Hairy Cactus Parlour
In conversation with Bhavani Louise Hayward, owner of the Hairy Cactus Parlour, an eco conscious hair salon in Bournemouth.
We’d love to know your story. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you founded the Hairy Cactus Parlour?
Of course! I’m Louise, founder of the Hairy Cactus Parlour. After 30 years in the hair industry, I found myself feeling disillusioned with the lack of consideration for the environment, and the negative impact it was having on women's self-image. As I approached my mid-40s, I felt a strong sense of sisterhood and knew I wasn't alone in these feelings. More and more clients were seeking me out, hoping I could help them with their hair and more. I realised that the only way to take control of my working environment was to strike out on my own. And so, in spring of 2019, I founded The Hairy Cactus Parlour - not just a place for eco-conscious, plant-based hair care, but also a gathering place for women to connect. With book swaps, locally-made reusable moon pads, local coffee, art from female photographers and artists on the walls, the salon fostered a sense of community.
For the first 18 months, I ran the salon on my own, managing to get through the pandemic. But I felt it was time to expand and bring on a like-minded stylist. That's when beautiful Wendi joined us, and she quickly proved to be a great fit. She shared similar aspirations and had already made the switch to the same product line. Since July 2021, she has been an invaluable addition to the team, bringing passion, talent, and a sense of ease as if we had worked together forever.
What steps have you taken to become an eco-conscious salon?
I established The Hairy Cactus Parlour with a mission to create an eco-conscious and sustainable salon, using only organic, plant-based, and cruelty-free products that are packaged in recycled or reusable materials. Every product has been carefully selected based on its ethical and environmentally friendly nature. Our waste is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner and supports environmental and community projects. Our colour "foils" are made from industry waste, reusable, and recyclable. Our towels are made from bamboo, free of chemicals, with a low environmental impact and are recyclable. Even our scissors are recycled or repurposed. And, to minimize waste, we even use hair clippings for creative projects.
Creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for our clients is a top priority, so wherever possible, we use and support local products and businesses. This has allowed us to provide a warm and welcoming environment that inspires passion and creativity.
What’s next for the Hairy Cactus Parlour?
To keep growing. We learned early on the importance of being flexible and adaptable to change. Despite only being open for 9 months, the pandemic hit and forced us to close for 10 months. This experience taught us that being eco-conscious, organic, and sustainable is a journey that requires constant evolution and improvement.
We are always open to welcoming like-minded stylists who share our values of empowering women and providing exceptional hair care services. Our salon is a space for sharing, growth, and community. Our goal is to fill the space with talented, caring women and offer more convenient hours, including evenings. Being open-minded and embracing change has helped us grow and continue to support the environment and the hair industry.
Book → thehairycactusparlour.booksy.com
Instagram → @the_hairy_cactus_parlour
