The irony is that what we do to keep clean may pollute the planet and even damage our own health. It is also frustrating that something as simple as a shower requires you to research a wide range of cleaning products from shampoo to shower gel. But let's start from the top; you can adopt a green hair care program without giving up your hygiene or health.

But you may give up your hair. You can shave your head, and then simply use ordinary soap on your scalp. Most of us are not ready to make such a bold style statement to serve the environment. But unlike most other hygiene products, not using shampoo is also an option.

The no-poo (or unpoo) movement encourages people to discard shampoo and simply rinse their hair with water. If this is not enough, the poor may use DIY methods, including baking soda and apple cider vinegar. These materials are of course environmentally friendly and very effective for cleaning. However, depending on your hair type, they may not be good for your hair. Although some people have been using this method successfully for many years, after a few months, my hair started to resemble hay under a scarecrow hat. In order to avoid the first recommended method-shave it all off, a deep conditioning treatment is required.

Most shampoos are basically liquid cleaners made from synthetic detergents. For the beauty of the product, additional chemicals are added to create a pleasant color, smell and texture. Although raw materials account for only about 9% of a product's environmental footprint, many people avoid synthetic petroleum products in principle.

In particular, many of us want to avoid using the detergent SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate or sometimes sodium lauryl sulfate) that foams the shampoo. The rumors that SLS is a carcinogen seem to be unfounded. However, there may be other health problems. Sulfates such as SLS are known skin irritants. They can also remove oil too effectively and cause dry hair. There are some biodegradable products, such as Hairstory New Wash, which uses essential oils and fatty alcohols instead of cleaning agents.

There is another reason to look for biodegradable shampoos. According to a European life cycle analysis of more than 10,000 personal products (cited throughout this article), disposal accounts for 20% of the environmental footprint of shampoos. That's because the shampoo is not consumed when you use it; all these products will rinse off your hair and end up in the waste water. Wastewater treatment uses a lot of energy and chemicals, and it is not necessary to remove all the ingredients in the shampoo before the water is discharged into the environment.

Surprisingly, shampoos and other common personal care products are important sources of volatile organic compounds that cause air pollution. Many shampoos also contain parabens and phthalates. Because the most problematic ingredients are usually found in perfumes used in scented shampoos, unscented shampoos like Free & Clear or No Nothing Very Sensitive are unlikely to contain many of the most harmful chemicals. You can also use the Environmental Working Group Validation List to find more natural and safe shampoos. The list includes cheap, familiar brands, such as Herbal Essences, as well as less common choices, such as South Korean beauty brand Whamisa.

Plastic bottles dominate the choice of shampoo packaging. These bottles account for 22% of the environmental impact of shampoos. Depending on where you live, the plastic in the shampoo bottle may be recyclable, but this is not the case in many places. Some shampoo brands use recycled plastic—even recycled beach plastic—to make bottles. Hairstory uses polyethylene bags that require much less plastic than bottles, and can be recycled where there are facilities.

But there are also plastic packaging options. Brands such as Alpine Provisions and Plaine Products sell shampoo in aluminum bottles. Lush estimates that their solid shampoo sticks have reduced 100 metric tons of plastic waste in a year. EWG Verified Soap for Goodness Sake has produced a combination shampoo and shower gel wrapped in FSC paper.

In fact, most solid shampoo sticks are advertised for use on hair and skin. Many environmentalists follow a rule of thumb that using fewer products has less impact on the environment. In this case, there is no specific data to support the principle. However, if you find a cleanser that is suitable for both hair and body, your life will be easier.

No matter what you choose to clean your hair (or shave your scalp), remember that use accounts for 28% of the environmental impact of shampoos. Most of the impact comes from the water you use for washing and the energy required to heat the water. Use low-flow shower heads and high-efficiency water heaters. You can also use homemade dry shampoo to extend the time between washes.

Gemma Alexander has a master's degree in urban horticulture and a backyard full of native plants. After working in genetics laboratories and landfills, she now writes articles about the environment, art, and family. Check out more of her work here.

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