The first ever eco-friendly beauty palour has been launched at the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to meet the growing consumer demand for high quality affordable services whilst addressing environment concerns.
The Borderless Salon, Barbershop and Spa, located at Bruce House on Standard Street, has been designed to ensure circular and sustainable practices at every stage of service delivery.
The beauty palour emphasises on use of sustainable salon products that reduce use of plastic by embracing those with glass packaging.
Eco-friendly heaters and washers fitted with thermostats have been installed at the facility to reduce electricity and water consumption, respectively.
It is also implementing the use of LED lighting and has adopted use of plants instead of air purifiers to detoxify the salon and barbershop.
The National Defence University – Kenya Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research and climate change expert Prof. Anne Muigai who presided over the launch noted that salons and spas have a big impact on the environment in terms of plastic waste and use of excess water hence the need to come up with more sustainable solutions.
Prof. Muigai said a growing number of players in the cosmetics and personal care are realizing the environmental impact of standard ingredients and raw materials used in formulas and packaging, as well as during product usage and adjusting accordingly to contribute to solving the climate crisis.
She commented: “With preservation of biodiversity in mind, salons, barbershops and spas must also do their bit for the planet by employing eco-friendly and sustainable products and practices and continue to raise awareness for the wider climate change struggle.”
The beauty and personal care industry is among the world’s largest polluters. According to Euromonitor International, 152.1 billion units of beauty and personal-care packaging were sold globally in 2018 alone, much of which will never be recycled.
The facility comprises 8 regular and 1 VIP barbershop, 7 salon, 6 spa and pedicure, and 5 manicure stations; 2 movable foot spa; 5 sink and 3 finishing areas; and 1 facial and 2 massage rooms. It can accommodate up to 40 clients at ago.
The Spa Manager, Jackline Njeru, said there has been increased concern about the environment impact of the cosmetics and personal care industry and the Borderless Salon, Barbershop and Spa offers the right solutions for the discerning client looking for sustainable choices, affordability and professionalism.
She said: “Many people think they have to give up their lifestyles to be sustainable, but it really comes down to just finding better alternatives.”
The beauty palour boasts of stylists, barbers and masseuse who are trained in ethics and clients can be assured of no tomfoolery while offering five-star service.