Top 10 Eco-Friendly Hair Brushes, Combs and Accessories
Where Hair Care Meets Sustainability
When I first started swapping out products in my home for more sustainable options, I honestly didn’t think much about my hairbrush. But then I realized—between the plastic handles, synthetic bristles, and the number of cheap brushes I’d tossed over the years—it actually added up to quite a bit of waste.
The good news? Eco-friendly hair brushes, combs, and accessories are not only better for the planet, but they’re often higher quality and gentler on your hair too. Once I switched, I noticed my hair looked smoother, shinier, and way less frizzy (major win!).
From bamboo brushes to biodegradable hair ties, I’ve rounded up my favorite finds that combine sustainable materials with everyday practicality. Whether you’re detangling after the shower, smoothing frizz, or tossing your hair up for a workout, these options prove that small changes in our routine can make a big difference.
Check out this article on glamour.com: Unsurprisingly, Plastic Brushes Are Not So Awesome For Your Hair
Top 10 Eco-Friendly Hair Brushes, Combs and Accessories
1. SHASH Wooden Paddle Brush
This brush is a total workhorse in my routine. Made in Germany with ecologically sourced wood, it’s designed to last for years (goodbye cheap drugstore brushes that break after a few months). The wooden pins help evenly distribute oils from root to tip, which means healthier, shinier hair without the frizz.
Ecologically sourced wood
Wooden pins
Works for wet or dry hair
Long-lasting quality
2. Lemon Hill Bamboo Hair Brush
If you’ve got long hair like me, comfort matters! The ergonomic bamboo handle on this brush makes it so much easier to use, and the rounded pin ends gently massage your scalp—hello blood flow and hair growth boost.
Hand-made from bamboo
Scalp-stimulating rounded bristles
3. RED Vent Hair Brush, Eco-Plant Fiber Detangling Brush
This lightweight vent brush is made from eco-plant fiber, which makes it sturdier than plastic but way more sustainable. It’s great for all hair types and helps speed up drying time too!
Made from eco plant fiber
Works for curly, straight, thick, and thin hair
4. Detangler Brush by Fiora Naturals
This one is a lifesaver after showers. The brush is crafted from bio-based material, which makes it up to 100% biodegradable. It glides through tangles without tugging, which is huge for keeping hair healthy.
Biodegradable materials
Safe for all hair types
5. Classic German Boar Bristle Hair Brush
One of my personal favorites. This wooden boar bristle brush feels like a scalp massage every time I use it. It redistributes natural oils to give your hair that salon-shiny look, while also gently exfoliating your scalp to reduce flakes.
Hand-made in Germany
Wooden handle + natural boar bristles
Promotes shine and healthy growth
6. Wet Brush Go Green Hair Detangler Brush
If you love the ease of a Wet Brush but want something more sustainable, this is the one. It’s made with 58% plant-based materials, so while not fully eco-friendly, it’s still a great step up from traditional plastic brushes.
58% plant-based materials
Works on wet or dry hair
7. Onedor Handmade Sandalwood Hair Combs
This 100% sandalwood comb is polished to perfection so it glides through your hair without snagging. It’s completely plastic-free, and I love that it feels like a little ritual when I use it. Bonus—it smells amazing!
100% sandalwood
Prevents split ends
8. The Moreinday Wooden Comb Wide Tooth Comb Fine Tooth Wood Comb Hair Comb Sandalwood 2-Pack
Sometimes one comb isn’t enough—this set gives you both a wide-tooth comb (great for detangling) and a fine-tooth comb (perfect for sleek styling). Both are crafted from sandalwood and are sturdy enough to last years.
Wide-tooth + fine-tooth combo
Sandalwood construction
9. BIODEGRADABLE Elastic Hair Ties
These are game changers. Made from cotton, rubber, and natural dyes, these ties are strong enough to keep a ponytail in place but fully biodegradable at the end of their life. Plus, they come in recyclable packaging.
Plastic-free
Durable + eco-friendly
10. Kitsch Elastic Hair Ties
For days when I need extra hold, I reach for these. Made from recycled nylon, they’re stretchy, comfortable, and don’t pull or snag my hair. A great sustainable swap if you go through hair ties quickly!
Made from recycled nylon
Soft, stretchy, long-lasting
Ditching Plastic Hair Brushes for Healthier Hair and a Healthier Planet
If you’ve ever owned one of those traditional hair brushes made from cheap plastic products, you probably know the drill: they work fine at first, but before long the bristles bend, the handle cracks, and the whole thing ends up in the trash. Not only does this cycle create more plastic waste, but it also isn’t great for the care of your hair. Synthetic brushes can tug and pull, especially on wet hair, leading to breakage and split ends.
That’s why so many people (myself included) are making the switch to wooden or bamboo hair brushes. With wooden bristles or smooth bamboo bristles, these brushes glide gently through strands, distributing natural oils and helping you achieve that coveted smooth hair without relying on sprays or serums. They also have natural anti-static properties, which is a lifesaver if you’re prone to frizz. The result? Fewer tangles, more good hair days, and stronger, healthy hair in the long run.
Find out what TEK brushes & combs has to say about the benefits of wooden hair tools in their article: Natural hair care: discover the amazing benefits of wooden brushes and combs!
The best part is that these aren’t just luxury items for a special occasion. Today, you can find plenty of affordable options that fit right into your everyday routine, whether you’re detangling thick hair, smoothing medium hair, or styling with a flat iron and hair dryer. A well-made natural hair brush isn’t just a perfect addition to your vanity—it’s an investment in both your self-care and for the planet.
So the next time you’re tempted to grab another cheap plastic brush, pause and ask: what type of brush will give me not only smoother hair but also peace of mind? Chances are, the answer is wood, bamboo, or another zero waste hair brush designed with both you and the environment in mind.
Check out the 10 Best Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Hair Products!
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Eco-Friendly Hair Tools
Switching to eco-friendly hair brushes and accessories might feel like a small step, but it’s one that makes a real impact—both for your hair and for the planet. Not only do these options cut down on waste, but they’re also crafted to last longer and often work better than their plastic counterparts.
For me, this swap has been about more than just sustainability—it’s been about creating a hair care routine that feels intentional. Every time I grab my wooden brush or tie my hair with a biodegradable elastic, I feel like I’m making a choice that honors both my body and the earth.
If you’re just starting out, pick one item from this list and give it a try. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself reaching for sustainable options again and again—because they really are the best way to care for your hair and the planet at the same time.
Latest on the blog
