It’s something we all do pretty much every day – but washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner could be having a huge and unwelcome impact on the environment.
It’s part and parcel of your personal routine and we all probably have several plastic shampoo bottles sat in our showers and baths up and down the country.
But experts are warning that shampoo has a big impact on the world, not just because we buy it in plastic bottles, which often end up in the sea, but from the chemicals we wash down the drain on a daily basis.
Households are being urged to reduce the amount they wash their hair and to consider changing to a more environmentally friendly shampoo, ideally in a refillable container.
Shampoo manufacturer Hairstory says: “One of the major environmental impacts of shampoo comes from the simple act of rinsing your hair. As the shampoo leaves your hair, the chemicals are sent down your drain and out into the water supply. These chemicals have been found in a variety of environments, including wastewater, surface water, sediment, groundwater, and drinking water.
“These chemicals can harm both aquatic life and the animals that drink from these bodies of water. Research has shown that the chemicals in personal care products can change the hormone levels in aquatic organisms, which can cause a variety of health problems, including damaging their ability to reproduce.
“Then there are the plastic bottles used to hold your shampoo. Many of them are either only partially recyclable or cannot be recycled, so they end up in our oceans and landfills. About nine million tons of plastic are thrown into the ocean annually, which is about one garbage truck of plastic every minute.”
That’s why people are being urged to look for more eco-friendly shampoos which use natural ingredients like essential oils and minerals, not parabens and unnamed “fragrances” – and then slash the frequency with which you wash your hair.
They continued: “Look for eco-friendly shampoos that use all-natural ingredients such as essential oils and natural minerals. Every ingredient should be clearly listed with scents and colors from fruit and plant extracts, not a vague term like “fragrance.
“Once your hair has gotten used to skipping a day, try two. Create a routine where day one (the wash day) is the day you wear your hair down.
“On day two, use dry shampoo to absorb some of the oil and add volume for a cute half-up/half-down hairstyle. And, for day three, throw it in a bun or ponytail. Continue to challenge yourself and see if you can get to the point where you only need to wash your hair twice a week.”
As well as Hairstory, other brands offer environmentally friendly shampoos, such as Miniml.
It says: “Discover our range of nourishing, eco-friendly shampoos and conditioners made in the UK using ethically sourced ingredients. Our refillable, sulphate-free shampoos come in a variety of irresistible fragrances and are great for sensitive skin and scalps. Join us on our zero-waste journey to make the world a cleaner, greener place to live.”
Life Before Plastic also makes solid shampoo which doesn’t use plastic bottles at all. It says: “Our collection of eco-friendly shampoo bars and liquid shampoo are made using natural, organic and vegan ingredients ensuring that your hair and scalp are protected. Packaged without any plastic in sight, these plastic-free shampoos look after your hair and the environment.”