Glasshouse Salon: The Knowledge Base
Clarity on Chemistry, Sustainability, and Hair Health. At Glasshouse, we believe that informed choices are the foundation of hair health. We are committed to radical transparency—addressing the technical science and ethical questions behind our services so you can feel confident in your ritual.
Quick Navigation:
Section 1: Sustainability & Ethics
1. What is a sustainable hair salon?
A sustainable salon operates with a "planet-first" mindset. This means we look at the entire lifecycle of our impact: from using ammonia-free hair colour that doesn't pollute waterways, to using 100% renewable energy and plastic-free shipping for our Online Shop. It’s about proving that high-performance beauty doesn't have to come at a cost to the environment or your personal health.
2. What is the ‘Green Fee’ and what does it cover?
Sustainability carries a higher cost than standard disposal. We apply a small Green Fee to every appointment to ensure that 99% of our salon waste is recycled. Through our partnership with the Green Salon Collective, we recycle "hard to recycle" items like hair clippings, leftover hair colour, used foils, and tint tubes, ensuring we remain a zero-to-landfill environment.
3. What is PCR Plastic and why do you use it?
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic is made from items that have already been recycled by consumers. Our professional colour bottles are not only 100% recyclable but are already manufactured from 100% PCR plastic. This supports a circular economy and reduces the carbon footprint of our supply chain.
4. Why do I need a patch test 48 hours before my appointment?
Safety is our priority. Even with our focus on natural ingredients, it is possible to have an undiagnosed sensitivity to hair pigments. A patch test is a mandatory requirement for all new colour clients or those who haven't visited us in six months. It ensures your scalp remains healthy and prevents any adverse reactions.
Section 2: Chemistry & Technical Mastery
5. Why do you wash my hair before applying a tint?
Most traditional salons apply colour to "dirty" hair to rely on natural oils as a barrier against the "sting" of ammonia. Because our system is 100% ammonia-free, we don't need that barrier. We wash the hair first to remove silicones, minerals, or product buildup, ensuring our organic pigments have a clean, open canvas and a gently softened cuticle for a more even, long-lasting result.
6. Does your hair colour contain peroxide?
Yes. We use hydrogen peroxide as our "activator." It is a safe, simple molecule (the same one used in contact lens solutions) that provides the oxygen required to develop the color.
The term "Peroxide Blonde" has unfortunately given peroxide a bad reputation. It isn’t peroxide that causes damage—it is the ammonia it is traditionally paired with. In a standard salon, ammonia forces the hair cuticle open aggressively, leading to structural loss.
In our system, our peroxide is enriched with certified organic extracts and works in a gentle, alkaline environment. This allows us to activate the colour effectively while keeping the hair’s internal structure intact, resulting in a finish that is healthy, shiny, and resilient.
7. What is the problem with Ammonia?
Traditional colours use ammonia to swell the hair shaft. Studies show that ammonia can remove up to a third of the protein bulk from the hair in just one application. At Glasshouse, we have used the pioneering Organic Colour Systems brand since the 90s. We use gentle heat instead of harsh chemicals, keeping the hair’s protein and pH balance intact.
8. Do you use bleach?
We use a unique ammonia-free lightening system far gentler than traditional bleach. Standard bleach typically relies on three aggressive active ingredients: Ammonium Persulfate, Potassium Persulfate, and Sodium Persulfate. Our system removes the most volatile and aggressive of these (Ammonium Persulfate), utilising a gentler mineral-based activator to achieve high-lift blondes without the "straw-like" texture or scalp irritation.
9. Why don't you use Sodium Chloride in your shampoos?
Sodium Chloride is simply salt, used as a cheap thickener in mass-market beauty. Salt is abrasive; it strips natural oils and prematurely fades colour. Every shampoo we stock at Glasshouse is Sodium Chloride-free to keep your hair hydrated and your colour vibrant.
Section 3: Scalp Health & Medical Considerations
10. Why is scalp health so important for my hair?
The scalp is the "soil" in which your hair grows. A congested or inflamed scalp impacts the strength and growth of your hair. Our treatments, like our Scalp Facial, focus on balancing the scalp microbiome to prevent thinning, dandruff, and excess oil.
11. Is organic colour better for hair growth?
Indirectly, yes. Because we avoid ammonia, we don't disrupt the scalp's delicate microbiome or cause the inflammation that can hinder growth. Furthermore, because our colour doesn't remove the protein bulk from the hair shaft, you will experience less breakage, allowing your hair to reach its full potential length.
