Cutting the Crap with Natural & Sustainable Hair Salon, BOB

Jul 29, 2018 | Uncategorized

The average woman uses 12 personal care products a day, containing around 168 different chemicals, and whilst as a society we are increasingly making better informed decisions on our consumption with both health and sustainability in mind, our hair products are often the last on the list.

In a surprisingly unaccountable industry, Bob – a natural and sustainable hair salon in South Yarra – runs miles ahead of its herd, with an anti-crap mindset and a passion for educating clients on the toxins found in most hair products.

Having learnt firsthand the level of waste and toxicity that lives within most hair salons, Bob founders Amanda Berry and Charlotte Archer have created a waste-free, design-driven space that speaks to those seeking a healthier alternative without the hippy fluff.

Instead, they wear their anti-crap tee shirts loud and proud as they nourish your hair without harmful chemicals, educate you on natural ingredients and sustainable practices, and serve you raw treats and naturopathically created teas.

There’s nothing patronising or alien in the way they talk about chemicals and waste. Rather, their warm and engaging tone tells you that they genuinely want to educate on topics such as why you should avoid products with parabens, and how you can reduce my footprint at home.

And this desire for open, honest conversation on their ingredients and practices is what makes their salon a special, unique place. More than just that; it’s an extension of Archer and Berry’s lifestyle, with Bob the beautiful space to share that within.

So, why anti-crap?

“Anti-crap is all about having less “crap” in our products, taking a no bullshit approach to how we talk to our clients and of course, creating less crap for the environment,” founder Charlotte Archer says. “It’s a message that’s strong and to the point and takes away the hippy element to living a more natural lifestyle.”

With this in mind, Bob’s ethos embodies a simplistic approach to hair that places equal importance on longevity and on-trend styles as it does on natural ingredients and sustainable practices. Each client’s hair cuttings are re-purposed into wigs for children with cancer or into hair ‘booms’ that are used to soak oil spills in our oceans.

“We use less, repurpose what we can and even compost to be a zero waste salon” Archer adds.

Whilst people are becoming more aware of the chemicals found in most products, what Archer and Berry have found is that they are not aware of the dangers, or why they’re supposed to be avoiding them.

For example, parabens are preservatives found in most hair care products, cosmetics, deodorants, and skin care. They mimic oestrogen, which interferes with hormone function, and may play a role in the development of breast cancer. What’s more is, parabens react to UVA rays, which leads to increased skin ageing and DNA damage.

PPD and PTD are in all commercial hair colours, and are the number one allergen that can cause major allergic reactions. Even if you are currently not allergic to these two chemicals, over time the toxicity levels build up in your body, which can result in sudden outbreaks and sensitivities.

“As hairdressers, we spend our days with women from all walks of life, and over time we have noticed a huge rise in them seeking natural alternatives in the beauty and hair industry,” Amanda Berry says.

“We love sharing knowledge with these women and showing them that colouring their hair doesn’t need to be an eye-watering, headache inducing experience.”

With haircare being one of the last items we look to for a more natural alternative, it is often in times of illness or during efforts to conceive that a woman finds Bob, and it may be the first time they have thought about the effects of the products being used on their hair.

“Perhaps this is due to starting a little later,” Archer acknowledges.

“Though I think women these days are under a lot more pressure, which causes stress. We are mothers, partners, business women, we’re working yet often still the main carer of children and the home. These stresses, on top of being surrounded by toxic chemicals seem to be creating issues with everything from fertility to gut disturbances and skin irritations.”

By eliminating these harsh chemicals, Archer and Berry help their clients to lead a more healthful life, delivered in a space that promotes slow living, open conversation, and a supporting environment.

“The beauty industry is one of the most unregulated industries and everyone that comes to see us finds the conflicting advice so overwhelming,” Berry adds.

“What we are doing at Bob is simplifying healthy and sustainable living, without it coming at the cost of a great cut and colour.”

You can check out BOB and see what they’re up to at: www.bobmelbourne.com.au