Inside the new sustainable salon that’s changing the game of the hair styling industry

Since opening its doors three months ago, Gather Hair Collective, the innovative Sheffield hair salon has been changing the game for both clients and stylists, putting sustainability at the heart of what they do.

Gather Hair Collective prides itself on providing a luxury styling experience, whilst recycling everything from hair foils to shampoo bottles and ensuring only the best sustainable products are stocked on their shelves. They also donate a percentage of their sales to planting trees with Green Salon Collective, the climate positive gift company.

Founder Toni Hatt

The founder of the business, Toni Hatt, has 21 years of experience behind her, from working in salons to behind the scenes at TV shows and fashion weeks. Toni has always been an advocate for sustainability in other aspects of her life but was frustrated at how it was often difficult in continue this while working in the hair and beauty industry.

She said: “Hairdressing is incredibly wasteful in its nature, so as an industry, to move forward with the way that the world is, it has to change.

“Sustainability should be the standard for everybody. My clients expect that now. The businesses that they eat at, the places they shop at, and the clothes that they buy, all are sustainable. Why shouldn’t their hair salon be as well?”

After starting her family, Toni couldn’t find a salon in Sheffield that catered to her creative and personal needs, so took matters into her own hands. While a focus on sustainability is a key part of the ethos, it isn’t the only thing separating Gather Hair Collective from other salons. Their unique business model provides stylists with a working environment where they can each be their own boss.

Rather than a traditional salon, Toni describes Gather Hair Collective as a co-working space where freelance hairdressers can work on their own terms, with flexibility and as much creative freedom as they desire. She considers herself a mentor rather than a manager and wants the stylists working at the salon to be cared for just as much as the clients.

She explained: “Through working in high-end hairdressing, I learned the importance of flexible working for creatives.

“I found that after I had children, I couldn’t find what I needed. I wanted to own my own business, but also work with other people and keep that sort of traditional salon lifestyle.

“Clients are everything to a salon, but so is making sure the stylists are fulfilled and not feeling trapped in an inflexible situation. Flexible working has always been tricky in this industry, but it’s changing.

“It feels amazing to offer what I knew I needed to others as well. Every industry needs flexible working, just to ensure a work-life balance. Even though everyone is self-employed, I still encourage them not to over-work. I’m very much like, ‘go and have a life’. We want to look after clients, but stylists are just as important.”

There is something for everyone at Gather Hair collective. No matter the texture, colour or length of your hair there will be a specialist stylist for your needs. Toni wants inclusivity to be integral to the business and make sure there are no barriers to anyone wanting a luxury hair styling experience.

Despite being different in the way in which it operates, no luxuries have been sacrificed as a result. Massage chairs and state-of-the-art products will ensure you are taken on a relaxing hair journey catered specifically to your needs.

Toni said: We’re a luxury salon. It’s all about having that amazing experience every time you come in the salon. Even though we are different in terms of stylists and the way that they work in the salon, clients still get a traditional experience. You don’t lose any luxuries, but it’s all really thought about in terms of sustainability.

You can find Gather Hair Collective at 944 Ecclesall Road. To book a consultation with one of the stylists, visit their website www.gatherhaircollective.co.uk or book via Instagram @gather.haircollective