Rinse Away Waste With DIY Hair Care Recipes

"Every year, Americans discard hundreds of millions of plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles. While many are technically recyclable, the reality is that most end up in landfills or, worse, our oceans. Making your own hair care products is one way to reduce this waste stream while taking control of what goes on your body-and down the drain. DIY hair care has exploded in popularity over the past decade, from the "no-poo" movement to ancient remedies making a modern comeback."

"But not all homemade recipes are created equal. Understanding the science behind hair care-particularly pH balance-can help you choose methods that are both eco-friendly and genuinely good for your hair. Why Make Your Own Hair Care Products?In addition to the fun and rewarding feeling of making something yourself, the benefits include fewer plastic bottles, potential cost savings, and fewer industrial chemicals in your life."

"That said, concerns about SLS's environmental impacts aren't entirely unfounded. A 2023 Ecotoxicology & Environmental Safety study found evidence that SLS is toxic to aquatic life at various concentrations, despite its biodegradability. The environmental impact depends largely on local wastewater treatment infrastructure and the ecosystem's sensitivity. For those seeking alternatives-whether for environmental reasons, sensitive skin, or simply curiosity-here are four DIY options, ranging from clarifying treatments to deep-conditioning masks."

Hundreds of millions of plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles are discarded annually, and many technically recyclable containers still end up in landfills or oceans. DIY hair care has grown in popularity, yet recipe quality varies and attention to hair science, especially pH balance, matters for effectiveness and hair health. Homemade formulations can reduce plastic use, lower costs, and decrease exposure to some industrial chemicals. Commercial shampoos contain surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is generally safe for humans in proper formulations but can harm aquatic life depending on concentrations and local wastewater treatment. Alternatives and several DIY options are presented, with an important update warning against certain methods such as baking soda use advised by dermatologists and trichologists.

Read at Earth911