We’ve spent time working around our daily routines, and trying to figure out how we can be more sustainable in the long front. I’ve had time to re-evaluate what beauty means to me, and what that means for the future of our planet.
It’s up to all of us to take reference of our daily habits and actions, and try to live as sustainably as possible. These days, there are plenty of product options that fit various household budgets, the problem is you may just not have heard of them.
You can find affordable eco-friendly products to build the ultimate sustainable hair routine. Here’s how you can change up your routine for the better, and what to look for in products.
Discover Sustainable Ingredients
Yes, you’re going to have to do a little work here, but I promise it will pay off for the earth. Toxic ingredients should have no place in your home, in the earth or even in your hair. Natural formulas are best, and by reading the ingredient labels, you’ll be able to educate yourself on exactly what you’re using. Look for formulas made without parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, phthalates, ammonium chloride and other harmful chemicals. The shorter and less complicated ingredient lists are the way to go.
Prose also has a wonderful dictionary of sustainable haircare ingredients that are good for you and the earth.
Learn About Packaging
Packaging has always been a sustainability issue. Even some eco-friendly formulas can be housed in heavy plastic containers with terrible chemicals. It’s important to pay attention to a product’s packaging along with its effectiveness. There are various options out there now, like packaging made of recycled materials, paper bottles and package-free formulas. You should also be sure to recycle your packaging whenever possible, and reuse what you can safely, as well.
Do Your Own Treatments
You don’t need a product to solve every little hair issue—especially if you have a pantry full of certain natural ingredients. Think about what you can use in your own home to create your very own deep conditioner or treatment. I make my own apple cider vinegar hair rinse; I put two parts water, one part apple cider vinegar in a bottle, and use it to rinse my hair in the shower when I feel it’s holding a lot of buildup and feels heavy and oily. I swear by this! Green Matters also shared a very simple DIY shampoo recipe recently.
Consume Less
There are many ways to consume less. For starters, stop shopping. Use less water in the shower, and use multipurpose products. You don’t have to do it all, but think about how you can promote sustainability in your hair routine in a way that feels natural to you.
some sustainable hair routine heroes:
Featured + main image via the Guardian
