Have frizzy, curly or dry hair, and need a zero waste alternative to leave-in conditioners? Here are 4 amazing plastic-free options you need to try!
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All of these can all be applied to dry or just washed hair and will help protect your lovely locks regardless of what you put them through.
*Update 2023 - Some of these items have been discontinued or are extremely difficult to find. I recommend also checking out my more recent post on zero waste leave-in conditioners here!
If you're trying to go zero waste or plastic free, you'll appreciate that all of the items have either no packaging at all, or packaging that is easily reused, recycled or composted.
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a brilliant leave-in hair product that is natural, gentle and extremely budget friendly.
You can get coconut oil in most supermarkets, health food stores,
or even your own pantry, and typically comes in reusable glass jars.
This is a no waste option you should definitely try first, it works particularly well with thick curly hair or dry ends.
Simply place a small quantity in the palm of your hands and rub to melt first. Then starting from the ends of your hair, spread sparingly.
There is a little bit of trial and error involved to work out what is the right amount to apply, and how often, so don't give up if it doesn't work first go.
If you find even small amounts leave your hair too heavy and more oily than conditioned, then try one of these other options.
2. Lush Queen Bee Hair Honey
This is truly package free and I love this one, even if it does look like a big chunk of cheese.
Made from fair trade organic cocoa butter and other yummy things like almond oil, cinnamon, rooibos teas, and as the name suggests, honey.
Hair Honey is a reasonably solid leave-in product and it's easy to break off a small amount, melt in your hands and massage through hair.
It smells pretty amazing too.
If you head to their store, you can bring your own container and avoid packaging.
I had mine delivered and lush use natural cellulose bags, plant based packing peanuts and recycled cardboard for shipping which i really appreciate.
3. Body Shop Coconut Oil Hair Shine
Chances are you've stumbled across this little gem before, but have you actually tried it?
Hair shine has been around for a long time. In fact I have been using it for about 15 years and it was my first zero waste replacement for plastic bottles of leave-in conditioners.
You want to go light with this one and its a fantastic styling product for wavy and curly hair helping to add protection, nutrients and shine.
The tin makes it incredibly handy for travelling and can be reused for your own homemade products when empty or just recycled.
4. Hair Stick (for Rebellious Hair)
The hair stick comes in biodegradable packaging (a push up tube) and worth getting hold of if you have hair with a mind of it's own.
It's vegan and uses all natural ingredients including mango butter, jojoba oil, and plant waxes.
If you suffer from dry or split ends, you'll love it.
Making swaps in your daily routine is a fab way to create lasting changes that are better for the planet.
We don't need all our products over packaged in plastics with ingredients we can't even read.
I know zero waste hair care can be a real challenge so go out there, find your perfect hair match and keep saving the planet one little step at a time.
This is completely safe! I have been doing variations of this since '08. Since then I have been able to grow my hair out 5x's after getting extreme cuts. You will be fine! It works for ALL hair types. Instead of water, you can use aloe vera juice or rose water, or even lavender water. You may also add oils. Just have fun with it. It's truly not rocket science and you don't actually need precise measurements.
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