HOW TO DISPOSE OF HAIR BLEACH & OTHER HAIR PRODUCTS

Whether you’re a salon owner or you’re dyeing your hair at home, the process of bleaching and dyeing hair involves a lot of steps. This can also lead to a lot of waste being produced after the process is done. 

To dispose of products like hair bleach, hair dye, and even shampoos and conditioners, reading the packaging is one of the most important steps.

We’ll go through what you can do to throw out these products, whether it be repurposing unused hair products or disposing of the bottles properly.

Understanding the Hazards of Hair Bleach

Hair bleach is a chemical product that can harm people and the environment if not handled and disposed of correctly.

Hair bleach typically contains hydrogen peroxide, which can be dangerous if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes.

Additionally, some hair bleaches contain chemicals such as ammonia that can be toxic if inhaled.

bleaching
Image Credit: orane.com

Types of Hair Bleach

Different types of hair bleach are available, each with its own set of ingredients and potential hazards. For example, some hair bleaches contain peroxide, while others use a developer or powder lightener.

Understanding the different types of hair bleach can help you make informed decisions about which products to use and how to dispose of them safely.

Ways to Dispose of Hair Bleach & Other Hair Products

To properly dispose of hair bleach and other hair products, you should follow these steps:

  1. Store leftover hair bleach in its original container and label it as “used hair bleach” or “chemically contaminated material.”
  2. Don’t pour used hair bleach down the drain or toilet, as it can harm the environment and damage pipes.
  3. Take used bleach and other hair products to a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center. These centers are designed to properly dispose of hazardous materials, including hair bleach and other hair products.
  4. Before transporting used hair bleach, put it in a sturdy, leak-proof container. You should also wear gloves and eye protection when handling hair bleach.

Salon Today says to make sure you’re properly disposing of hazardous wastes: 

“Once stored properly, hazardous waste disposal should be done in accordance with state and local regulations.

Small businesses may be able to dispose of their accumulated wastes on hazardous waste collection days, which are designated days when residents and other small generators can bring small amounts of hazardous materials to a specified fixed place for the city to collect and dispose of.”

If you’re looking to throw out unused products like hair shampoo, The Curly Hair Lounge suggests saving it: 

You can still use your shampoos, they’re just like any other detergent. Whether they have a lot or close to no surfactants they are still cleaning agents.

Use them to clean your makeup brushes, as a liquid hands soap or even as a shower lotion.”

Don’t Throw Out Unused Dye and Hair Bleach

It’s important to not throw unused hair dye or bleach into the garbage, especially not down the drain.

Hair products create a load of problems if they’re flushed down the sink and enter the water system, making it harder for waste facility workers to filter it out of our water. Often the water is unusable and becomes toxic. 

If you’re trying to get rid of unused hair dye and hair bleach that you no longer need, consider donating it.

You can usually donate unopened bottles and packages to places like nursing homes, long-term care homes, and women’s shelters, to name a few.

This is a small way to give back to your community and give it to a local salon or organization that’s in need of supplies. 

Karyn Maier at LeafTV points out a great option to getting rid of hair bleach and dye is through donating:

If you have unopened hair dye you no longer need, consider donating to a nursing home or assisted living facility willing to accept it for use in their on-site salon. This isn’t always possible, though.

First, many centers will not accept even sealed personal care products out of understandable concern for the safety of residential clients, as well as concern over potential legal ramifications.

Alternatively, a different route to donation might be a local women’s shelter.”

Minimizing Environmental Impact

In addition to proper disposal, you can minimize the environmental impact of hair bleach and other hair products by using more environmentally friendly alternatives.

For example, consider using hair products that are free of harsh chemicals or that come in biodegradable packaging.

By making small changes like these, you can help reduce the overall impact that hair bleach and other hair products have on the environment.

Benefits of Disposing of Hair Bleach and Other Hair Products

Once upon a time, a young woman named Lily lived in a quaint village surrounded by rolling hills and verdant fields. Lily was a free-spirited soul who loved to express herself through her hair, frequently experimenting with different colors and styles.

However, like many others, she needed to know how to dispose of the hair bleach and other products she used.

One day, as Lily was cleaning out her bathroom, she was struck by the sheer amount of partially used hair products accumulated over time. She didn’t want to toss them in the trash, as she knew this could harm the environment and wildlife nearby.

So, she took it upon herself to learn about the proper disposal of bleach and other hair products.

Lily discovered that by properly disposing of these items, she was helping to protect the environment and the creatures that called it home.

Improper disposal could lead to soil and water contamination, causing harm to plants and animals alike.

She also realized that by opting for more environmentally friendly hair products, she was reducing her impact on the planet. She felt good knowing that her choices could make a difference, no matter how small.

As Lily went about her day, she couldn’t help but feel grateful for the knowledge she had gained and the positive impact she could make.

From that day forward, she made a conscious effort to dispose of her hair bleach and other hair products properly and to choose eco-friendly options whenever possible.

In the end, Lily learned that taking care of the environment was not just the right thing to do but also brought her a sense of peace and fulfillment.

She was proud to be a part of the solution and do her part in preserving the beauty of her village and its surroundings for generations to come.

The Bottom Line

Proper disposal of hair bleach and other hair products is essential for protecting human health and the environment.

Following the steps outlined above, you can dispose of these items safely and responsibly.

Additionally, choosing more environmentally friendly hair products can help reduce the impact these items have on the planet.

FAQs

Can hair bleach go down the drain?

You can dispose of hair bleach by diluting it with water and pouring it down your sink or bathroom drain.
This should be done by turning on the faucet first and slowly pouring the bleach into the drain as the water runs until the container is empty.

What happens if you use leftover hair bleach?

Using leftover hair bleach can lead to unpredictable and undesirable results on your hair, as the strength and effectiveness of the bleach may have diminished over time.
Additionally, continued use of expired or old hair bleach can also irritate your scalp and cause damage to your hair.

How long does bleach damage your hair?

Bleach damage to hair can vary in duration, depending on the extent of the damage and the individual’s hair type.
Generally, hair can take several months to a year to fully recover from bleach damage, but regular deep conditioning and proper hair care can help minimize the effects.

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