Recently I tried an eco-friendly salon to lower the impact of my hair care routine. Here’s my review of refleKTion Sustainable Salon in Naperville, Illinois.
In January I went to a sustainable salon while overseas. I had no idea eco-friendly salons existed! It was recommended to me by a friend.
I ended up loving the mission and my introduction to sustainability in salons. When I returned home, I searched for a sustainable salon near me and was pleasantly surprised by how many there are in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
This post is reviewing refleKTion Hair Salon. There are two locations. One is in Chicago, and the other is in Naperville. I went to the Naperville location.
Before I dive into the review, let’s talk about what makes a hair salon sustainable.
What Is A Sustainable Hair Salon?
A sustainable hair salon is a salon dedicated to environmental sustainability. In practice, that means the salon “ensures that hair, foils, color tubes, plastics, papers, and chemicals used within the salon are diverted from landfills and water systems, and instead are recycled or repurposed” (Green Circle Salon Initiative).
About refleKTion, The Eco-Friendly Hair Salon In Naperville, Illinois
refleKTion is a certified Green Circle Salon. Both salon locations aim to be “as sustainable as possible” by implementing an “innovative salon recycling program that collects and reuses everything from hair to product bottles and packaging.”
Before I went in for my appointment I had a virtual consultation with KT, the owner and experienced stylist. The consultation was great! Overall it was about 30 minutes. We talked about my hair history, goals, and what color was currently in my hair. Then we set a date for the appointment!
At The Sustainable Salon
When I walked in, I gasped. It was absolutely stunning and had all of the vibes of a cozy, cool, and welcoming salon. There was a lot of open space and the chairs/ hair stations weren’t all smushed together like in some salons. Overall it felt welcoming and I couldn’t wait to get started.
refleKTion even has a hair station for people who work remotely and can’t take off time for their hair. How clever, right?
The Eco-Friendly Salon & Services Process
As a Green Circle Salon, refleKTion has a waste policy for hair and color. All hair gets disposed of in the “hair only” garbage bin photographed below. This hair is then responsibly disposed of and repurposed. The repurposed hair is used to help clean up oil spill. Cool, right?! Learn more, here.
What Happens To Hair Color?
Often in salons color, gloss, lightener, and other products are thrown away or rinsed down the drain. refleKTion has a color and product-only bin, which stops chemicals from entering our local water/ drinking and soil systems.
What I Asked For
When it was my time in the chair, KT and I recapped what I wanted and she provided a few suggestions after seeing my hair in person. She did a great job of explaining her thoughts and how they support my long-term goal. For example, I wear my hair naturally 90% of the time. She suggested I trim layers less defined than what I asked for, so it doesn’t look harsh when my hair is wavy/ curly.
I asked for a color to cover the faded red-brown color that I’m growing out. I requested an ash-brown color that matches my roots. And to avoid putting color on the roots/ natural color growth. I also asked for a trim and to have long curtain bangs that blend into the sides of my hair when my hair is wavy/curly.
Sustainably Made Hair Color & Products Used On Me
Overall, this wasn’t different on the client end. The cut, color, and hair wash process was exactly like it would be at any other high-quality salon. The one thing that I noticed immediately was how the color/ gloss used in my hair didn’t have a chemical scent. Usually, when color is put in my hair, I can smell how strong it is. My color never had a strong scent like that. And it didn’t burn or tingle on my scalp.
Eufora Color Line
The color and products used on me were from Eufora hair color. Eufora is an ammonia-free line and uses natural ingredients in the dye formulation. The line is also free from ingredients I’m allergic to, which are often in hair products and colors. So, that was a win! Plus, the products used on me were vegan! I’ve been transitioning my products to be vegan and it’s important that while I’m finishing up the shampoos and products I have at home, my new product decisions align with being cruelty-free.
As you can see the root and ends of my hair are not the same color. This was intentional because as I mentioned I’m growing out my natural color. I didn’t want to cover my roots and the naturally lighter pieces around the crown of my head and hairline. KT mixed together a root smudge, so she could have a color that would help break up harsh lines once the outgrowth from the color she put into my hair, fades. She said this would make it more of a transition versus something I would see in the mirror and freak out about.
A Proper Old-School Blowout
My favorite part about the services I booked in for, was that KT gave me a proper blowout. I’m talking round brush, rollers, and no curling iron! I’ve been to other salons for blowouts and no one has been able to master my hair texture for a proper blowout. This was so satisfying. Plus, KT uses heat protectant. I politely asked if she would use it and she smiled then pointed to one of the products she selected for my hair.
I was elated that every step of the way she was protecting my hair, my goals, and the environment..
Rating 10/10
I received great service, felt comfortable in the chair, and loved the vibe of the salon. Most importantly, I enjoyed how KT spoke with me the entire time and explained the steps. It wasn’t too much information or too detailed. it was just the right amount of “hey, this is what’s happening” and me being able to relax and enjoy the services.
Overall I enjoyed the services and will return. KT was great, the entire staff was friendly, and I feel like the clear promotion of sustainability was shown through each step of the client experience and salon journey. My next appointment is scheduled and I can’t wait!
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