Protecting the environment begins on an individual level, with the choices you make for yourself every day. Making small adjustments to your everyday life can help you reduce your adverse impact on the environment, and there are countless ways to accomplish this. For many people, especially those with longer hair that requires more attention, your hair care routine is an ideal place to begin working on these changes.
1. Wash hair less frequently
This isn’t to say that you should sacrifice your personal hygiene for the sake of being environmentally friendly, but reducing the frequency with which you wash your hair can be beneficial both for you and the environment.
When you wash your hair, that adds to the time you are spending in the shower, which of course adds to the amount of water being used. If you reduce the number of days per week that you wash your hair, you can cut down on your water use and have healthier hair. Less frequent washing will prevent your hair and scalp from being stripped of essential natural oils, leaving you with smoother and healthier hair.
2. Opt for sustainable hair tools
Many hair tools, such as brushes and combs, are made out of plastic. While some of these items may be recyclable, a large number of them are not. These everyday items contribute to the vast problem of excessive plastic waste, and a simple solution is to purchase hair tools made out of alternative and sustainable materials like bamboo or wood. Products made out of these materials are also often biodegradable, another eco-friendly bonus.
3. Choose waste free hair products
Traditional shampoos and conditioners are almost always packaged in plastic. In addition to contributing to plastic waste, these products also contain large and unnecessary amounts of water.
Fortunately, other options do exist. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars, such as those sold by Solidu provide a great alternative to their bottled counterparts. These bars are plastic-free, packaged in 100% compostable materials, and do not use any water. This sulfate and plastic-free shampoo bar is a perfect example of an environmentally friendly hair product that eco-conscious individuals can turn to.
Although it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of today’s environmental problems, beginning to take small steps and making changes in your daily routine is a perfect place to begin.