Celebrate Earth Day By Making The Switch To Ethical Haircare
OK, let’s be real, things are a bit of a s***show on the global stage right now. Yeah, we're (hopefully) on the way out of the whole COVID thing, but it's kinda a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire – and things are certainly heating up. At least that's what the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO said in their 2020 biannual report. According to the experts, Australia is undeniably experiencing a warming trend due to climate change, and it's not just the temps that are the problem. According to The Australia Institute, we pump out 1.2% of the world's CO2 – the 14th most in the world. Not really the type of "small but mighty" badge of honour we want pinned on our lapels!
So, what does all this doom and gloom have to do with that gorgeous head of hair atop your head? There are actually some ways you can indirectly help chip away at these issues each time you hop into the shower. Ethical beauty products, including those that fall under the haircare umbrella, are made with that good stuff – not only for you, but also for the environment. It's a real win-win type situation, and what better time to start thinking about the environmental impact of your hair products than Earth Day 2021?
Look, we're not asking you to settle down with a long term partner, get on the property ladder or even try to do your own taxes, but it's time to put on your big girl or big boy pants and start your responsible haircare journey.
Now, let's get started.
What does it all mean?
Being an ethical consumer can be near-impossible at the worst of times and confusing at the best of times. Sometimes there aren't hard and fast rules and regulations around the labels and terms that brands use, and “green-washing” is rampant in the beauty industry. Don’t worry, we’re not here to judge you for your choices, but if you choose to venture into the world of ethical haircare, there are some labels and terms you might come across that we can help you understand.
All-natural. Theoretically, all-natural products are made of fully natural ingredients, that is, only plant, mineral or animal by-products. 100% natural products usually have a tick of approval from some sort of authority, so you know they're legit.
Natural. The meaning of this label can be a bit murky, as companies are technically allowed to call their products natural even if only some of the ingredients are natural. However, some is definitely better than none, so these are still a decent option a lot of the time. The less chemicals you’re putting on your body and into our waterways the better, for you and the environment!
Organic. The ‘organic’ label refers to how ingredients were farmed - they must have been farmed without the use of any pesticides, chemical fertilisers, antibiotics or growth products. Unlike the ‘natural’ label, the use of the ‘organic’ label is highly regulated in Australia. Brands must comply with the rules set by the Australian Certified Organic association (ACO) in order to use this label on products.
Vegan. Vegan haircare products do not contain any ingredients made from animals. Just like vegan (or partially vegan – no judging if you can’t resist a burger every now and then) diets can help reduce your carbon footprint and lower greenhouse gas emissions, so can adding vegan haircare products to your routine.
Cruelty-free. Finally, cruelty-free haircare products are those that haven't been tested on animals during production. It’s 2021 and many beauty brands are still testing on animals.This Earth Day, use the power of your purse to support cruelty-free brands.
Ethical haircare pioneers
Ethical haircare isn't a new mission for the good guys and gals over at Pureology. For more than 20 years, this Cali company has been developing clean beauty products for those with colour-treated hair. Recently, they've taken their mission a step further to more fully encompass "Beauty with Meaning". It's all about going beyond aesthetics to have a wider positive impact on the world. Not only are Pureology’s cruelty-free, vegan formulas reflective of this message, but so are the brand’s efforts to work with models and ambassadors from unique walks of life to create empowering, inclusive content - what’s not to love?
Not to be missed are Pureology’s ZeroSulfate® shampoos, sulfate-free shampoos that are enriched with plant extracts to gently cleanse hair without stripping it of moisture. Bestsellers include Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo, perfect for fine, colour-treated hair, and Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo, which can bring dull, lifeless locks back to life.
All pureology products are packaged in bottles and tubs that are made from 95% post-consumer materials and are 100% recyclable, meaning you can continue doing your bit for the environment after you've done your bit for your hair.
Other ethical allies
Luckily for us, and Mother Earth, there are plenty of other brands that have taken it on themselves to embrace ethical haircare.
Responsible for some of the best salon-quality natural haircare products in Australia, Davroe is built on honesty and purity. Get a heaping helping of both with their Ends Repair Leave-In Treatment, which is cruelty free, certified natural, organic and vegan, and taps into the powers of rice and wheat proteins to help strengthen your hair.
Taking the biological burden on themselves, Biolage products are made via a process that includes carefully chosen ingredients, detailed tracing and manufacturing with a low environmental footprint. Their Hydrasource Detangling Solution can help wrangle your hair when it's getting frizzy and out of control.
One of the biggest names in organic hair products in Australia, KEVIN.MURPHY is committed to using natural ingredients from sustainable and renewable resources. That means you can do your part for the earth every time you treat your hair to one of the luxe products, like the YOUNG.AGAIN Treatment Oil, a weightless leave-in oil that hydrates and protects hair.
Save some green by going green
To show the planet some love and help you celebrate Earth Day 2021, Oz Hair & Beauty want to make it easier for you to get your hands on some epic ethical products. For today (April 22) only, spend $120 on the products mentioned or other hair, skin and beauty products from the Ethical Beauty collection and receive a $25 voucher for your next order.
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