Washing your hair might seem like a harmless part of your daily routine, but experts are now saying that it could be causing significant environmental damage. Most of us have a collection of plastic shampoo bottles in our showers and baths, but the concern isn’t just about the packaging.
The real issue lies with the chemicals we’re washing away into the water system every day. People are being encouraged to wash their hair less frequently and switch to eco-friendlier shampoos, preferably those that come in refillable containers, reports the Express.
Hairstory, a shampoo manufacturer, has highlighted the problem: “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.”
The company further explains the consequences: “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 opt for more eco-friendly shampoos that utilise natural ingredients like essential oils and minerals, not parabens and unnamed “fragrances”, and then reduce 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 colours 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. The promotion reads: “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 champions solid shampoo as part of its bid to banish plastic bottles. It adds: “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.”