HairCycle is a Design Exchange Partnership and is led by researchers from the University of the Arts London, in partnership with the London Borough of Newham. Project lead Sanne Visser, Project coordinator Tolu Ashiru, Superviser Dr. Rosie Hornbuckle, Project partner Jahid Ahmed and Talia Berriman.
Photography by Angela Tozzi
HairCycle aims to revolutionise perspectives on the value of waste, focusing on the locally abundant resource of human hair. The research transcends conventional approaches to ‘recycling and waste’ by focusing on behaviour change at the local level, whilst captivating peoples’ curiosity and imagination using participatory methods and creative material exploration.
Working with the London Borough of Newham, this project develops and tests new systemic methods and models for the collection, recycling and regeneration of human hair waste from local hairdressers and barbershops to support the green transition in a local context. The project considers the local needs of hairdressing practices alongside the Council’s Reduction and Recycling Plan, to combat waste whilst generating multifaceted value for people and planet to thrive within their local, circular bioeconomy.
Collecting, processing, transforming
Research and Knowledge Exchange
Learning through making
Felting with hair workshop
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Summer 2024
Photography by Angela Tozzi