotton sheets and added a colourful twist by tie-dying them.

“Our clients love the look and feel of the salon, even things like the mirrors are always a talking point, being made from recycled magazines and glass. “