OK the title of this post is kinda dramatic…but hear me out!!
In July 2018 I shaved my head. I had big curly hair and wanted a change. I’d been thinking of rocking a baldie for a while, but was going to just cut a massive undercut and slowly trim it away. Instead I just shaved it all off one-time.
I did it live on facebook with about 100 of my closest e-friends watching for the hour or so that it took for me to finish the job.
Witness the carnage here:
Since going from a mass of curls to under 1/2 an inch of hair, my life has improved in so many unexpected ways.
Saves money on hair care
I use Devacurl products and they’re not cheap. Before the cut I was using handfuls of the One Decadent Conditioner at a time and now I’m literally using a quarter-sized dot in the middle of my palm.
Saves time in the bathroom
I no longer have a “wash day” and no longer need to spend ages detangling gently in small sections. I rarely use a brush if I’m being totally honest. I just swipe my hands over my head a couple times and I’m good to go. #easybutton.
No more clogged drains
John likes this one. I don’t have hair all over the shower and clogging up the shower drain meaning John doesn’t have to play plumber every other month. I no longer need to use one of these anymore either. (but I still have one for Kai’s hair)
Less clutter in bathroom
Blowdryer and flat-irons are packed away for donation. As the conditioners and shampoos get used up I don’t need to replace them. I’m just using up all the old stuff that’s been hanging out in the bathroom one quarter-sized dot at a time.
Happier Marriage
John not having to play plumber all the time, or pick up my random hairs, or notice the price stickers on the hair products, or search for his products underneath all of mine is making life a bit more peaceful, I tell ya what.
Somehow, despite having no hair on my head for the past 6 months, I still leave my house like this, more often than not:
Why do I keep wearing a hair tie? I have no hair to tie! When will this habit die?
Overall I feel great about my hair cut, (John seems to dig it too.) and though I’m “hair restless” (meaning I want to change its color every other day) I feel like I’m light-weight saving the world by my hair choice. Using less water each day alone is kind of a big deal, less plastic products in use, less waste. You’re welcome, earth.
Your hair can make a serious impact on the planet too, even if you don’t chop it all off!
I’m serious! Here’s some proof. In order from most to least effort required, here are some ideas to consider:
Make Your Own Haircare Products:
This used to be a bigger priority for me. I would whip up coconut oil and shea butter concoctions in the kitchen and use them to grease up my hair something serious. It lasts a while and is inexpensive, but it has a time cost, and you risk FOMO when you see cool new hair products that you don’t need. Green Beauty can help you with recipes.
Use Low/Zero Waste Hair Products like Shampoo Bars:
If making your own hair products isn’t up your alley, try low waste products instead. Shampoo bars are about as low waste as you can get. SallyeAnder is a fave, it comes in recyclable/biodegradable packaging and has no plastic or un-necessary wrapping. Plus they work well and make your hair smell and feel great! The shampoo bars have cool ingredients like henna in ’em too. It takes FOREVER to use em up. (and I’m not just saying that because I have little hair. My whole family uses them and they just don’t quit.)
PS: Use FF2019 for 25% off your order at SallyeAnder.com #you’rewelcome
Use Clean, Green, Organic, NonGMO Hair Products
If you just can’t get on the low-waste bandwagon (yet) try using the cleanest and greenest hair products you can find. Yeah….I don’t do this one always, I’ll be honest. But, I try to use the greenest products I can find for Kai and Ro’s hair. Books like Green Enough can help you find good brands, and ShiftCon is a great place to learn about brands that fit the bill as well.
Shampoo Less Often:
This is an easy one! You don’t need to shampoo your hair every single shower. Using less means you’ll save water, save money, purchase less plastic and your hair will still look dope. Maybe even better, if your hair is naturally dry/brittle/coarse.
Cut it all off:
Come to the dark side. If you choppety chop, you’ll reap all the benefits I mentioned above, plus you’ll look cute and edgy! lol Need inspiration? There are tons of short styles on pinterest and hashtags on instagram to drool over. #twastyles #pixiecuts #shorthairdocare
I’ve been using Lush shampoo bars since June or July (? Maybe?) and I love them. I’m on my second one. Six months and I’m on my second one. The first one still has a little bit left but it was almost 5 months and I wanted a new scent. LOL. My bathroom is so open looking now that I don’t have a ton of half-used plastic bottles all over the place. I did switch to a tub of conditioner from Lush simply because I get so much more use out of it than a conditioner bar. (Seriously, I did the math, it has the potential to last me 2 years. And I wash and condition daily)
But they take their tubs back and recycle. Plus if you bring back 5, you get a free face mask.
I was just telling my husband he’s so lucky he has no hair. simple wash and moisturize and brush and he’s done. Meanwhile, I’ve got this mop on my head to deal with. But really, I do have a choice! I’m just not ready to let go of my hair. I am a bit over the wash dry situation and constantly having to pick up stray hairs so as not to annoy the husband but for now it stays. I can imagine how freeing it must feel to be so low maintenance! And I love the confidence you have to just chop it.
This is an easy one! You don’t need to shampoo your hair every single shower. Using less means you’ll save water, save money, purchase less plastic and your hair will still look dope. Maybe even better, if your hair is naturally dry/brittle/coarse.