Sustainable hair care is all about making small, mindful changes in the way we care for our hair, with a bigger focus on reducing energy and water consumption, minimising our carbon and water footprints, and choosing environmentally friendly products. But what exactly does that look like for you? Keep reading to explore the world of sustainable hair care and how you can make a positive impact on your hair and the planet!
A sustainable hair care practice is a method of caring for your hair that considers the environment and focuses on reducing your ecological footprint. This includes using products, tools, and techniques that help reduce water and energy consumption, avoiding plastic waste, and making conscious choices about the ingredients and products you use. By adopting sustainable practices, we aim to contribute positively to the environment while still achieving healthy and beautiful hair.
Here are some simple yet effective, sustainable practices to incorporate into your hair care routine:
Use Tepid Water
Rinsing with hot water uses more energy. Opt for tepid water when washing your hair to cut down on your energy consumption while also being gentler on your hair and scalp.
Invest in an Eco-Friendly Shower Head
By using water-efficient shower heads like the ones from StoneStream, you can reduce water usage significantly. Not only does this benefit the environment, but it also helps maintain healthy hair and scalp.
Shampoo Less Frequently (within reason)
Shampooing less frequently can reduce water and product waste. However, be mindful of your lifestyle. If you regularly go to the gym or work in a customer-facing role, you may still need to shampoo more often. Listen to your hair’s needs and adapt to what works best for you.
Dry Shampoo for Between Washes
Dry shampoo is a great way to extend the time between washes and reduce water consumption. However, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with scalp conditions like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.
Refillable Products
Refillable shampoos and conditioners reduce plastic waste and are often more eco-friendly. We use the sustainable haircare brand Keune at Cognito Hair, and we’ll recycle your empty bottles at the salon! Alternatively, you can opt for solid shampoo bars, which use minimal to no packaging.
Sustainable Product Choices
Choose vegan hair care products that are free from sulfates, parabens, silicones, and other harmful chemicals. These ingredients not only harm the environment but can also damage your hair over time. We’ve chosen Keune for our salon because their sustainable values align with our own. Their So Pure range uses 90% natural ingredients and is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Their products are designed to improve the health of all hair types, and they’re made in a carbon-neutral factory!
Use Ergonomic, Energy-Efficient Tools
When it comes to styling, invest in heat-controlled, energy-efficient tools like hair dryers, straighteners, and curlers that are designed to save energy without compromising performance.
Choose the Right Salon
Assess the salon and product company’s commitment to sustainability. A truly sustainable salon will use environmentally friendly products and make ethically conscious choices. Always do your due diligence to ensure you’re supporting businesses that align with your values.
Adopting sustainable hair care practices offers numerous benefits, from achieving healthier hair to supporting a greener environment. By choosing eco-friendly products like refillable bottles, vegan shampoos, and natural ingredients, you’re reducing waste and harmful chemicals. These choices help nourish your scalp and hair, free from sulfates and parabens, while also offering long-term savings through reduced product use.
However, adjusting to these new habits can take some time. Don’t hesitate to try different eco-friendly products, shampoos, and tools until you discover what works best for your hair and your sustainable lifestyle.
Trial and Error
Some sustainable practices, such as shampoo bars or certain eco-friendly products, may not work for everyone. For example, a shampoo bar may use less packaging and no plastic at all. However, it can cause adverse scalp conditions, leading to a dry and itchy scalp, making your hair feel dull and lifeless. You may need to use a liquid-based shampoo occasionally to clarify the hair and scalp, which defeats the purpose of it. If this is the case for you, why not opt for refillable shampoos and conditioners instead? We love the Keune So Pure range, which delivers maximum hair results with minimal environmental impact, and they are a B Corp.
Adjusting to New RoutinesÂ
Sustainable practices, like shampooing less frequently or using dry shampoo, may take time to adapt to your lifestyle. But don’t worry! We’re here to help. At our hairdressers in Wandsworth, we can guide you through personalised solutions that fit your routine and hair needs.
From using less water to choosing eco-friendly products and tools, there are many simple ways to make your hair care routine more sustainable. Remember, the key is trial and error, find the practices that work best for you and your lifestyle. If you’re unsure where to start or need guidance on creating a sustainable hair care routine, why not book a consultation with one of our Hair Care Experts? We can’t wait to take you on your sustainable hair care journey.
Until next time, let’s continue making eco-friendly choices for beautiful hair!
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