The world is suffering, so we need to do everything we can to prevent more damage. That means going beyond just giving up plastic straws to save the turtles. Try to reduce waste in every area, especially with things you throw away often like hair ties. Most hair ties are made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and elastic, which take years to break down. Keep reading to find out some better alternatives.

What Are Eco-Friendly Hair Ties?

Credit: Envato Elements/ phoenixproduction

Eco-friendly hair ties are made from materials that break down naturally or can be reused instead of ending up in a landfill for years. These are usually made from biodegradable or recyclable materials like organic cotton, natural rubber, or recycled fabric.

They work just as well as regular hair ties. They have a strong hold, no pulling, and no snapping mid-use. Some even last longer because they’re designed with sustainability in mind. 

A truly eco-friendly hair tie should meet the following criteria:

• It should be made from renewable resources rather than petroleum-based plastics.

• It should be biodegradable or recyclable.

• It should be ethically produced with fair labor practices and minimal environmental impact.

Some Common Eco-Friendly Hair Ties

If you’re ready to swap your regular hair ties for a more sustainable option, here are some of the best eco-friendly choices out there:

Bamboo Fabric

Bamboo grows quickly without pesticides or fertilizers. It also absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, which makes it an eco-friendly crop. Bamboo fiber hair ties are soft and durable.

Organic Cotton and Natural Rubber Hair Ties

These are some of the most popular alternatives. They’re made from organic cotton and natural rubber (which comes from the sap of rubber trees instead of synthetic sources like petroleum). Unlike plastic-based hair ties, they break down naturally over time. They’re soft, stretchy, and strong enough to handle thick hair without losing shape too quickly.

What’s Organic Cotton?

Traditional cotton farming involves heavy pesticide use, which is terrible for the environment. Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified seeds. It uses less water.

Recycled Fabric Hair Ties

These are made from leftover fabric scraps, usually from old clothing or textile production waste. Instead of ending up in landfills, the material is repurposed into durable, stretchy hair ties. They work just as well as traditional options and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Biodegradable Hair Ties

Some brands make hair ties that are completely biodegradable, meaning they naturally break down in the environment instead of sitting in a landfill for years. They’re usually made from plant-based materials like hemp, organic cotton, or bamboo fiber mixed with natural rubber. These are a great option if you want to reduce waste as much as possible.

Silk Hair Ties

Silk is a natural fiber that’s biodegradable. Plus it’s super gentle on hair and doesn’t cause breakage or frizz. While they aren’t as stretchy as rubber-based ties, they’re perfect for people with delicate or fine hair.

Upcycled Hair Ties

Some small businesses and eco-conscious brands take old clothing, tights, or socks and turn them into hair ties. This helps reduce textile waste. These tend to be soft, stretchy, and great for everyday use.

How to Identify a Truly Sustainable Hair Tie

Not all products labeled “eco-friendly” are actually good for the environment. Here’s what to look for:

Check the Materials

Look for hair ties made from natural, biodegradable, or recycled materials. The best options usually include organic cotton, natural rubber, and recycled fabric.

Consider the Packaging

Sustainability doesn’t stop at the product itself. The hair ties should come in minimal, plastic-free packaging. 

Research the Brand

A truly sustainable brand will be transparent about its materials, sourcing, and production process. Check the brand’s website. If they clearly explain how their products are made and their impact on the environment, that’s a good sign. If they use vague terms like “eco-friendly” without details, they might not be as sustainable as they claim.

Choose Durable Hair Ties

Even if a hair tie is biodegradable, it’s not sustainable if it breaks after a few uses. Look for ones designed to last longer so you don’t have to replace them as often. 

How to Properly Dispose of Eco-Friendly Hair Ties

Avoid throwing your hair ties in the trash. Even though eco-friendly hair ties break down faster than synthetic ones, throwing them in the trash means they’ll likely end up in a landfill, where decomposition takes much longer. Here are some great disposal options:

Check If They’re Biodegradable

If your hair ties are made from organic cotton, natural rubber, or other biodegradable materials, they’ll break down naturally over time. You can either:

Method #1: Compost them 

Cut the hair tie into small pieces and throw it into your home compost bin. This works if your hair ties are made of 100% natural materials.

Method #2: Bury them 

If you don’t have a compost bin, you can bury them in soil, and they’ll break down over time.

Repurpose Them Before Tossing

If your hair ties are still intact but stretched out, you can reuse them for other purposes, like for bundling cords, tying bags, or holding small items together. You can also turn them into DIY crafts like bracelets, keychain holders, or fabric-wrapped rings.

Look for Textile Recycling Programs

If your hair ties contain recycled fabric or a mix of materials, check if any local recycling programs accept them. Some companies have take-back programs where they collect and repurpose worn-out hair ties into new products.

Final Thoughts

Switching to eco-friendly hair ties means you’re cutting down on waste. Look for options made from organic cotton, natural rubber, or bamboo. They’re better for the planet and just as durable as regular hair ties.

Tired of hair ties that snap or slip? Burlybands are made to last, with a strong, comfortable hold that won’t damage your hair. Shop with us today.