Real Hair beauty tips for consumers

Stuart Kirby and Jo Minihane, Founders of Real hair and beauty in Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, have created a salon that reflects their passion for eco-friendly living. The employment of green practices in the salon has saved the business money and helped them win an Environment Award for Sustainable Business Management.

To complement their eco practices they have combined with Aveda, manufacturers of professional plant-based hair care, skin care and makeup, bringing their customers a full eco experience: and an opportunity to buy the product for use at home.

As Jo highlights: "Your purchases as a consumer are one way of demonstrating a personal lifestyle choice, not only when buying beauty products, but in all aspects of life. At Real we have chosen to work with Aveda, because they are proof that it is possible to look your best, while also fulfilling your responsibility to the planet."

Here, the team at Real provides their top tips for those who are keen to make their spending habits more eco-friendly:

1. Buy Wisely - It takes a little more effort than just reading the packaging to discover if a product truly is eco-friendly. The Aveda products used in Real salons, for example, contain all organic or naturally sourced ingredients, working with indigenous partners to protect cultural traditions, environmental quality and community health and are made in a 100 per cent wind powered factory. Their packaging is a minimum 80 per cent post-consumer recycled HDPE plastic or FSC certified fiber with soy ink.
2. Make the switch to environmentally friendly cleaning products - These are biodegradable and contain less allergens, creating a less toxic home which can improve sleep, concentration and a sense of well-being.
3. Limit your waste - Try not to simply throw items away, but instead re-use or donate wherever you can.
4. Replace light bulbs with energy-saving ones - These use significantly less energy. Each bulb will save you around £9 on your annual electricity bill and up to £100 over its lifetime.

For more information about Real hair and beauty's eco-friendly service and products, visit the salon, call on 01892 517297 or visit www.realhairandbeauty.com