The solution to Britain's climate crisis? HAIRDRESSERS! Scientists claim hair salons are 'hubs of trust' where people feel comfortable discussing global warming
Scientists are calling on an unexpected warrior in the fight against climate change – the humble hairdresser.Experts say the UK's hair stylists are emerging as 'powerful, under–recognised influencers' in tackling the climate crisis.New research shows that hairdressers are seen as confidantes or even counsellors, and are uniquely placed to hold influential conversations about global warming.Scientists said salons are hubs of trust, community and conversation where climate action 'can take root and spread'.The researchers, led by a team from the University of Bath, conducted in–depth interviews with 30 salon owners and directors about their climate and sustainability interactions with clients.Dr Sam Hampton, from Bath's Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations, said: 'Hairdressers build trust over months and years.'That kind of relationship is gold when it comes to discussing climate change.'We found salons to be unique spaces where clients feel safe, relaxed, and open to new ideas.' Experts say the UK's hair cutters are emerging as 'powerful, under–recognised influencers' in tackling the climate crisis. Pictured: A hairdressing scene from the film Steel MagnoliasFor their study, the team also ran a nationwide intervention in 25 salons using 'Mirror Talkers' – eco–tips placed on salon mirrors to prompt sustainable haircare interventions.Nearly all participating salons reported chats with clients about environmental topics, the study, published in the journal Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, revealed. These often started with talking about haircare, but expanded to plastic use, food choices, energy use, transport and diet.Almost three–quarters of clients reported that they were likely to change their haircare routine following conversations that took place in the chair.Some reported switching to eco–friendly products, turning down their hot water or changing habits at home.Coining the term 'everyday influencers', the researchers argue that public–facing professionals like hairdressers should be seen as frontline agents of climate engagement.Denise Baden, Professor of Sustainable Business at the University of Southampton, who also worked on the study, said: 'Most of us think a "green" product is one with recyclable packaging, but the carbon footprint of shampoo is mostly in the hot water used.'Simple messages such as "most of us use too much shampoo and shampoo too often" can prompt conversations about how shampooing less and at lower temperatures saves time, money, energy, water and is better for your skin and hair condition.' Almost three–quarters of clients reported that they were likely to change their haircare routine following conversations that took place in the chair. Pictured: Elle Woods in the film Legally Blonde waiting for her highlights to processThe researchers said hairdressers have an 'untapped ability' to weave climate change into everyday conversations.'We're used to thinking of people in the public eye, such as celebrities, as influencers,' Dr Briony Latter, from Cardiff University, said.'But what about the people you actually talk to on a regular basis who know you and who you trust with your appearance and sometimes more personal aspects of your life?'With over 61,000 hair and beauty businesses in the UK, the team argued that it's time to 'invest in these unsung influencers' to boost climate engagement among the public.'Hairdressers don't need to become climate change experts, or force clients to take climate action,' Dr Latter added.'But they do need to realise the influence that they do have.'Climate action doesn't just happen in governments, it happens in everyday places like your local salon.'The scientists said future research could investigate the potential role of barbers and barbershops as spaces for climate conversations. Across the entire UK, February was 23 per cent wetter than average - which experts have attributed to climate changeRecent figures released by the Met Office revealed last month really was one of the dullest and wettest Februarys Britain has ever had - and experts said global warming is partly to blame. Across the entire UK, February was 23 per cent wetter than average, although the pictured varied regionally.In England, there was 70 per cent more rain than usual – with Worcestershire experiencing its wettest February ever recorded.According to the Met Office, climate change played a key role in the miserable weather.'A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, approximately 7 per cent more for every degree Celsius of warming,' it explained.'This means that when it does rain, downpours can be heavier and more intense.'This characteristic is already being observed in the UK and globally, with rainfall totals on the wettest days increasing over recent decades.'
