The hair styling business is a big one – hair ties, brushes, combs, hairsprays, hair gel and much more. But there are some great alternatives around, from biodegradable hair styling bands to eco-friendly hairspray. Let’s take a look!
Organic Cotton Hair Ties
These organic cotton hair ties (also in black and multi-colour pack) are ideal alternatives to elastic bands, which often get caught around the feet of hedgehogs if littered (or fed to chicks by ducks, thinking they are worms).
Conventional hair ties are made from nylon, which again does not biodegrade if falling down storm drains, and going out to sea. Billions are lost each year, falling off ponytails (like children doing handstands) or off wrists.
These hair ties are made from organic cotton and natural rubber, sold in packs of 6. Free from plastic and metal, these biodegrade after use (unlike plastic hair ties).
Good for all hair types, the organic cotton is strong enough for thick hair, but soft enough not to cause headaches. They also don’t leave dents or deformations in hair, unlike elastic bands. The natural pack contains 2 each of brown, cream and black. Sold in zero waste packaging.
Made fairly in India, products are shipped by sea. A portion from each sale is donated to Marine Conservation Society.
Super-Strong Plastic-free Hair Ties
Kooshoo (Canada) is a one-time purchase from over the pond, which makes the world’s best plastic-free hair ties. Made from organic cotton and certified rubber, these are 2.5 times stronger than average hair ties, and can cope with very thick hair and man-buns!
Most hair ties and scrunchies are made from nylon. Although cheap (and sold in plastic packaging), most are not good quality and fall off wrists or out of ponytails (often when children do handstands). This means they fall down storm drains and go into the sea, where they break into microplastics, ingested by marine wildlife.
Littered elastic bands also get get caught around hedgehog legs (or ducks feed them to chicks, thinking they are worms). This is why wildlife campaigners want the Post Office to use paper belly bands, over elastic bands for holding letters together.
One man who found an elastic band in his cat’s litter tray wants the Post Office (not the postie) to get fined £80 for littering elastic bands, just like everyone else.
Made in Japan, the packs are sold mostly in packs of 12 (the thicker bands in packs of 2), so buy a few packs and you’re likely good for life! Dyed with low-impact colours, after use just cold wash and lay flat to dry.
The scrunchies are also made from organic cotton and rubber (twist Headbands are not biodegradable, they contain spandex).
A Biodegradable Wide Tooth Hair Comb
This biodegradable wide tooth comb is ideal to detangle long hair. Unlike plastic combs, this is made from cellulose (wood pulp) so breaks down naturally, at end of use. Made in Devon, the comb works on straight, wavy or curly hair. The wider spaces in between the teeth, lets the comb detangle, while avoiding breakage.
Most hair combs are made from plastic, meaning they are not so easy to recycle. Hair and beauty salons can get involved in this problem, by sponsoring a Terracycle Hair & Body Care Waste Box (or a council or office could do the same).
Everyone can then drop off unwanted plastic combs and other such materials, to get them out of town forever, and be made into other things. You can use the same box to recycle plastic hairbrushes and styling tools, and non-pressurised hairspray bottles.
A Bamboo Hair Brush
Jungle Culture bamboo hairbrush is designed for all hair types, with a pressured paddle surface and soft bristles to brush your hair wet or dry, without irritation. Using ethically-sourced bamboo, it’s sold in a zero waste paper box, and the brush massages your head and scalp to stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth.
Unless you are bald or have very short hair, you likely use a comb or brush. A wide-toothed comb is better for your hair, ideally made from sustainable wood or bamboo, as these are gentler materials like plastic or metal, and less likely to produce static electricity, which causes frizz.
Hair is fragile when wet, so use a brush only on dry hair. Choose a hairbrush with animal-free bristles, which is also gentle on the hair shaft.
A Bamboo Beard Comb
Jungle Culture beard comb has evenly-spaced fine teeth prongs to suit all beard types and facial hair, push in the right direction to prevent painful ingrown hairs.
Natural Hair Styling Clay (in tins)
NO GUNK is a brand of natural hair styling clay, sold in zero waste tins. Made with Moroccan Lava Clay, for a textured natural look at matte finish, and no residue left on your hands or hair after use.
Made with mostly organic ingredients, but choose the unscented versions (the scented versions contain non-natural parfum). The Styling Funk is not vegan (contains beeswax).
The funky flex cream offers a water-based cream with mineral-rich kaolin, rose water and cactus seed oil, better for longer hairstyles. Again with no residue, this gives a stronger hold.
The company also makes a good mens’ exfoliator made with AHA acids, to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also sold in a zero waste metal bottle. Dermatologists say that regular exfoliating for ageing skin is more effective than slathering on moisturisers. AHA basically helps to undo all the damage from years of sun-bathing, drinking or smoking.