From Salons to Soil: Hair Mulch is Changing the Future of Farming
The hair salon may be the last place you’d expect to find groundbreaking environmental solutions, but it’s here that hair is playing a starring role in an innovative soil regeneration project. The Quiet Fiber Cycle Field Study is making waves in Norfolk, with fiber donations flooding in from across the UK, transforming hair waste into a powerful tool for improving soil health and combating climate change.
Project Overview
At the Wild Ken Hill Estates in Norfolk, a 1-hectare site will be covered with a carefully measured mix of 1.2 tons of hair, 1 ton of pet fur, and 4 tons of wool. These natural fibers are collected from households, salons, groomers, and recyclers all over the UK and are being used as part of an exciting study to investigate the regenerative potential of hair, wool, and fur when used as mulch in soil applications. This pioneering research draws inspiration from the successful Presidio Trust field study in the US, which demonstrated the profound environmental benefits of recycling hair into the earth.
What is Hair Mulch?
Hair Mulch is a 100% natural, biodegradable soil amendment made from recycled hair, fur, and wool, materials that break down slowly and release nitrogen, carbon, and moisture retention properties into the soil. Over time, these fibers promote microbial and fungal activity, attract beneficial insects, and enhance soil fertility. By applying this sustainable mulch, we are not only reducing waste but also boosting the health of the environment. Unlike traditional mulches, hair decomposes over the course of years, contributing to long-term soil regeneration.
Why the Project Matters
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these natural fibers in enhancing soil health. Researchers will assess moisture retention, nutrient release, microbial activity, and nitrogen levels, alongside the positive environmental impacts of fibre-based mulches. Ultimately, the project will show how simple, locally sourced materials can help restore ecosystems, conserve water, and provide alternative, sustainable solutions for agriculture and gardening.
The Quiet Fiber Cycle – A Glimpse Into the Past
The Quiet Fiber Cycle is more than just an environmental initiative – it’s a reminder of how, not long ago, natural fibers like hair, fur, and wool were part of the everyday fabric of our lives, naturally cycling through the ecosystem. It’s a glimpse into how nature’s processes were once able to regenerate the land without synthetic inputs. This cycle is a powerful metaphor for what’s possible when we embrace sustainable, locally sourced materials in the fight against climate change.
Project Goals and Expected Outcomes
- Evaluate the effectiveness of Hair Mulch, Wool Mulch, and Pet Fur Mulch in improving soil quality
- Compare the moisture retention, decomposition rates, and microbial activity of different fiber-based mulches
- Promote the importance of composting and high-quality compost for sustainable farms and gardens
- Rediscover the Quiet Fiber Cycle, reconnecting with pre-industrial practices of fibre recycling that sustained our environment
- Engage local recycling networks and encourage sustainable waste management practices
Join the Movement
The Quiet Fiber Cycle is a movement that’s gaining traction across the globe, encouraging individuals, businesses, and communities to look at hair, wool, and fur in a new light – not as waste, but as a resource that can regenerate the planet. The Norfolk field study is just the beginning.
Partners from Around the World
This international collaboration includes environmental nonprofits, green salon advocates, and regenerative farming experts. Key partners include:
- Wild Soils (Ben Padwick, Nick Padwick)
Wild Soils, run by Nick and Ben, specializes in natural composting and regenerative farming practices. They bring expertise in monitoring soil health and will oversee the testing and comparison of fiber-based mulch sites in this project. https://www.wildsoils.co.uk - Matter of Trust HQ – Public Charity (Lisa Gautier, President – will be on site in Norfolk)
Matter of Trust, a U.S.-based environmental nonprofit est. 1998, has pioneered many fiber recycling initiatives for ecological applications, including Hair Mats for oil spills and Hair Mulch for soil regeneration. Lisa is gathering this project’s network of partners, press, funders for the field study’s launch and rollout. As founder, she gladly coordinates planet-friendly programs linking surplus with needs. matteroftrust.org - Green Salon Collective (Jess Rigg)
A key advocate for sustainable salon practices, GSC collects and repurposes salon waste, ensuring that recyclables and fiber-based materials are effectively used for environmental projects. greensaloncollective.com - The Natural Fibre Company (Beki Gilbert)
The Natural Fibre Company is a spinning mill and network connecting various eco-fiber initiatives, supporting textile waste reduction and circular economy projects involving organic fibers such as wool and animal fur. thenaturalfibre.co.uk - Terre de Couleur (Nazish Saad Munchenbach)
Terre de Couleur, a professional organic hair care and color brand in France. The company focuses on removing toxins from hair and hair bulbs and believes in promoting safe and healthy alternatives for salon professionals. terredecouleur.com – nazish@terredecouleur.com
- The Hum Sum.org (a free program for organizing the fiber donors and recipients) platform’s fiber donors contribute hair, wool, and pet fur globally, promoting local fibers for local solutions and expanding access to naturally, abundant renewable resources for regenerative projects. www.thehumsum.org
- Matter of Trust Scotland (Chelsea Knight)
The Scottish branch of Matter of Trust, led by Chelsea, focuses on alternatives to monoculture, local fiber recycling and hair collection networks, contributing to regenerative environmental solutions throughout the UK. - Matter of Trust Isle of Wight (Sally Denyer)
Sally manages Matter of Trust’s operations on the Isle of Wight, emphasizing hair fiber applications for soil and water conservation and working with local hair salons to collect fiber waste. - Matter of Trust – Global Hubs Director (Mattia Carenini)
- Matter of Trust – Social Media (Imani Wilson and Joyce Joseph)
- Matter of Trust – Hair Matters Research (Lillian Stone)
- Matter of Trust – TheHumSum.org platform (Philip Lam, Kevin Randall, Andi Rice)
