How to Make your Hair Routine More Sustainable

Clean’, ‘Eco-friendly’, ‘Green’; these murky terms mean that, despite best efforts, it’s not always clear how we can collectively reduce our carbon footprint. But when it comes to our beauty regimes, one man that can help steer us more sustainably is Neil Moodie. 

As he preps for the launch of his new consciously crafted hair salon, Neil Moodie shares his advice for achieving healthy hair and a healthy planet...

Ease off the electrics

“As we approach the warmer months, utilize the higher temperatures and – where possible – air dry your hair. Easing off heat stylers will not only save on the increasing electricity costs, but it’ll save your hair too. When air-drying, opt for a leave-in product like Biolage’s All-in-One Coconut Infusion Multi-Benefit Spray. The coconut scent will have you feeling ready to embrace the summer…”

Cut the chemicals

“Plant based diets are more popular than ever but being ‘plant-based’ isn’t about what we put into our bodies; it’s about what we put on them too. Some hair products feature manmade chemicals and ingredients that have an environmental impact when they’re being produced and when they’re rinsed away. To minimise your carbon footprint, opt for brands that are plant-based. I like Rahua, Sachajuan and Avalon Organics.”

Lighten Up

“Whilst eco-friendly colour is becoming more advanced, there isn’t yet a completely sustainable option and most hair dyes contain chemicals that negatively impact the environment – think benzenes, lead, toluene and p-Phenylenediamine (PPD). For sustainability, it’s better to opt for balayage or highlights and these are also better for the hair, in comparison to all-over process colours. Less colour is used, it helps keep hair healthier and makes root touch-ups easier.  I personally love Highlights and Balayage year-round, but they of course lend themselves well to spring-summer looks.”

Schedule a Sustainable Spring Clean

“Remember what I said about easing off the electricals? This also means reevaluating which of those tools you really need, and which ones can be repurposed. If you can do without, reuse spare hairdryers/straighteners and tongs by gifting to a friend, repairing or recycling them. Cloud Nine now offers a recycling service for any old hair tools.”

Dual-Purpose Produce

“Summer Salads will soon be on the menu very, but how many of us let Avocados go to waste? These are in season from May-September so if you have them leftover, they make a brilliant natural conditioner for the hair. Crush up a ripened avocado and rub it into your hair for an easy, affordable hair mask.”

Buy Less, Use More

“We can all get a bit spend-happy at times. But the number one rule in sustainability is to buy better, buy less. This applies to haircare too – don’t over-indulge in items that won't last. Invest in sustainable items with longevity such as beautiful bamboo brushes and combs. You can also try switching to products that minimise packaging waste, like refills and shampoo bars. L’Oreal’s Biolage brand uses up to 100% recycled and recyclable packaging* in their products. Other brands with strong sustainability initiatives include Davines and Maria Nilla.”

Wash without Water

“We know how important rest is to our mindset and I think ‘rest’ can apply to our hair washing routines too – wash your hair less frequently and you’ll reduce your water usage. Braided styles are fantastic for the warmer months and will mean you can do longer – but not too long – between washes. Just be sure to pick an eco-friendly dry shampoo to see you through.”

Schedule your Salon Visit

“I can’t stress how healthier hair is when it has regular trims and the expression ‘prevention is better than cure’ is absolutely true. Healthier hair will need less treatment. If you colour your hair, you’ll also avoid having to seek colour correction, which saves the environment and your hair from unnecessary chemicals. Pre-scheduling your next salon visit will also help to support your local hairdresser/s after lockdown challenges.”

Style Mindfully

“I stand by what I say when it comes to reducing heat styling, but if you must use heat, I recommend L’Oreal’s Steampod. This clever styler makes light work of straightening or curling and helps to reduce colour fade, so there’s less need for colouring hair so often.”