For many people, moving towards sustainable living can seem like an insurmountable task. We get it — there's a lot of information out there and it can be hard to know where to start. The good news is that even the smallest of changes make a difference, so why not start with your hair ties? They might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of sustainability, but hair ties are bad for the environment. Luckily for all of our friends with long luscious locks, there are a number of eco-friendly alternatives. Below, we explain why it's a good idea to swap out your elastic hair ties for ones made from natural materials, and share our favourite options.
Elastic Hair Ties | A Brief History
There are more hair ties in the world than any of us could count. Consider how many you've accumulated and then misplaced over the years. No shame — we've all lost a hair tie (or 100), but what happens to them after that?
Elastic hair ties came about in the 20th century, and they were a welcome invention. Before elastic hair ties, rubber bands were used to tie up hair. If you've ever tried using a rubber band to contain your hair, you'll know the experience isn't a pleasant one. It usually involves pain, pulling, and many knots. It's no surprise that when elastic hair ties were born, they became the accessory of choice and we've been using them ever since. Wondering how elastic hair ties are made? The fabric loop is cut and sewn first, then coloured using artificial dyes. The piece of elastic is then threaded through and the ends are secured together with glue.
Why Opt For Eco-Friendly Hair Ties?
Elastic hair ties are made from unsustainable, non-natural materials, including polyester from petroleum and chemically-dyed cotton. Most hair ties take up to 500 years to begin to break down, while some won't decompose at all. They usually end up in landfills or waterways, releasing toxins and synthetics that can harm flora and fauna. Eco hair ties don't contain dangerous substances. Instead, they are crafted from natural materials that will biodegrade without damaging the environment. So, when you make the switch to eco-friendly hair ties, you play a part in reducing the impact on our earth.The Best Materials For Hair Ties
There's no need to forgo hair ties altogether — after all, heading out for a run with your hair flying everywhere is less than ideal. Brands such as Kooshoo and Green Essentials have crafted sustainable, planet-friendly hair accessories. They are the best option for your hair and the earth, designed to keep everything in place and leave no lasting effects on the environment.Kooshoo Hair Ties & Scrunchies
Kooshoo's hair ties are crafted from natural rubber, organic cotton, and natural dyes, so they won't release plastics, pesticides, or chemicals into the environment. In fact, they are even hand-dyed at a solar-powered dye factory in Los Angeles. They are zero-waste hair ties that are 100% biodegradable, meaning if you do misplace one, it will decompose effectively. Kooshoo hair ties are designed with grip, so that they can hold thick hair without pulling, slipping, or causing headaches. You can also wash them to keep them in good-as-new condition. Kooshoo is a small family business with a strong commitment to ethical production, supporting local jobs in LA.Kooshoo Hair Ties — To Match Your Hair Colour
These Kooshoo hair ties arrive in packs that cater to different hair colours. These packs are ideal if you're after a natural look.
Kooshoo Hair Ties — To Match Your Outfit
If you're looking for a hair tie that goes with your outfit, we recommend this Kooshoo range. Whether you're all about neutrals or dress with all the colours of the rainbow, Kooshoo has the perfect pack to effortlessly complement your wardrobe.
Kooshoo Organic Hairtie Pack - Classics
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Kooshoo Scrunchies — To Mix It Up
Kooshoo has created the world's first 100% fair trade, plastic-free scrunchies. These scrunchies are also made from biodegradable organic cotton and natural rubber. They are designed to last the test of time, and can eventually be upcycled. The bonus? They look just as good on your wrist as an accessory! These are some of our favourite colour combos.
View all Kooshoo Scrunchies here >
Green Essentials Hair Ties
If you prefer thin hair ties, look to Green Essentials. Their black and white hair ties are smaller and mimic the elastic hair tie shape you're likely used to. They are also made from organic cotton and natural rubber and will biodegrade naturally at the end of their useful life.
Upcycle Your Hair Ties
If you've cut your hair short or you're looking to invest in a new set of hair ties, upcycle your old ones! Here are some of our favourite recycling ideas:
- Use them as a food bag tie – keep food from going stale by tying up open bags of chips, lollies, and biscuits with an old hair tie instead of a plastic bread tie.
- DIY laundry bag – pop delicates into an old pillowcase and secure with a hair tie. This way, you can throw the bag straight into the machine rather than handwashing each item.
- Fasten your jeans – if your jeans feel a little tight around the middle, simply loop a hair tie over the button and through the button closure to give yourself a bit more room.
- Keep your sleeves up – whether you're bunching up your blazer sleeves to create that on-trend look, or you need to keep your sleeves up when washing the dishes, stretched hair ties will work wonders. Note: never use tight hair ties for this, as they can quickly cut off your circulation.
- Store items easily – secure hair ties around loose ribbons, balls of wool, and wrapping paper to keep everything together.
- Use them as a bookmark – keep your books pristine and use a hair tie as a bookmark.
- Keep lunch boxes shut – worried about food leaking through your bag? Add a few hair ties around your lunchbox for spill-free packing.
Discover Kooshoo and Green Essentials eco-friendly hair ties and scrunchies at Biome.
You can also make an impact by changing the way you care for your hair. View our DIY Hair Care Solutions blog post to learn how to promote naturally strong and healthy hair without using products that damage the environment.
