Stocked with Intention: A Sustainable Approach to Salon Retail
Sophia James | Owner of Indie Haven Hair + Education
How many orders have you made to stock your retail shelf in the past year? How much expired product have you had to throw out, because you overstocked your shelves? Have you ever thought about making retail less stressful for you, your wallet, your stylists, your clients and the environment? Switching to digital retail as a stylist can reduce expired inventory, cut packaging and display waste by up to 40%, and lower carbon emissions by eliminating extra shipping and handling. It’s a small shift with a big impact.
Stylists are encouraged to over-order to meet wholesale minimums, stock up on seasonal trends, and display products in branded packaging that’s often non-recyclable. The result of that? Shelves full of expired or untouched items, excessive plastic waste, and money tied up in inventory that doesn’t move. According to TheEcologist.org, the beauty industry produces over 421,000 pounds of waste daily. This system isn’t just inefficient — it’s out of sync with the low-tox, sustainability-focused approach that more beauty pros are embracing. Reimagining retail isn’t just about selling differently — it’s about selling in alignment with what we stand for.
Communicating your why clearly to both your team and your clients is going to be imperative to a successful transition.
MadCasPhoto
Being more stocked with intention doesn’t have one path or one right answer, there are so many ways to make this happen. One of my favorites is a refill system, you can encourage clients to bring their own bottles and fill up at their appointments! This method allows you to buy bulk-sized products, reducing packaging waste immediately. You can also make your selection specific to your clients needs and keep track of how fast you go through each product, to ensure you have what you need, when you need it. My second favorite method is referring my clients to affiliate links, it’s 2025! According to Yaguara.co, 68% of adults shop online, so why not bring that into the salon too? Many brands offer discount codes and commission earnings to their pro account users, this completely eliminates the pressure off clients to purchase their product in the moment or go to the drug store later. This also eliminates the physical retail section entirely, replace that retail shelf with a plant or two! Another option similar to the last, SalonInteractive, “SalonInteractive is passionate about creating online retail and marketing tools that help beauty businesses reclaim the retail revenue that should be theirs.”. This is a platform for stylists to curate a list of suggested products for each client and send it to them directly, after their appointment. I would also suggest looking locally, see if you have any refillery’s with hair products near you. This could even be a potential local partnership opportunity!
But how do you transition your clients who’ve been used to traditional retail? Get your team on board, so they (and you) can have conversations rooted in care, not conversion. Explain how this shift can impact the environment, between less restock orders and less expired product going to waste. A great way to get clients curious is by putting up QR codes at stations and using signage and shelf talkers throughout the space. If you have a retail section, a dramatic sign with no product left would be a great way to intrigue clients. Clients shouldn’t feel like retail is an upsell, it should feel like an essential part of your services and value.
Ditching your entire retail section can seem daunting, so take baby steps. Start with two or three best-selling products and decide whether you want to take the digital route, or encourage clients to bring bottles to refill from your bulk supply. Communicating your why clearly to both your team and your clients is going to be imperative to a successful transition. Once things are in place and going well, start adding in more products to the transition. People may even start requesting specific things. Here’s an idea, if you’re trying to sell out your retail shelf before you transition, consider a “going out of style” sale on all retail. This could create suspense, get clients asking and stylists talking about it.
When stocking with intention, remember this is not about perfection, it’s about alignment and the impact you’re making. Retail is just scratching at the surface with what we, as hairstylists and salon owners, can do to reduce our environmental impact and practice sustainability more. The Clean Slate is a comprehensive guide for owners and stylists who are invested in making transitions just like this in their space. The Clean Slate is available now at www.indiehavenhair.com.
Unlock the alchemy of razor cutting with Sophia in this look & learn class! Whether you’re looking to enhance your cutting skills or dive into the world of creative razor work, this class will show you how to transform hair with sharp precision and artistic flair. During this 4-hour class, you’ll observe two stunning razor cuts: ✨ Modern Mullet — A bold, texturized shape with attitude ✨ Pixie Cut — A sharp, edgy style with soft texture and movement What’s Included: Live demos of both haircuts Insight into razor cutting techniques, texturizing, and styling A chance to ask questions and connect with other stylists Exclusive swag bag with useful tools and goodies Light bites to keep you energized and inspired This class is perfect for stylists looking to break boundaries and master the art of cutting with intention. Seats are limited— don’t miss your chance to experience razor cutting like never before!
