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How to Recycle Your Old Hair Tools

Give your old straighteners a new lease of life.

Last Updated on June 20, 2023

Got an old pair of hair straighteners or curling tongs you don’t know what to do with? Here’s an idea: why not recycle them?

Not only is this better for the environment, but it’s never been easier to do so. I’m here to tell you how.

Clearing out is a bittersweet chore for me. On one hand, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a clean and clutter-free space – but on the other, it feels like such a mammoth task when you come face-to-face with the beauty products and tools that are longing to be let go.

person ironing a woman s hair

If you find yourself contemplating the fate of the numerous hair tools you’ve accumulated over the years, don’t worry. Let me guide you on how and where to dispose of these tools responsibly.

Most of us experience a phase in our lives when we get completely obsessed with styling our hair on a daily basis, experimenting with all the hair tools that flood our social media feeds, before slowly drifting away from most of them when we find our go-to tool. 

We’re clearly not alone on this. With brands like Dyson, Cloud Nine and GHD upping the stakes when it comes to haircare, the global hair styling tools market has witnessed remarkable growth and is set to see an annual growth rate of 4.62% by 2028

Imagine all the hair tools being sold every day, and ending up futile after a year or even less.

Given the current state of the world, it’s totally understandable to think that one more item ending up in a landfill might not make a big difference.

But don’t forget that even the tiniest actions can create a mighty impact. It’s about time we put an end to mindlessly throwing away products that can easily be recycled and given a new lease on life.

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How do you recycle old hair tools?

If you’re looking to give your old hair tools a proper send-off, there are a few options to consider. 

First off, check out your local electronics recycling centrr—they’re not just for gadgets, they often accept hair tools too. Just do a quick online search or get in touch with your local waste management company to find the closest centre. 

Cloud Nine®, a prominent hair and beauty tech brand, has also taken the step of introducing its very own hair tool recycling scheme. With a clear vision in mind, the company aims to have 45% of its customers participating in the innovative Trade In program by 2025. 

Shutterstock

Through this initiative, hundreds of neglected hair tools are repurposed or recycled each year, effectively diverting them from ending up in landfills throughout the UK.

If you’re ready to make a trade, you can get £60 off your next purchase from them too.

This inspiring commitment by Cloud Nine® serves as a significant stride towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

If you want to be a part of this remarkable movement, you can find more information about the Trade In scheme at cloudninehair.com/pages/trade-in

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What beauty products can be recycled?

Don’t toss those beauty empties just yet—there’s so much potential for repurposing! Get creative with your empty containers: transform a serum bottle into a mini plant propagation vessel or use flat pots to keep your earrings safe while travelling. 

Make sure to check out our guide on where to recycle your beauty products. Let’s give those empties a new life and minimise waste in style!

Cloud Nine hair straighteners
Cloud Nine

What can you do with old hair brushes?

Consider donating them to a local shelter or charity, as they often accept used hair brushes to distribute among those in need. 

If you happen to have a natural, untreated wooden comb or hairbrush, a great option is to incorporate it into your home compost pile. While they decompose at a slower rate compared to food waste, they will eventually break down over time. 

Be sure to remove any plastic or metal components from the brushes before composting. This simple step can contribute to reducing waste and nourishing your compost pile in an environmentally friendly way.

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