How can I reuse or recycle hairdressers/beauty salon aprons & smocks?
Jeri left a question on the Suggest an Item page:
I work at a beauty salon and we just got new aprons so I collected all the old black ones and all the old polyester smocks that they were going to throw away. They were just putting them in the trash so I rescued them now what can I do with them?
Alison Bailey Smith has already suggested: “Donate to a local art project or gallery or museum that has ‘have a go days’.” which is a great idea. In the UK, you could also offer them to your local scrap store – they’ll probably be able to use them or pass them on.
The smocks they have at the hairdressers I go to always remind me of bat wings or witches’ cloaks so a couple of them could be also upcycled into a fancy dress costume. But Alison’s idea is much better if you’ve got a lot. ;)
Any other suggestions?
A school art department may be happy to get these to protect clothes of the little artists.
Are they waterproof? Cycling capes are meant to be really good for cycling in the rain, as they keep you dry but don’t get sweaty like waterproof trousers and coats do.
They usually have a hood, but if you wanted to wear a helmet instead of a hood, or if you had a waterproof hat or helmet cover, then these aprons might make quite good cycling capes. http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3334467.htm?_$ja=tsid:11527|cc:|prd:3334467|cat:sports+and+leisure+%2F+bikes%2C+cycling+and+accessories+%2F+bike+clothing+%2F
You could even make a waterproof helmet cover from another one.
Are they in good condition? If so a local Nursing Home or similar organisation may be glad of them for when they do residents hair or have to shave the gentlemen etc. or, dare I say it, to keep clothing clean if they have to help residents at mealtimes!
I used to have kids in marching band. We had to sew new flags for them every year. I think the material might be something they could use for that!
We’re always looking for sets of something at our local high school theatre department. They can be modified for “creatures” or used for a group such as West Side Story” bridal show workers. Dont worry about small stains or tiny tears as these either won’t show from a distance or will help the clothing look “real” rather than bought just as a costume.
Hi, you could always sanitise and give the smockes etc to a preschool or day care centre, and they could use tem in there drerss ups, or if other items such as hair dryers or straighteners are no longer working the cords could be cut of and inside macvhines taken out and the teachers could make up mini hair salon ( a bit like mini supermarkets ) and the kids could play around with them.
Hi this is Jeri s year later I still have those aprons I liked all the suggestions. Especially using them for budding artists at a day care. Thanks for all the great ideas!
I purchased an apron from them and loved it. Plus, their prices are competitive!