When transitioning to a lower waste lifestyle our hair care can be one of the toughest areas to switch.
Everything comes in plastic from our shampoo and conditioner to hair treatments to styling products and even worse, dry shampoo and hairspray that have aerosols that harm our ozone.
But what if I told you you could have your cake and eat it too? Ok, well it’s not actually cake and you shouldn’t eat it.
But you can significantly reduce your hair care waste without having to sacrifice healthy hair.
I’ve spent a lot of time trying to work out an effective and minimal low waste hair care routine and I think I’ve found it!
This routine is a good structure to have but of course, every hair type is different and the products that work for me may not work for you.
You can always take this routine as a foundation and adjust with products that work for you!
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Zero Waste Hair Care Routine:
1. Shampoo and conditioner bars
When you think zero waste hair care your mind probably jumps to shampoo bars. And they should. They are a staple in zero waste hair care and the zero waste movement in general.
What’s not to love? A completely plastic-free product (when choosing the right brand. Some brands are just trying to profit off of the zero waste movement but still wrap their products in plastic.) that’s easy to travel with and uses less water!
Not only do commercial shampoo and conditioners come in plastic bottles that are almost impossible to recycle but because of their liquid form, they require a lot more water waste to store and make.
Because shampoo and conditioner bars are so condensed and traditionally oil-based they don’t require a lot of water in the product itself.
When trying to live a lower waste lifestyle and transition your beauty routines I always recommend a shampoo and conditioner bar. They’re a perfect switch.
Though it’s important to note that nobody’s hair is the same and it may take some time for a shampoo bar to work for you or to find one you like! It’s a learning process and that’s ok!
You can read all about how to use a shampoo bar, here!
Here are a few that I’ve tried and LOVED!
- BKIND Shampoo Bar
- HiBar Shampoo bar and Conditioner Bar
- Lavami shampoo bar
- Unwrapped life conditioner bar
2. Hair Brush
After washing my hair I usually let it sit in a towel for about 30 minutes before taking it out and brushing it.
I use a comb on my hair, especially when it’s wet to avoid breakage. I’ve had the same comb for about 10 years now and it’s plastic.
But as you know, I’m a firm believer in using what you have as it’s the most sustainable option.
If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, try this one from earth hero! It’s handcrafted and made from natural wood!
3. Argan Oil
I like to keep the products I use in my hair as minimal and effective as possible. I use an all-purpose argan oil that can be used on my hair, skin, and cuticles as opposed to having multiple products.
Argan oil is great for repairing damaged hair, adding moisture and preventing split ends.
it’s important o find an argan oil that is not only organic but also one that is sourced fairly and sustainably.
I love this one from scentuals, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, organic, and ethically sourced.
4. Sea Salt Spray
My hair is considerably straight and lifeless. There’s not a whole lot of body to rely on. I use a DIY sea salt spray to give my hair a little bit of texture and volume.
Recipe:
- Fill a small spray bottle (Like this one) halfway with warm water
- add 2 tsp liquid coconut oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
I spray this in my hair when it’s about 70-80% dry. The mixture may naturally separate, just give it a quick shake before spraying.
5. Dry Shampoo
I try to stretch the days in between hair washes as much as I can to preserve water and hair products, plus it’s healthier for your hair!
Currently, I’m washing every 3-4 days and on the days I don’t wash I like to use homemade dry shampoo!
Using an old spice jar (the one with the tiny holes) I mix together 4 tbsps of arrowroot powder or cornstarch with about 1 tbsp of cocoa powder. If you’re not brunette, you can totally omit the cocoa powder!
I know it sounds totally weird to be putting spices in your hair but not only doesn’t leave you smelling amazing but the arrowroot powder or cornstarch works really well at absorbing oil and grease!
Related reading:
Zero Waste Bathroom Essentials
Zero Waste Swaps you can get on Amazon
I like to keep my routines as minimal as possible. This saves on time, money, overwhelm, and waste! Which I exactly what I’m going for and because you’re reading this post, I’d say you are too!
I hope you liked this zero waste hair care routine! Please don’t forget to share it and follow me on Instagram for daily low waste living inspo!
Or, if you’re not into reading, watch the video here:
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