If you’ve ever hesitated to charge a green fee because you think clients will push back, your fears may not be founded in truth. This is what many stylists and salon owners are discovering in relation to the green fee they've been adding to their ticket, which is the charge salons are adding to their checkout to help them cover services like recycling and specialty supplies that help them deliver a more sustainable service. This fee ranges, but the national average is around $2.58 based on research conducted late in 2024.
Salons often fear backlash from added fees, but data shows that customers are more willing than you think.
The Reality Check: What Clients Actually Think
A whopping 56% of clients said they would view their salon more favorably if they knew about their sustainability efforts. Additionally, 55% of respondents said that sustainability plays a role in their salon choice.
Top Myths About Green Fees (and the Facts!)
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"Clients hate extra charges!"
- Clients expect transparency, not perfection. Most prefer knowing their green fee is funding a cause they care about. Even those that stated wanting to pay less for their service were willing to pay a green fee.
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"Clients are struggling with inflation and won’t pay more."
- While financial concerns exist, even those in the lowest income category stated they would pay up to $3.50 per visit. Millennials, who represent around 30% of the buying power in the US are willing to pay the most at an average of $4.41 per visit.
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"It’s better to absorb the cost in service prices."
- Some salons prefer this approach, but clients actually appreciate seeing the contribution they make toward sustainability and can mentally associate it with something they care about.
The takeaway? Clients aren’t rejecting green fees—they’re embracing them. It’s all about how you position the charge: be transparent, educate your clients, and watch them support your sustainability journey.
