A new year always calls for a change – every time the calendar turns to another year,  there’s always an undeniable temptation to switch things up a bit- whether through a new diet, a new fitness routine or a new beauty look. After all, isn’t that how we’re supposed to mark the end of a rewarding year and start another glorious year ahead?

“There are so many ways you can make a positive environmental and social impact through your haircare and hair styling routine.” says Maggie Semaan, International Celebrity Hair Artist.

This 2022, change is not enough – we need to take a few more measures to make sure that the changes we’re taking are making a positive impact not just personally but environmentally. “It always starts with small little steps that collectively make a huge impact – like switching to natural, organic and toxic-free hair care products.” she added.

Here, Maggie shares 5 sustainable and eco-friendly hair styling tips and techniques that doesn’t include heat, plastics and chemicals:

1. No-Heat Beachy Waves

Ever wondered how to get that gorgeous beachy wave hairstyle without curling irons, blow dryers or hot rollers that can actually damage your hair? You’ve come to the right place as I’ve got several tricks under my sleeves – from pin curls to tie rag curlers. But my favorite technique is twisting damp hair into ‘braids’ and allowing it to air dry. You can part and twist in more sections for a more wavy look.

 2. Wet-Hair Look a ‘la Kim

The best thing about the wet-hair look is that although it is really simple to do, it gives off a very polished, runway-ready look. To start, towel dry your hair – remember to blot and don’t rub. Once the hair is damp, apply your natural and organic hair gel from root to tip. Feel free to add more product as you go to really amp up that “wet look”. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can brush your hair back for a sleek look or shape the curls and waves around the face as you go. Once set, finish the look with an organic hairspray to lock it in and let air dry. No chemicals, no hair dryers and no flat irons.

 3. Volume Boosting Bun

Ever heard of the sock bun? Well, it’s literally a bun hairstyle with a sock inside it. It’s an easy 5-minute hairstyle technique that’s sure to make your mornings easier. Start by putting your hair in a ponytail, roll up the sock (make sure to cut the ends of the sock) and slip it over the ponytail and slide the sock almost to the ends of your hair, then fan out the hair around the sock and start to roll the hair and sock upon itself down the length of the ponytail. When you reach the ponytail base, use bobby pins to hold it in place and clean up any stray pieces. Easy peasy right?

4. Upgrade Your Braid

From Lara Croft of Tomb Raider to Katniss Everdeen of Hunger Games, the braid hairstyle is a simple but definitely a head turner. You can even create several different looks from this technique, from low side braid, ponytail braid to Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time braid.

5. Heatless Towel Wrap Curls

If you have more time in your hands, then this heatless towel wrap curls technique is for you! All you need is a plush tie that’s a bit longer than your hair and a scrunchie to lock it in. Start by parting your hair and sectioning it in two, layer the tie over the top of your head and make sure the length on both sides are equal. Now grab 2-3 inches of hair and wrap it around the tie – you’ll want your twists to sit right below one another. Repeat the pattern all the way down while keeping it tight for a nice defined curl. Once you reach the end, twist and wrap it away from your face and have it sit right behind your ear. Secure with a scrunchie. Then repeat the same pattern on the other side. Leave for a few hours or overnight for best results. Unravel the twists and voila – you have your heatless voluminous curls for the day.