Plastic-free hair ties sound like a small switch, and they are. But if everyone did this en-masse, it would have huge positive effects, as most are made from nylon (plastic) so break into microplastics when they fall off wrists (or hair for children doing handstands) or get lost, which millions do.
Next time it comes to replace, consider Wild & Stone’s plastic-free hair ties, which are made from natural cotton, in plastic-free packaging.
A lot of everyday hair elastics hide plastic in plain sight. With plastic-free hair ties, the point is simple: you’re choosing a version that avoids plastic components. This is better for everyone.
Keep hair ties away from young children and pets.
Don’t always tie your hair back tightly, as this is a main cause of traction alopecia (you can lose hair at the front of your head).
Hair and beauty salons (or offices or schools) can order a Terracycle Hair & Body Care Waste Box (this is a one-off fee, then send back the box using the prepaid envelope, to be recycled into industrial goods). You can include non-pressurised hair sprays (recycle empty pressurised cans, take half-empty ones to hazardous waste).
Avoiding elastic bands helps wildlife
Elastic bands should not be used either (littered ones harm wildlife, which is why people are asking Royal Mail to stop using red elastic bands, as they trap hedgehog claws, and ducks feed them to chicks, thinking they are worms.
If you see any littered elastic bands, cut them up and securely bin (or keep them in an office environment).
Less pulling, snagging, and breakage
A lot of standard hair ties have a weak point, often a hard seam, a metal clip, or a stiff bit of trimming. That area can drag across the hair shaft, especially when you are in a rush. Over time, that repeated friction can leave hair looking rougher than it needs to.
By contrast, softer fabric-covered ties often move more cleanly through the hair. They still need to hold, of course, but they do not always grip in that harsh, jerky way. As a result, taking your hair down at night can feel simpler and calmer.
This can help with many hair types. Fine hair tends to show breakage quickly. Curly hair can snag if the surface is rough. Thick hair needs hold, but it also needs a tie that will not yank. Fragile or bleached hair benefits from gentler daily handling too.
A more comfortable fit for long wear
Comfort is easy to ignore until a tight ponytail starts to ache. Hard joins and metal parts can create pressure in one small spot. After a few hours at a desk, on a train, or at the gym, that pressure can become the whole story.
Plastic-free hair ties often feel more even around the hair. The stretch tends to sit flatter, and the fabric can feel softer against the scalp and neck. That can make a difference during work, exercise, sleep, or travel, when you want your hair secured but not clamped in place.
An alternative to plastic waste litter
Cheap synthetic ties often live short lives. They snap, stretch, disappear into coat pockets, or roll under the bed and get binned later. Because they are cheap, they are easy to replace without much thought. That cycle repeats.
A longer-lasting, lower-plastic option slows that down. If a tie holds its shape better and feels nicer to use, you are more likely to keep it, use it, and replace it less often. That is not a dramatic change. It is a quiet one, and that is often how waste reduction works in real life.
Buying fewer, better hair ties saves money
A well-made hair tie often costs more at first. That part is true. But price alone does not tell you much if the cheaper option stretches out in a week. When a tie keeps its shape, stays comfortable, and does not snap quickly, the value shifts.
You may not save a huge amount at once. Still, buying fewer replacements is usually easier on the wallet than repeatedly topping up a pack of poor ones. In other words, the cost sits in the pattern, not only the price tag.
They’re easy to store (without plastic)
Most hair ties are not just made from plastic, but sold in plastic wrap or on plastic cards. These ones are not, so that’s less plastic you have to be concerned with recycling.
They’re useful (beyond hair)
Hair ties are good for other roles too. You can use them to bundle cables, secure small items, hold together loose items, and even to keep notebooks shut.
They make practical, low-cost gifts
If you are wondering what to give as an affordable low-waste gift, then these are ideal for anyone who has medium or long hair. They likely use hair ties, and will appreciate the benefit of receiving pretty plastic-free ones (these come in all styles, from white to neutrals to pretty pastels and brights).
Kooshoo (fancy plastic hair ties from abroad)
Kooshoo is another brand worth mentioning. Although these are ordered from the USA, they are of super quality and will last you years, so one purchase may be worth the cost (bundle with friends to reduce shipping – costs around £20 and takes 1 to 3 weeks).
We only recommend the hair ties, as hair bands and scrunchies do contain synthetic fibres.
