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. The hairbrushes below are also made with animal-free bristles, and are also gentle on the hair shaft.
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. The wooden handles are delicately shaped to give a comfortable brushing experience.
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.
super-strong plastic-free hair ties
It’s something rarely thought about. But most conventional hair ties and scrunchies are made from nylon (a synthetic material). Although cheap (and often sold in plastic packaging), many are not good quality and if they fall off your wrist or out of your ponytail (a frequent happening for children doing handstands) they often fall down storm drains and go into the sea. There they break down into microplastics and get ingested by marine wildlife.
Littered elastic bands can 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.
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!
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).
natural hair styling clay (in tins)
Photo by Mubariz Mehdizadeh
NO GUNK is a brand of natural hair styling clay, sold in zero waste tins. Made with Moroccan Lava Clay, for a textured natual 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.
