In the UK we throw away around 520 million shampoo bottles each year, whilst some local authorities accept these in the household recycling, that is still an awful lot of plastic we could avoid all together. The haircare industry is worth 1.72 billion pounds in this country so we obviously care what happens to our hair, can we care a bit more sustainably? There is always a new term or phrase associated with the best shampoo and everyone has a favourite so we’ve looked into a few of the more sustainable options that will hopefully match with your bouffant needs.

Aveda has been a front runner for a while when it comes to recycled materials, they were the first beauty company to use 100% recycled plastic and now 85% of its bottles and jars are made entirely from post-consumer recycled material. They use solar and wind in 100% of their manufacturing and recycle or reuse most of their manufacturing waste. They have been around since 1978 and now produce only vegan and cruelty free products, they are definitely doing something right. We love their rosemary mint shampoo and conditioner with a wake you up scent and a lightweight feeling that is perfect for Summer. 

Lush have always strived to prove their eco credentials pushing forward with vegetarian products, a strong message aganst animal testing and an approach that aims to reduce and even remove pacagain wherever possible. With totally ‘naked’ shops now open that are completely packaging free they are highlighting the topic but still offering the products they’ve built their reputation on. One of the first to offer shampoo bars and bars of soap that appeal to the more adventurous shopper they have improved and honed their products to compete with some of the big high street brands. We are fans of the soak and float or jason and argan oil shampoo bars and love the american cream conditioner bar. They might take a bit of getting used to but in our experience they last at least twice as long as our old bottle of shampoo and give us great results. 

Holland Barrett have been around in one way or another since 1870 and are now a familiar friendly face on most high streets across the country. Always big on health, vegetarian and vegan options they carry a wide range of sustainable products. Faith in Nature is vegan, 100% recycled and recyclable and a joy to use. Their shampoos come in regular bottles, bars or in a 5 litre container. Whilst 5 litres might not be for everyone, it’s great to have the refill option in your own home and will work perfectly for big households. They also stock Beauty Kitchen products, once you are done with your product you take the bottle back in store and they reuse them. It’s a no waste system, with 100% natural ingredients and multiple beauty awards this is a brilliant sustainable switch. The Seahorse Plankton range smells incredible and leaves your skin feeling soft and clean. 

Many independant and small artisan brands are popping up to compete with the high street big names and we always advocate for keeping an eye out and trying a new shampoo or body bar. Packaging free or paper wrapped they eliminate plastic without compromising on quality, results or value. 

While you are working your way through making your bathroom more sustainable, a top tip is to put a recycling bin in your bathroom. You can get lots of stylish double compartment bins that mean your rubbish is already sorted into sections ready to go, so you don’t have to rummage around.