Have you ever wondered what happens to your hair clippings after you visit the salon? For some salons in Winnipeg, waste management is an often-overlooked aspect of running their business. Most cut hair is swept up and disposed of in the trash, but some longer hair clippings can be donated to charities for wigs. Shorter hair clippings can be used for other purposes, like creating oil-absorbing booms or as compost material.
In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at the fate of your hair clippings.
What do hairdressers do with cut hair?
Most hair clippings are swept or vacuumed and thrown in the trash and sent to a landfill. Some long hair can be donated to charities. Organizations like Locks of Love or Wigs for Kids make wigs for people who have lost their hair due to medical conditions like cancer treatments or alopecia. There are a few important requirements to meet hair donation standards, including:
- Length – Hair must be at least 8 to 12 inches long, depending on the organization.
- Condition – Hair must be clean, dry, and in good health.
- Treatment – Some organizations may accept colour-treated hair, but bleached or permed hair is usually not accepted.
- Secure – Before cutting, the hair should be tied at both ends into a ponytail or braid and placed in a sealed bag for shipping.
If you plan to donate your hair after a fresh haircut in Winnipeg, always check the organization’s requirements before cutting.
Can cut hair be recycled?
Yes, cut hair can be recycled! A growing number of salons participate in sustainability programs to recycle hair for a variety of uses, including:
- Compost – Hair is an organic material rich in nitrogen, so some salons add it to compost with other organic waste, which is beneficial to soil. Clippings can be sent to local gardeners or farms for their composting.
- Oil-Absorbing Booms – Shorter hair is a great material for absorbing oil spills, and is used to create “hair booms,” which are used to clean up oil spills in waterways. These hair-filled tubes help contain the spill and absorb petroleum effectively.
- Bio-Composite Materials – Hair can be combined with other materials to create eco-friendly products like particleboard sheets or 3D objects. Research is being done to incorporate hair into other building materials.
- Fashion Textiles – Hair can be spun into a fibre alternative for making ropes, yarns, or other textile products. Some designers and artists have used recycled human hair to create clothing or art.
How can I find recycling options for cut hair?
Without a specific program in place, the fate of most hair is the landfill. You can ask your local hair salon if they participate in hair recycling programs or search online for local organizations that collect hair for specific purposes, such as composting or making oil booms.
Savile Row Salon is a luxury hair salon in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Contact us today to book an appointment!
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