12. Can my hair still be damaged by organic colour?
While our system is significantly gentler, any permanent chemical process requires the hair cuticle to be opened. Damage can still occur if you do not follow the correct aftercare or if the hair is over-processed. By maintaining the hair's pH and protein levels, the risk is drastically lower than with traditional dyes.
13. Can I have colour if I have a sensitive scalp or hair loss?
We regularly work with clients who have Alopecia, Psoriasis, or medical sensitivities. Our Resorcinol-free and Ammonia-free formulas are often the only colour these clients can tolerate. However, we always recommend a thorough consultation and GP approval for specific medical conditions before proceeding.
Section 3 (Extended): Scalp Health, Pregnancy & Medical Considerations
14. Is it safe to colour my hair during pregnancy? Yes. Modern research suggests that professional hair colour is safe during pregnancy. However, at Glasshouse, we take an even more cautious, mindful approach. Because our system is 100% ammonia-free and resorcinol-free, there are no harsh chemical fumes to inhale. Most of our pregnant clients feel much more comfortable in our salon environment because we lack that traditional "chemical smell." We always recommend waiting until after your first trimester, and as hormones can affect how your hair takes to colour, we always suggest a fresh patch test.
15. Why does my hair change so much during and after pregnancy?
Hormones (specifically oestrogen) keep your hair in the "growth phase" for longer during pregnancy, which is why many women find their hair feels thicker and glossier. After birth, as hormone levels drop, the hair moves into the "shedding phase" all at once—this is known as Postpartum Shedding. It is a completely natural biological process. Our focus at Glasshouse is supporting the scalp during this transition with nourishing, lactation-safe topicals and gentle, low-tension styling.
16. Are your products safe to use while breastfeeding?
Every product in our curated Motherhood Edit is selected for its clean chemistry. We prioritise products that are free from endocrine disruptors and harsh synthetics. When breastfeeding (lactation), we recommend avoiding high concentrations of certain essential oils like Peppermint or Sage, which can theoretically impact milk supply. Our stylists can guide you toward the safest "lactation-friendly" hair and body rituals.
17. What is PPD and is your hair colour PPD-free?
PPD (Paraphenylenediamine) is the pigment used in almost all permanent hair colours to cover grey. While our colour is not 100% PPD-free (as PPD is required for permanent results), we use the lowest possible levels—often less than 0.6%. By removing ammonia, we don’t "force" the PPD into the bloodstream through an inflamed scalp, making it a much safer alternative for those with minor sensitivities.
18. How does London’s "Hard Water" affect my hair colour?
Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium which can create a "film" on the hair, making it feel brittle and causing organic colour to look dull. We recommend using a clarifying treatment or a filtered shower head to prevent mineral buildup and keep your Glasshouse results for longer.
19. What is the difference between "Good" and "Bad" Silicones?
"Bad" silicones are non-water-soluble (like Dimethicone) and build up on the hair, eventually suffocating the cuticle. "Good" silicones used in our specialist ranges are breathable and water-soluble, providing heat protection and shine without the long-term damage or "plastic" feel of mass-market products.
20. Can I still get 100% grey coverage with organic colour?
Absolutely. There is a myth that organic colour is "translucent." Because we use gentle heat to open the cuticle rather than ammonia to swell it, we can achieve 100% pigmented, permanent grey coverage that looks more natural and multi-tonal than traditional "flat" box dyes.
Section 4: Pricing & Salon Policies
21. Why is sustainable hair care more expensive?
You are investing in higher-grade, certified organic ingredients and specialised expertise. We don't use cheap synthetic fillers. Our pricing reflects the true cost of mindful, high-performance beauty and ethical waste management.
22. How do you determine your pricing?
Pricing is based on time, complexity, and stylist experience. While we endeavour to discuss your hair goals and estimated costs during initial consultations, final application and costs will be determined during your final consultation on the date of the appointment. This ensures we can adjust the technique to achieve the best result for your hair on that day.
23. Why do you have booking fees and no-show policies?
Our stylists work as independent freelancers on a commission basis. When a client cancels at the last minute, that stylist loses their income. Our 48-hour policy isn't a penalty; it’s a protection of our team's livelihood and our ability to maintain a fair working environment.
Section 5: The Glasshouse Difference
24. What makes Glasshouse a top East London salon?
We have built our reputation in Hackney by refusing to compromise on hair integrity. By combining professional Organic Colour System's organic chemistry, and a team of expert stylists, we offer a specialised level of care that goes beyond a standard haircut or colour.