A HAIR salon which uses infrared heaters and compostable towels has been nominated for a national award for its eco-friendly ethos.

Anne Veck Salon in Bicester is in the running to win ‘Salon Design’ of the year in the National Beauty Federation (NBF) 2019 Business Awards.

The salon in Crown Walk – which also has an Oxford branch – gained the shortlisting due to its use of recycled and reconstituted materials and furniture to reduce its carbon footprint.

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Owners Anne Veck, 56, and Keith Mellen, 66, from Oxford, founded the Bicester salon in 2001, relocated in 2016, and completed the updated salon design in 2018.

Husband and wife say they are committed to creating an environmentally conscious business and have reflected this in the aesthetics of their salon.

Recycled pallets have been used to create the reception table, selfie-wall and storage throughout the premises.

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They also sourced and reconstituted a large cable drum as a focal point in the salon.

Ms Veck said: "We aimed for a warehouse effect with a feeling of space and light, and the result is current and modern.

"Being environmentally friendly is so important to us.

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"We both truly believe that the hairdressing industry could lead the way in sustainability for business in the UK, so we’re proud to play our part in helping the environment and working towards making a positive difference."

The pair also stripped and varnished natural wood and added plug sockets so clients can charge their phones while their hair dye develops.

Ms Veck and her husband designed the salon and built it themselves along with other family members.

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The salon also has energy efficient LED lighting throughout and the business uses recycled card and paper for all stationery and literature.

The hairdressers were inspired after a trip to Namibia, where they stumbled across a salon called Ilana’s Hair Gallery which used recycled materials, furniture and iron work rescued from demolition sites or bought at second-hand shops.

Winners will be announced at an awards evening at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London on November 17.