Unfortunately, your hair product addiction isn’t helping the planet. From plastic packaging to water-based shampoo and conditioner (not to mention the chemicals), we’re willing to bet that most of what’s in your haircare arsenal could be more sustainable. Of course, it’s not too late. You don’t have to compromise on quality or spend a ton to begin working more eco-friendly haircare brands into your regimen.
To aid on your sustainability quest, we rounded up the top low environmental impact brands, both in terms of ingredients and packaging. Whether they offer subscription-based refillable packaging or forego it entirely, these brands are committed to lowering the not so beautiful impact the beauty industry has on the environment. Likewise, all ingredients are totally free of toxins or harsh chemicals and for some brands, they’re as close to the wilderness as we’re going to come without renting a car. Scroll through for 7 of your new faves.
Lush
Whether hair dye, shampoo, conditioner, treatments or styling products, Lush has a diverse variety of options that are supes eco-friendly, from zero-waste shampoo bars, to hair dye made from natural henna blended with essential oils. About 35% of Lush’s products are not packaged at all, and the ones that are, are made with recycled and recyclable materials. Since the company started selling shampoo bars in 2005, approximately 124 million plastic bottles have gone unproduced—or the weight of 30 blue whales.
via Lush
OWA Haircare
There’s a good chance you’ve thought about wasting water while washing your hair, but have you ever considered the water that goes into your shampoo and conditioner? We bet not, but this is actually a huge source of water waste. Considering shampoo is made from 80% water, using a waterless alternative is mega eco-friendly. Cue, the OWA Haircare line which is powder-based (so the formula is even more concentrated and effective) and activated by the water you’re already using.
via OWA Haircare
Captain Blankenship
Captain Blankenship’s all-natural and organic products are made from wild-harvested ingredients and packaged in glass bottles. Founded by Jana Blankenship, who wanted to create a line of hair products that captured her childhood experience growing up in Maine, the products are totally free of synthetic ingredients or parabens and are (of course) cruelty-free.
via Captain Blankenship
Mountain Rose Herbs
Formed in 1987 under the philosophy that people and plants come before profits, Oregon-based Mountain Rose Herbs produces organic, fair trade and zero waste products. The hair options are totally free from chemicals, and some are even free from scent. Standouts include certified organic hair dye, for those looking to color their hair without synthetic byproducts, and an unscented conditioner base, perfect for crafting your own custom product or using as-is.
via Mountain Rose Herbs
Stone River Soaps
Handmade by a mom in Utah, these eco-friendly (and affordable) shampoo and conditioning bars have rave reviews. Available in a range of scents, the Stone River Soap bars come in reusable tins. Founder McKenna Rees crafts the soaps with goat milk—consider it farm to bath, and your next Etsy obsession.
via Stone River Soaps
Plaine Products
Dedicated to eliminating single-use plastic, Plaine Products come in a reusable, refillable aluminum bottle that you send back to the company once it’s empty. The business model is based on a subscription service, so you don’t have to worry about trekking to the store when you’re getting low. All Plaine Products are vegan, toxin-free, cruelty-free, and majorly sustainable.
via Plaine Products
Dulse & Rugosa
Made by a mother and daughter who work as seaweed harvesters in Maine, the Dulse & Rugosa indie line is entirely made from nearby, native ingredients. The packaging is just as eco-friendly as the products—oils are put into glass bottles while shampoos are made into bars—all products are hand-crafted by the mom and daughter duo.
via Dulse & Rugosa
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