How A Wakefield Salon Is Changing The Hairdressing Business With Sustainability

Ever thought about what happens to all the foil, leftover hair colour, and snipped hair after a trip to the hairdressers? Probably not. Most people are too busy enjoying their fresh new look. But one small salon in School Lane, Wakefield, is thinking about it a lot.

En Route Hair & Beauty might seem like just another local spot, but it’s making huge waves across the entire UK hairdressing industry. The salon is proving that you don’t need to be a massive corporation to make a real difference, and their efforts are getting noticed. They’ve just been named one of only six finalists in the sustainability category at the prestigious Pro Hair Awards 2025, showing everyone that being eco-conscious is seriously cool. This is a massive deal in a business sector with over 45,000 salons.

So, what does a green salon even do?

It's easy to wonder what being a 'green' or eco-conscious salon actually means. It’s not about painting the walls green or having a few plants dotted about, although plants are nice. For the team at En Route, it’s about rethinking everything they do. They’ve put some seriously clever sustainable practices in place. Think about all the waste from a normal salon trip. At En Route, they recycle as much as possible. They even have re-filling stations for shampoos and conditioners. This means customers can bring back their empty bottles and top them up, cutting down on loads of plastic waste. It's a simple idea, but it makes a big impact.

And it gets even more creative. What about all that leftover hair? Instead of just chucking it in the bin, En Route gives its hair clippings to a local allotment. Hair is full of nitrogen, which is like a superfood for soil, helping vegetables and plants grow. It’s a brilliant way to turn waste into something useful for the community. These aren't just one-off things; they are part of the salon's everyday business model. It's this commitment to being an environmentally conscious salon that is turning heads and winning them recognition.

More than just a haircut, it’s a mission

The team’s passion for sustainability doesn’t stop at the salon door. For the last five years, owner Melenie Tudor has been a leading voice in the industry, even acting as a sustainability ambassador for the massive brand Schwarzkopf Professional. But the latest project that landed them in the Pro Hair Awards final is something brand new, cooked up right there in Wakefield.

It’s called ‘En Route to Sustainability’, an initiative designed by Melenie Tudor and Shannon Giblin. The clever part is that it’s for everyone. They run friendly, engaging workshops for other salon owners to show them how to adopt their own green initiatives. They also hold events for the public, sharing simple tips that anyone can use to be a bit greener. The whole point is to show that sustainability isn't scary or difficult. As Melenie Tudor explains, it's about taking small, manageable steps.

She says:

“We are showing that you don’t have to be a huge business, or manufacturer, to make a difference, we are no Greta Thunburg but we are doing our bit in our corner of the world, we are really walking the walk in our industry; with what we are doing in the salon; what we demand of our product suppliers and what we have done in collaboration with Wakefield First. Everything we are about is making it simple, taking the fear out of sustainability and encouraging everyone to do what they can.”

Their work with Wakefield First, a local business support organisation, even resulted in a successful bid to get more funding for the project, allowing them to spread their message even further. It’s this dedication to helping the entire hairdressing community become more sustainable that really impressed the awards judges.

Racking up the awards

Being a finalist for the Pro Hair Awards 2025 is a massive achievement, especially since En Route is the only salon from the north of England to make the cut. The winner will be announced on 25th September 2025, and the team is hoping to bring another trophy back to Wakefield. But this isn't their first time in the spotlight. This salon has a cabinet overflowing with awards for its green efforts.

Being a sustainable salon isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about making a genuine, positive impact on the planet and on the people who walk through the door. It's about carefully choosing sustainable product brands to partner with and ensuring that every part of the client experience reflects their values. The pile of industry recognitions shows they are doing something right. Below is a look at just some of their recent successes, including becoming the winner of the Sustainable Salon of the Year award multiple times.

Sustainable Salon of the Year award multiple times.

Award Title	Status	Date
Salon Business Green Salon of the Year	Winner	2023 & 2024
British Hairdressing Business Awards Sustainable Salon of the Year	Winner	2024/5
British Hairdressing Business Awards Sustainable Salon of the Year	Finalist	March 2026
Salon Awards Most Sustainable Salon	Finalist	1st November 2025
Pro Hair Awards Sustainable Salon of the Year	Finalist	25th September 2025

It’s not just a buzzword

For Melenie Tudor and her team, all this hard work is about more than just winning awards. It’s about building a business that they can be proud of, one that truly cares for the environment. They are showing other small businesses in the hairdressing world that being a sustainable salon is not only possible, but it's also the future. Their green initiatives are setting a new standard for the industry.Reflecting on their latest finalist position, Melenie Tudor highlights just how much it means to the whole team.

“We’re thrilled to reach the final 6 of this industry awards run by Professional Hairdresser (the only salon in the final six from the north of England) and are hoping to bring another award home in September but whatever the result, we are showing that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us, it’s a core value and a fundamental part of our business. I’m immensely proud of our team and the strides we’ve made this year towards becoming a truly environmentally conscious salon.”

It’s a powerful message. What started as a mission in a small salon in Wakefield is now inspiring change across the country, one haircut and one refilled bottle at a time. It's a reminder that even the smallest actions, when added together, can make a huge difference.