The Future is in Our Hands (and Hair!)
You know that hair we sweep up at the salon? Ever stopped to think about where it all goes? It gets tossed in the bin, right? But what if I told you that this "waste" holds impressive potential for the planet?
Human hair is packed with nutrients and proteins that can do more than sit around in a landfill. From cleaning up oil spills to fuelling renewable energy and even improving soil health, this overlooked resource is turning out to be far more valuable than we realised.
It's part of why I’m so passionate about our partnership with Sustainable Salons. Together, we will pioneer the circular economy by repurposing hair into eco-friendly solutions.
Hair vs. Oil Spills: A Natural Clean-Up Hero
Let's talk oil spills for a second. They’re a huge problem. They harm marine life and take forever to clean up. We rely on synthetic materials like polypropylene to soak up the oil, but those are just as harmful to the environment.
Here’s the cool part: human hair works wonders in this situation. It naturally repels water and soaks up oil—how genius is that? Groups like Matter of Trust and Sustainable Salons have started using hair to create mats and booms that trap oil and clean up spills. The best part? Once they’ve done their job, they can be cleaned, reused, and even composted. It’s a totally biodegradable solution that doesn’t add to the problem.
Turning Hair Into Renewable Energy
Okay, let’s take it a step further. Did you know human hair can also be part of the renewable energy mix? Researchers Amandeep Singh Pannu and Muhammad J A Shiddiky could use its carbon to create battery-quality graphite by subjecting the hair to heat and pressure that simulate the geological processes that form graphite. That graphite can then be used in lithium-ion batteries, which we need more of for clean energy storage.
So, instead of mining for graphite (which is harmful to the planet), we could use hair to help fuel a cleaner future. How awesome is that?
Hair + Soil = Plant Heaven
Now, here’s where I really get excited. You already know I’m all about soil health, and hair also plays a big role. Hair is rich in keratin, which breaks down in the soil and releases nitrogen, sulphur, and other essential nutrients. This helps boost microbial activity in the soil and improves its structure over time.
For me, that’s the magic of Soilz Alive. We use hair as a core ingredient in our handcrafted soil treatment. When hair breaks down, it nourishes the soil, helps it hold water, and creates a thriving environment for your plants. The best part? It’s a slow-release process, so plants get a steady supply of nutrients over time without the risk of overfeeding or harming the ecosystem.
Soilz Alive: Rethinking Waste, One Strand at a Time
At Soilz Alive, we're all about changing how we think about waste. What many consider garbage is a valuable resource. We’ve seen first-hand how human hair can be turned into something that regenerates soil, helps plants grow more substantial, and supports healthier ecosystems.
By turning this so-called “waste” into a powerful, natural soil booster, we’re not just creating healthier plants—we’re helping build a more sustainable world, one strand at a time.
Closing the Loop with Sustainable Salons
Here’s the cool part: we’re not doing this alone. Thanks to Sustainable Salons, we’re tapping into the circular economy—taking salon waste that would normally end up in landfills and giving it a whole new purpose. It’s a win-win: less waste, better soil, and stronger, healthier plants.
So next time you’re tending to your indoor jungle, know there’s a little extra magic in your soil—because even something as simple as a strand of hair has the power to do good.
The Future is in Our Hands (and Hair!)
From cleaning up oil spills to powering renewable energy and enriching soil, human hair is more than just something to sweep up. And it's all possible because we’re starting to recognise its potential.
So, the next time you look at a strand of hair, think of the bigger picture. Waste is only waste if we let it be.