Guest Blog Post by Lottie Savage

Ethically So. is on a mission to educate others and support local New Zealand businesses. We have also discovered since launching, that we are super interested to hear more about your stories to low-waste living.

Which is why we have teamed up with Lottie from @littlebitoflots to share with you her journey to ‘Beginning a Natural Hair Journey’.

Lottie’s Low-Waste Story:

Beginning a Natural Hair Journey

At the beginning of 2018 I was compelled to reduce my plastic consumption after realising just how many plastic bottles I was sending off to be recycled. At the time, I was easily using a bottle of conditioner each week, as well as a bottle of conditioner and body wash every fortnight.

Over the course of a year that’s 104 bottles annually! 

That’s 104 plastic bottles before I’d even left the bathroom. I was floored.

The Switch

I immediately, and completely non-regretfully switched to solid shampoo and conditioner bars, and I haven’t looked back since. Making the switch turned on a light, as I found that my hair was immediately more manageable which lead me to question:  ‘What’s really in supermarket bought haircare?’

The Truth

Typical haircare products often contain silicones, sulphates, parabens, alcohols and synthetic fragrances. The use of silicons is wide spread in conditioners as it essentially waterproofs the hair fibres and makes them feel silky smooth. 

“Silicone is almost like rubber and/or plastic. It is used as a sealant against water and even air… It gives the hair the illusion of shine, but it is not the shine we want—it is a fake shine from the plastic.” If you’ve ever noticed that the more you rinse out your conditioner the drier your hair begins to feel? Thats the silicones clinging to the surface slowly breaking away, they don’t get absorbed by your hair. Essentially we’re simply washing these man made micro-particles down the drain.

It is important to note that silicone is derived from a natural source (plant) and if heated at a high enough temperature will return to it’s natural state. This however doesn't make it beneficial in the long run when it comes to washing your hair in it.

Chemicals, Chemicals, and More Chemicals

Some sulphates (I’m looking at you Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate SLS), alcohols and synthetic fragrances on the other had are drying to the hair itself. Sulphates are added as a cleansing agent, but whilst removing sweat and the build up of oils on the scalp they’re also stripping all the much needed natural oils from the hair strands which again leaves the hair dry.

Sulphates also pose a relative risk to our health beyond our hair “According to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, SLS is a "moderate hazard" that has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity and skin irritation”

Other Effects

Alcohols effect on hair is mainly felt by those with curls as they can be drying and cause frizz. While synthetic fragrances are chemically engineered and are often petroleum based. Not to mention the word ‘Fragrance’ is an umbrella term, that can be used to conceal many nasty chemicals and toxins that companies don’t have to disclaim in ingredient lists.

Follow in My Footsteps

In changing the way that I shopped in an attempt to lessen my plastic consumption I have only reaped rewards. Making the switch to shampoo and conditioner bars as well as bar soap, has allowed me to single-handedly save 100+ plastic bottles each year. 

By using natural products that nourish the scalp I was promoting hair growth, and healthy distribution of the hairs natural oils. This has made my hair more manageable and stronger in the long run. It completely changed my haircare routine.

Did I mention…

Not to mention the unforeseen bonus of saving money on something that I didn’t even consider a big expense, bar products last me months on end and provide well over 30 washes and remember less time in the shower is more water saved!

It’s also super epic to be able to support local small New Zealand businesses by buying their hand crafted soaps. Make sure you check to see that they are made with 100% derived natural ingredients before purchasing.

To follow along with Lottie and see all her amazing low-waste switches, you can head over to her Instagram page @littlebitoflots

Be sure to check out her LOW WASTE highlight on her page to see how she turned a conditioner bar into a liquid conditioner and made it last over 9 months! (I’m being deadly serious, it’s super cool!)

Thanks for reading and be sure to let us know how you find making the switch!

Love Annie // @ethicallyso

xxx