10 Eco-Friendly Hair Care Tips
Many of us are vowing to eat, dress and travel more sustainably, but are we all thinking green when it comes to our all-important hair care habits?
In honour of World Environment Day, leading hairstylist and L’Oreal Biolage ambassador Neil Moodie tells us how to do it in ten easy steps…
1. PLANT BASED LIVING ISN’T JUST ABOUT WHAT WE EAT. Man Made chemicals and ingredients in hair products not only have an environmental impact when they're being produced, but also when we wash them out of our hair and down the plug. There are brands that create plant based products that are better for us, and the environment. Check out Rahua, Sachajuan and Avalon Organics for some of the best plant based beauty products.
2. DON’T BIN THE BROKEN STRAIGHTENERS OR CURLING IRONS. Did you know that small, household electricals are creating the world's fastest growing waste stream? When it comes to old hair dryers, straighteners and the like, remember to reuse (i.e. give them to a friend) or repair them. If they are truly broken and at the end of their life, then you can recycle them. Don't chuck old electricals in the bin otherwise they will end up in landfill. Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled. Cloud Nine Hair Straighteners now offer a recycling service for any old hair tools so check out their website.
3. AV-A-GO. Everything that makes an avocado delicious to eat is also a really good, natural conditioner for your hair. Crush up a ripened one and rub it into your hair. Leave it in for about 2 mins before washing it out.
4. BUY BETTER, BUY LESS. The number one sustainability rule in terms of everything we consume can be applied to hair care. Don't over indulge in plastic brushes or have a bathroom cabinet full of every brand under the sun. Invest in pieces that will last, and that you know work for you hair - and stick to it.
5. SKIP A DAY. Perhaps you've got into a habit of washing your hair so regularly that you don't know how often your hair really needs it? Experiment! Try skipping a day and see how it goes. It could be that the condition of your hair actually improves, plus it is so much more sustainable.
6. DITVH DISPOSABLE PLASTIC. Look for products that minimise packaging waste, such as shampoo bars, many come in paper packaging which can be easily recycled
7. STYLE IT OUT WITH A REUSABLE BOTTLE. We all love having our hair care bottles close to hand by the bath or shower, but let's face it, they don't always look the prettiest. Investing in a reusable glass or aluminium bottle (and refilling it from a refill pouch) not only looks chic but it's much more eco-friendly.
8. DRINK MORE H20. It seems so simple, but if we aren't hydrated then our hair isn't going to be. Before you spend time and money on products make sure you are drinking enough water.
9. BUY BAMBOO. Don't ever buy a plastic brush again. Bamboo is eco-friendly and, as with reusable bottles, looks so much more stylish on a dressing table or in a bathroom cabinet.
10. FINALLY… SHOP ABOUT. Some beauty brands are really leading the way when it comes to recycled packaging. LOreal Biolage uses up to 100% recycled and recycable packaging in their products, plus LOreal is investing heavily in dry factories, these are plants where the only water consumption is used in the composition of products or for human consumption. This means that 100% of the water used for industrial processes, such as tank cleaning, is purified and reused for other processes on-site such as cooling or washing other types of equipment. Other brands with strong sustainability initiatives include Davines and Maria Nilla.
If your hair has been looking rather lack lustre of late, we have you covered with the Editor’s Beauty must have list of sustainable hair products, perfect for keeping locks nourished this summer.
LEAF & SEED by Wild Science
Head Strong Hair Defence Serum £35 online can make all the difference.
Vegan, cruelty free and sustainably responsible, this deeply nourishing oil featuring 250mg of pure CBD and an invigorating tonic of 6 essential oils, is applied directly to the scalp, to stimulate and rejuvenate from the root.
RAHUA
Hydration Shampoo & Condition from £32
On a mission to sustainable and actively preserving the Amazon Rainforest, we love Rahua as much for their ambition as their products. Catering for the driest, thirstiest hair, their rich and creamy hydration formulas, are infused with plant-powered complex crafted with rare Amazonian oils and natural protein-bonding sugars, to drive hydration deep for healthier shinier hair. Also available as a refill.
FABLE & MANE
Rooted in the founder’s authentic Indian heritage, Holiroots Hair Mask works to restore and revive damaged hair back to its former glory with its delicious smelling blend of mango butter, banana & coconut cream.
MARIA NILA
A must have from this eco-friendly Swedish brand, Maria Nila’s light weight heat spray not only works to protect the hair against heat but also speeds up the drying process!
DAVINES
Oi All in One Mask £22.50
We have been obsessed with Davines’ Oi range ever since we first discover it many moons ago. Lightweight yet incredibly nourishing, Oi’s All In One Milk is a multi-function leave-in spray treatment that softens, detangles, controls frizz and protects hair from heat.
CHAMPO
Vata Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner from £18.50
Comprising of three powerful naturally derived haircare ranges, each underpinned by Ayurveda’s ancient wisdom to treat and restore hair, Champo’s Vata Hydrating line is the perfect medicine for dry, difficult or damaged hair in desperate need of moisture.
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