Rubbish from the UK’s hairdressing sector could fill 50 football stadiums every year. Most of this waste – including aluminium foil, dye tubes and the majority of cut hair – is sent straight to landfill. Lush will ensure hair cuttings aren’t thrown away but used to soak up oil from the ocean floor and help fertilise food crops. It will use henna hair dye – an all-natural colouring choice that removes colour molecules unconsumed by the dye process, as well as mutagenic by-products from water systems.
The salon will feature a botanical washing room where clients bathe in light and sound during hair and scalp treatments using Lush’s haircare range and herbal infusions, with a choice of hard or soft water. This sensory wellbeing focus takes learnings from developments in Asia, where consumers are demanding sustainability-aligned experiences alongside holistic wellness treatments (see Asia Wellness Futures).
Inclusivity is also an important factor for Lush. Following retailers like Ikea that are already rethinking their spaces to make these more accessible to neurodivergent people – helping with sensory overload – the HairLab will offer silent treatments and quiet hours with reduced music and lighting. Additionally, it will run gender-affirming events, such as transmasculine shaving workshops, aligning with its “all are welcome, always” philosophy. Texture-specialist hair artists will work with customers to match their personal aesthetics and hair needs.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Lush HairLab to witness the future of hair services – where self-expression and excellence combine to redefine your hair journey,” said Daisy Evans, Lush Hair’s lead.