I’ve been working on perfecting my zero waste hair care routine since I started pursuing a zero waste lifestyle in 2017. There’s been trials, greenwashing and products that downright suck. But I’ve found a routine that vibes with my hair and I’ve been loving it!
If you’re new to zero waste hair care, I hope this post can be a source of info and inspiration in your journey!
Zero Waste Hair Care Routine:
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My first step into sustainable hair care was shampoo and conditioner bars. I’ve tried a LOT of shampoo and conditioner bars and I honestly love bars. But recently I found powdered shampoo and conditioner from a Canadian brand called Myni.
In an effort to minimize the number of products we have in the shower, I wanted my husband and me to be able to use the same product so going back to a “liquid” product seemed natural for now at least. This product is so cool because you simply mix the powder with liquid and it transforms into liquid shampoo and conditioner products!
This is really cool because the product is completely plastic-free, coming in compostable packets, and since they’re not liquid when they get to you, they’re able to save on carbon emissions! I think it’s also a great alternative for those who aren’t ready to switch to bar products but want something more sustainable. You can save 10% off your order with code CAITY to try it for yourself!

Since I try to go as long as possible between washing my hair, I’ve found a scalp massager to be incredibly beneficial. This one is made from wheat straw! I use it with shampoo in my hair to really get in there and clean my scalp. Plus the massaging also stimulates the hair shaft which can promote growth and fuller-looking hair!

When my hair is still damp from the shower, I like to apply an oil of some kind. I’ve been using argan oil as I can find it in bulk locally. But there are also a lot of amazing brands that sell sustainably sourced oil for your hair. I just put a few drops in my palms and apply them through the length of my hair.

When my hair is about 75% dry, I apply this beach wave spray from Earth Harbor. My hair is super straight and lifeless so this gives me just a little bit of movement and grip. I love Earth Harbor, a woman-owned brand that puts sustainability and clean ingredients at the forefront of all its products!

5. DIY Dry Shampoo
I’ve been making my own dry shampoo for YEARS and it’s so easy. If you have light-coloured hair, all you need is cornstarch or arrowroot starch! Both work amazingly at absorbing oil. If you’re a brunette like me, feel free to sprinkle in some cocoa powder with the starch. And that’s it!
I’m sure it sounds weird to put this stuff in your hair but once it rubs it in, you won’t even notice it!

Related reading:
The best shampoo and conditioner bars
And that’s my zero waste hair care routine! Simple and to the point as sustainability should be.
Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. Please don’t forget to share this post and follow me on Instagram for daily low waste inspiration!

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