When we talk about greening your hair care routine, we aren’t referencing the green hair you get after spending too much time in a chlorine-filled swimming pool. Instead, we are talking about how to make your daily hair care regime a more sustainable and organic one. Your decision to recycle and make more environmentally conscious choices doesn’t end at your beauty routine. Unfortunately, many hair care products on the market today are full of empty promises — and nasty chemicals.
The Problem
The FDA has extremely loose regulations in regard to cosmetics and actually does not require companies to list all of the ingredients in their products, including the ones that may be harmful to you or the environment. This is one of the main reasons why it is important that you take the time to do your research and look for products that are actually organic and natural, not just the ones that claim to be. Sure, this may require a little more time and effort than simply buying the shampoo and conditioner that is on sale at your local grocery store, but it will be worth it.
For a product to be labeled natural or all-natural only means that the product contains some ingredients that contain no artificial preservatives or chemicals. This can make things a little tricky, especially for those who are new to the whole idea of green products. One great resource available is the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database. While they haven’t reviewed every product on the market, it’s a good place to check for brands that are doing well — and those that aren’t.
Thankfully, there are many wonderful shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products out there today that are organic, natural, and free of questionable chemicals. From this herbal vinegar hair rinse to this nourishing shampoo, you will find tons of products you can actually trust to get the job done without harming the environment or yourself.
That being said, it may also be helpful to have a few tips and tricks up your sleeve to help you achieve a 100% green hair care routine, other than knowing which products are the best. Here is a look at how you can easily adopt a green hair care routine without a lot of hassle.
1. Look for products that are labeled USDA Organic
The USDA Organic seal is a recognizable one and indicates that certain products are held to a higher standard than even other natural products. They must be inspected by licensed government agencies in order to ensure the products are natural and contain all the ingredients they say they do. But it’s important to keep in mind that there are some small-label products on the market that do meet all the requirements of sustainable and organic products but simply cannot afford to pay to get the seal of approval. So, do your best to look at the label and maybe even check out the ingredients for yourself. Using your own judgment will go a long way. The EWG database will help.
2. Get rid of the bad seeds
Go through your current hair care products and get rid of any that contain troublesome ingredients (the EWG’s list of unacceptable ingredients will help) or that appear to be made using inhumane practices. This may take some time, but it will be worth it in the end. By taking the time to do this, you will not only free up some shelf space but will keep you from becoming a product junkie by wasting money on products you don’t need or that aren’t good for the environment.
3. Check labels
Going along with the first point, it is important that you are constantly checking the labels of all hair care products. Be sure that you look for those that are paraben, sulfate, and non-natural preservative-free. These chemicals are extremely harsh and can wreak havoc on the environment as well as your health. Also look for products that are packaged in recyclable materials, as this is another great way to reduce the impact left on the environment.
Adopting a green hair care routine doesn’t have to be an overwhelming and daunting experience. There are plenty of great natural and organic products out there today that will not only get the job done but will leave you feeling better about your hair care routine and product choices.
Feature image courtesy of Arvin Asadi