Curls, coils and kinks are more than just hair - they’re identity, culture, and a love language passed through generations. But caring for Afro and curly hair shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet. With a few intentional swaps, you can build a hair routine that’s healthy for your hair and gentle on the Earth.
Whether you’re deep into your natural hair journey or just starting to embrace your texture, here are our favourite eco-friendly hair tips for conscious curl lovers.
1. 🌱Eco-Friendly Hair Tools: Gentle on Curls, Kind to the Planet
Healthy hair starts with the right tools and plastic brushes aren’t it. At ecojiko, our bamboo hair tools are made to protect your curls and the planet.
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Bamboo Paddle Hair Brush | Sustainable Handle and Pins
Designed for gentle detangling, this brush massages the scalp and helps distribute natural oils through the hair. It reduces frizz and improves circulation, stimulating hair growth naturally. -
Wooden Bamboo Detangling Brush | Bamboo Tangle Teezer
Ideal for Type 3 and 4 curls, this detangling brush glides through knots without breakage. Its flexible bamboo bristles protect your natural curl pattern and minimise shedding.
So, why are bamboo tools better for Afro hair? We tell you!
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Prevent breakage by respecting curl structure
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Reduce static and frizz
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Stimulate scalp blood flow for healthy growth
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Naturally antibacterial and long-lasting
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100% biodegradable and plastic-free
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Sustainably sourced and planet-friendly
2. Natural Haircare: Clean Ingredients for Healthy Curls
Your wash day products shouldn’t be packed with harsh chemicals. That’s why we partner with women-led, plant-based haircare brands from the Buy Women Built community - supporting businesses that care for curls and for people.
Here are some of our favourites:
Flora & Curl
Born from a desire to nourish dry textured hair using natural ingredients, Flora & Curl was created by Rose in 2017 as a love letter to textured hair. After experimenting in her mother’s kitchen, she built a botanical curl care system that hydrates and defines curls without harsh chemicals.
Only Curls
Founded by Lizzie Carter, who was tired of products that didn’t work for curly hair, Only Curls started with just £500 and a simple idea: curls deserve better. Ethical, cruelty-free and curly-girl approved, this brand celebrates simple routines that actually work.
CurlyEllie
When Zaina couldn’t find safe hair products for her daughter Ellie, who had eczema and sensitivity to fragrances, she created CurlyEllie - gentle, kid-friendly curl care made with clean ingredients. Powerful yet non-irritating, perfect for sensitive scalps.
🌿 Why we love them:
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Women-led businesses
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Naturally derived ingredients
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Ethical & cruelty-free products
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Safe for textured and curly hair
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Loved by the natural hair community
3. Sustainable Wash Day: Eco Rituals for Healthy Hair
Wash days don’t need to waste water or product.
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Use a cotton t-shirt to reduce frizz or the wonderful hair towels from Good Wash Day, as featured on Dragon's Den
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Try co-washing between shampoo days to save water
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Pre-poo with coconut or avocado oil to reduce breakage
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Use a scalp massager to boost circulation naturally
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Choose refillable or low-waste products
4. Protective Styling the Eco Way
Protective styles help reduce manipulation and retain moisture - but they can also be sustainable.
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Choose braiding hair from recycled fibres or made with plant-based alternatives
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Reuse hair accessories instead of buying new every time
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Moisturise with natural oils between styles
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Use satin bonnets and pillowcases to prevent breakage
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Avoid hair sprays with aerosols and go for natural hold gels
🌍 Sustainability isn’t a trend - it’s a lifestyle rooted in Afro wisdom and ancestral care.
Afro hair care is personal. It’s cultural. It’s powerful. And now it can be sustainable too.
Ready to start your eco hair journey? Explore our bamboo hair tools at ecojiko and join a movement where beauty meets responsibility.
Let us see your sustainable hair swaps - tag us at @ecojiko
