These biodegradable hair styling products (or as near as you can get at the present time) are much gentler on your hair, as well as the planet. Also see the post on biodegradable hair ties & scrunchies.
Avoid aromatherapy essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and medical conditions like epilepsy and asthma (also avoid rosemary and citrus oils for high blood pressure). Avoid shea butter for latex allergies.
Switch to a Bamboo Hair Brush
Bamboo (or wood) are better alternatives to plastic. Industrial bamboo is not the same as fresh bamboo, which pandas eat. Treat hair gently while wet, then use a bamboo comb and brush to detangle and style hair.
This bamboo & natural rubber hairbrush (NZ) is an ideal alternative to plastic brushes with harsh plastic pins. Made from ethically-grown and biodegradable materials, the bristles and body are bamboo, and the cushion is made from rubber (which repels dust mites).
Plastic hairbrushes often generate static electricity, which can cause loose ends to stand up, which does not happen with bamboo or wooden brushes. The gentle round bristles gently stimulate your scalp to promote natural oils, which results in shiny hair. Bamboo bristles are also smooth, making it easier to detangle hair. At end of life, you can break the brush into small pieces, and compost!
How to Dry Your Hair (naturally)
Of course, the best way to let hair dry is naturally in the sun. But aside from the fact that we don’t get much sun in many months of the year, many people have hairstyes that require styling with a brush and dryer.
Avoid microfiber towels that soak up extra water. They are made from a form of plastic, so deposit microplastics in the machine. Just use a cotton or hemp towel and dab dry, before styling and drying your hair.
They are expensive, but the best hairdryers (hopefully prices will come down as they become popular) are by VOLO GO that use a special technique akin to drying hair in the sun, as opposed to most dryers, which work a bit like ‘toasting your hair! If noisy dryers disturb you, Grundig QuietDry Hair Dryer has a 2 year guarantee and includes styling nozzles and a diffuser. It also has a cool shot function and is very quiet, so won’t disturb people who are sleeping.
Where to Find Natural Hairspray
DIY Coconut Oil Hair Spray (Hello Glow) uses using rosemary oil (not for high blood pressure) which can stimulate hair growth.
If you use hairspray, try to avoid the big brands, that are akin to spraying plastic particles in the air (hair salons could do with switching to better brands these days, if only for their own health). These particles when sprayed not only go into the surrounding air but (as the mist is so fine) go into the client’s mouth. Constant use of regular hairspray can also lead to eczema, and thinning hair.
To be truthful, you’re hard-pushed to find a totallly natural commercial hairspray. Moo & Yoo (Scotland) is likely the best brand (though a few items have fragance). Products include Sea Salt Spray and Volumising Spray.
The Best Natural Styling Brands
Curl It De-Frizzing Curl Creme is ideal to create soft defined curls, without the chemicals. nourish your hair with this vegan palm-oil-free cream made with argan oil, radish seed oil and pure wildcrafted shea butter.
Valley Mist Natural Hair Mud is made with organic jojoba oil and scented with sustainably-sourced sandalwood oil for a subtle woody scent. Ideal to hold style on short hair, or tame longer manes, and also to hold down flyaway hairs. Firm-to-the-touch, this mud also includes cypress oil and organic shea butter to nourish the hair shaft.
Rugged Nature Natural Hair Clay (made in Birmingham) is made with kaolin and shea butter (not for latex allergies) and scented with cedarwood, lemongrass or sandalwood.
No Gunk Styling Clay is made with Moroccan Lava clay ( the styling wax is not vegan-friendly).
