Grand Royal Barbers Darlinghurst: Sydney’s First Barbershop to Join Forces with Sustainable Salons

At Grand Royal Barbers in Darlinghurst, we’ve always believed that looking sharp shouldn’t cost the planet. That’s why we’re proud to announce that we’ve become Sydney’s first barbershop to partner with Sustainable Salons — a groundbreaking step toward a greener, more responsible grooming industry.

Why Sustainable Salons?

The hair and beauty industry produces a massive amount of waste every year — from hair clippings and foil to plastic packaging and leftover products. Most of it ends up in landfills. Sustainable Salons is a social enterprise that tackles this problem head-on by diverting up to 95% of salon waste from landfill and giving it a second life.

Our partnership means your haircut now contributes to a more sustainable future.

What Happens at Sustainable Salons?

At their dedicated facilities, Sustainable Salons collects, sorts, and repurposes the waste generated by salons and barbershops. Here’s how it works:

• Hair Clippings: Collected hair is used to help clean up oil spills through specially designed booms or is composted for agricultural use.

• Metals (foil, colour tubes, canisters): These are recycled, with 100% of proceeds donated to OzHarvest to provide meals for those in need.

• Plastics: Hard plastics are collected and sent to local recyclers to be made into outdoor furniture and other durable goods.

• Ponytails: Collected and donated to charitable wig-makers to support people with medically induced hair loss.

• E-Waste: Old tools and electronics are dismantled and recycled through ethical channels.

• Community Impact: Employment opportunities are created for people with disabilities in the sorting and processing of materials.

Why It Matters

By joining the Sustainable Salons network, Grand Royal Barbers is not only reducing our environmental footprint — we’re also supporting social causes and contributing to a circular economy. Every snip, shave, and style now plays a small but important role in a much bigger mission.

We’re excited to lead the charge for sustainability in Sydney’s barbering scene and hope other barbershops will be inspired to follow suit. It’s not just about looking good — it’s about doing good.

Next time you visit us, know that your haircut is helping create cleaner oceans, fuller stomachs, and a healthier planet.