We often think of hair as waste – something swept off the floor and binned without a second thought. But did you know that human hair is surprisingly useful in the garden? Whether you’re an experienced grower or just tending a few pots on your balcony, hair can be a sustainable, natural way to boost your plants, protect them from pests, and reduce water waste.
Here are three ways to use hair in your garden...
1. Boosting Plants with Natural Nutrients
Hair is packed with keratin (a protein rich in nitrogen) which slowly breaks down and feeds your plants through the soil. This makes it a great natural fertiliser, especially when added to compost or put in the bottom of plant pots. As it slowly decomposes, hair releases nitrogen gradually, helping support healthy leaf and stem growth.
Tip: Chop the hair into small pieces before adding it to compost or mixing it into soil – this speeds up the breakdown process.
2. Resisting Pests Like Slugs and Deer
Hair can act as a gentle but effective pest deterrent. Slugs and snails dislike crawling over the coarse fibres, while deer and kangaroo are often put off by the human scent. Simply scatter a few tufts of hair around the base of vulnerable plants or lay a loose ring around your beds.
It’s a non-toxic, chemical-free method of discouraging unwanted visitors, and far more eco-friendly than pellets or sprays.
3. Mulching to Retain Water and Protect Plants
Hair also works well as a lightweight mulch. When placed around plants, it helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing how often you need to water – especially helpful during dry spells. At the same time, it can offer some insulation to protect roots from temperature swings and suppress weeds.
Just make sure the layer isn’t too thick – hair mats can become water-repellent if over-applied, so aim for a thin, breathable covering.