Scisters Salon: Pioneering Low-Waste Beauty Practices in California

Scisters Salon & Apothecary, located in La Mesa, California, has emerged as a leader in the low-waste beauty movement since its establishment in 2010 by co-founders Melissa Parker and Easton Bajsec. The salon has diverted up to 99% of its waste from landfills, a significant achievement in an industry known for its environmental impact. Traditional salons contribute approximately 63,000 pounds of hair and substantial amounts of chemical waste to landfills daily. In contrast, Scisters has adopted innovative practices to minimize its ecological footprint while maintaining a commitment to client health.

The Guardian

The transformation of Scisters Salon began when Bajsec was inspired by a documentary on the zero-waste movement, coinciding with Parker's health issues linked to salon chemicals. This prompted the duo to reevaluate their services and product offerings. They eliminated harmful treatments, such as perms, and discontinued the sale of conventional products packaged in plastic. Instead, they developed their own product line, Element, launched in 2019, which features refillable glass and aluminum containers filled with eco-friendly ingredients.

The Guardian

Scisters has implemented several strategies to further reduce waste. The salon encourages clients to utilize a “jar library” for refills and has partnered with local waste companies to compost hair clippings. They have also transitioned to using washable cloths instead of paper towels and adopted energy-efficient practices, such as installing LED lighting and Ecoheads sprayers. Despite the challenges of achieving a completely zero-waste operation, Parker and Bajsec have made significant strides, acknowledging that some plastic waste is unavoidable due to regulatory constraints.

The Guardian

The financial implications of Scisters' eco-friendly practices have been positive. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the salon pivoted to a refill model, allowing them to maintain revenue while many competitors struggled. Parker noted, “Going green has been the greatest thing we’ve done for our business financially.” This sentiment is echoed by Denise Baden, a professor of sustainable business, who emphasizes that eco-friendly practices can often lead to cost savings rather than increased expenses.

The Guardian

Beyond their salon, Parker and Bajsec are committed to promoting sustainable practices within the broader beauty industry. They actively participate in local events, such as the San Diego Zero Waste Symposium, and have published guides to assist other salons in adopting similar practices. Their goal is to demonstrate that the low-waste model is replicable, fostering a community of environmentally conscious beauty professionals.

The Guardian

• “It’s the smell people comment on straight away,” — Melissa Parker, Co-founder

The Guardian

• “We can’t get away from the little plastic pump tops and latex gloves,” — Easton Bajsec, Co-founder

The Guardian

• “Going green has been the greatest thing we’ve done for our business financially,” — Melissa Parker, Co-founder

The Guardian

• “It’s a misunderstanding that to be eco-friendly, you have to spend more money.” — Denise Baden, Professor of Sustainable Business

The Guardian

Scisters Salon & Apothecary exemplifies how a commitment to sustainability can redefine business practices in the beauty industry. By prioritizing eco-friendly methods and community engagement, Parker and Bajsec are not only transforming their salon but also inspiring others to follow suit.

The Guardian