When it comes to our haircare, products that work for our hair type tend to take precedence when we’re trying to figure out what’ll make it from the shelf to our shopping carts.
And although it’s true that fine, straight hair requires a completely different routine to curly, thick hair, all hair routines (not to mention the planet) can benefit from making some sustainable swaps.
Be it recyclable or compostable packaging, a focus on supply chain transparency, or biodegradable and ethically-sourced ingredients, there are a whole host of positives in the category that are sure to earn you major aura points every time you decide to make a sustainable purchase.
Making an effort to source sustainable haircare can be a little time consuming though, which is why we’ve taken the liberty of hunting down some of the best sustainable hair products available to shop right here in Australia to make eco-friendly alternatives an even easier decision.
Here, marie claire shares six essential sustainable hair products worth adding to your haircare routine.
2024’s top 3 sustainable hair products
- Moroccanoil Original Oil Treatment, $56.45, Amazon Australia
- Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque, $42.95, Oz Hair & Beauty
- Kevin Murphy Angel Wash, $39.91, Kogan
The best sustainable hair products 2024
The Hair Oil: Moroccanoil Original Oil Treatment
from $56.45 at Amazon Australia
This argan oil-enriched hair treatment can be used to condition, style and finish your hair throughout your routine. It’s rich in shine-enhancing vitamins, helps to detangle and smooths strands, and can help to speed up the drying process too.
Sizes: 25ml / 100ml
Key features:
- Uses solar energy during production
- Has an environmental management system
- Uses recyclable paper to wrap all orders shipped from their warehouse
- Has publicly partnered with organisations such as Oceana, Green Circle Salons, The Humane Society
- PETA-certified cruelty-free
Available at:
- $56.45 from Amazon Australia
- $74.95 from Adore Beauty
- $74.95 from Oz Hair & Beauty
The Hair Mask: Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque
from $42.95 from Oz Hair & Beauty
This five-in one hair treatment mask combines the hair-loving benefits of coconut, fig, shea butter, linseed, argan oil and probiotics. Its formula works to improve shine, hydration, and damaged or fragile strands.
Sizes: 212ml
Key features:
- Ingredients sourced from ethical suppliers
- Uses the entire fruit (skin, flesh and seeds) to minimise waste
- Has a small carbon footprint
- 100 per cent recyclable packaging
- FSC certified cardboard and paper
Available at:
- $42.95 from Oz Hair & Beauty
- $45.16 from Look Fantastic
- $57.90 from Adore Beauty
The Shampoo: Kevin Murphy Angel Wash
from $39.91 at Kogan
Crafted to nourish and transform fragile hair that has been damaged by frequent colour processing and heat styling, it’s infused with a slew of antioxidant-rich vitamins, proteins and soothing essential oils that gently cleanse the scalp without stripping or fading hair colour.
Sizes: 40ml / 250ml / 500ml / 1000ml
Key features:
- All packaging is recyclable or biodegradable
- Only uses natural ingredients from sustainable and renewable sources
- Harvests ingredients in a way that doesn’t harm the environment
- Formulated with sulphate free surfactants
- Partners with sustainable organisations such as Greenfleet, One Tree Planted and We Are Proud
Available at:
- $39.91 from Kogan
- $46.95 from Adore Beauty
- $46.95 from Oz Hair & Beauty
The Conditioner: Ethique The Guardian Conditioner Bar
from $23.70 at Amazon Australia
A conditioning hair bar that aims to smooth and nourish strands and combat frizz. Contains fairly traded cocoa butter and coconut oil to soften and promote healthy-feeling hair.
Sizes: 15g / 60g
Key features:
- B Corp Certified
- 100 per cent plastic-free
- Uses home compostable packaging
- Donates two per cent of sales to charitable organisations
- Collaborates with Ecologi on the ‘Buy One, Plant One’ tree planting mission
- Cruelty-free
- PETA-certified vegan
- Palm oil free
Available at:
- $23.70 from Amazon Australia
- $25 from Ethique
The Leave-In Treatment: ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment
from $28.95 at Adore Beauty
This leave-in treatment promises eleven benefits: promotes shiny, smooth and soft hair; controls frizz and flyaways; moisturises; strengthens; prevents split ends; detangles hair; protects from heat; enhances body; repairs damage; protects hair colour; and prevents sun damage.
Sizes: 125ml
Key features:
- 100 per cent recyclable packaging
- Partners with suppliers who use recycled or biodegradable packaging, solar energy and reduced water consumption
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
The Styling Serum: Vanessa Megan Anti-Frizz Smoothing Hair Serum With Hyaluronic Acid
from $39.95 at Vanessa Megan
Designed to be applied to the ends of dry or damp hair, this hair serum is enriched with silica-rich bamboo, hyaluronic acid and rice peptides to smooth frizz, tame unruly strands, lock in moisture, and protect the hair from damage.
Sizes: 30ml
Key features:
- Only uses natural and sustainable ingredients
- Provides ingredient transparency and full ingredient glossary
- Contains 70 per cent organic ingredients
- Palm oil free
- Zero synthetic ingredients
What makes haircare sustainable?
Haircare that prioritises supplier transparency, recyclable or compostable packaging, and biodegradable and ethically-sourced or farmed ingredients all fall under the sustainable category.
How can I make my haircare more sustainable?
Taking the time to do your research about the brands and products you invest in is the best way to ensure your haircare routine is as sustainable as possible. Most brands that are sustainable will openly disclaim the measures they’re taking to be more eco-friendly on their websites, but if you’re unsure you can always check if a brand is listed on a Sustainable Brand Index such as SB Insight and Good On You.
Looking to save money on sustainable haircare? Check out our coupon codes for Oz Hair & Beauty, Adore Beauty and more.
Main image credit: @ashleygraham
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
