Polluted paradise inspires town's new '˜eco-friendly' hairdressers

Award-winning hairdresser Peter Gibbs was on holiday in Thailand in April and was sicked by the amount of junk clogging the sea.

Already wanting to set up a new business, the 32-year-old was determined to make it as green as possible.

Linking up with long-time friend and fellow hairdresser, Sarah Elliott, the duo have now opened their own salon, Tint Hair Lounge, in Emsworth..

All the salon's stock is biodegradable, eco-friendly and '“ more importantly for the pair '“ easy to recycle.

Peter, of North End, Portsmouth, said: '˜When we were thinking about getting a salon we just wanted to start on the right foot and make something that is sustainable because there's a lot of waste in our industry with things like plastics.

'˜With everything that is going in in the world, we have a responsibility to be as eco-minded as possible.'

He added seeing all the pollutants clogging the Thai sea was heartbreaking, and said: '˜I just thought, 'God, this is so bad that something so beautiful could be damaged by humans'.'

Tint is based in West Street. It stocks a full range of Italian brand Davines, which offers vegan, cruelty-free shampoos and hair colour. Tint also uses recyclable towels, biodegradable plastics, ecological dryers and earth-friendly air conditioning.

It opened earlier this month and Peter said customers have loved the salon's unique ethos.

New customers are being offered a free £10 gift voucher with every cutting or stylist service until the end of November.

To book call 01243 941542.