Composting organic waste is an effective way to recycle materials and create valuable soil amendments for gardening. Many people wonder if common household organic matter, specifically human hair, can be included in this process. Human hair is fully compostable and offers a beneficial component to your compost pile. This article provides practical guidance on how to successfully integrate human hair into your composting routine.
The Composting Viability of Human Hair
Human hair is an organic material, making it entirely suitable for composting. It is composed primarily of keratin, a fibrous structural protein exceptionally rich in nitrogen. This high nitrogen content is a major nutrient required by the microorganisms responsible for breaking down compost materials. Hair often contains up to 16.5% nitrogen by weight, comparable to other nitrogen sources like manure.
The high nitrogen classification means hair acts as a “green” material in composting terminology. This nitrogen is released slowly as the keratin protein is broken down by microbial action, acting as a slow-release fertilizer for the final compost. This characteristic helps fuel the decomposition process, especially when paired with carbon-rich “brown” materials. Hair decomposition also releases minor elements, including sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, which contribute to a nutrient-rich end product.
Preparation and Integration into the Compost Pile
To successfully compost human hair, proper preparation is necessary to prevent matting and slowed decomposition. The most important step is to cut or shred the hair into smaller pieces before adding it to the pile, with lengths of one to two inches recommended. Shorter strands increase the surface area available for microbial action, accelerating the breakdown process.
Hair tends to clump together, creating dense, matted layers that impede air circulation and lead to anaerobic conditions. To avoid this, hair should never be dumped into the compost pile in a single mass. Instead, it must be mixed thoroughly and sprinkled in thin layers among other materials.
Since human hair is a concentrated nitrogen source, it needs to be balanced with carbon-rich materials, or “browns,” to maintain the optimal carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio. Materials like dry leaves, sawdust, shredded newspaper, or wood chips should be layered in with the hair. A proper C:N ratio, ideally around 30:1, ensures the microbial population thrives without releasing excess ammonia gas, which causes unpleasant odors.
Addressing Concerns About Treated Hair and Decomposition Speed
A common concern involves hair chemically treated with dyes, bleaches, or perms. While small amounts of recently treated hair will likely be diluted and pose little risk, large volumes or concentrated clippings from salons should be approached with caution. Most modern hair products contain synthetic chemicals that could interfere with microbial activity or introduce unwanted substances.
For the safest approach, compost only untreated, natural hair clippings to ensure an organic end product. If your hair is only lightly treated or the chemicals were applied a long time ago, the risk is lower. It is best to avoid composting synthetic hair extensions or wigs, as they will not decompose.
The inherent toughness of the keratin structure makes hair naturally resistant to degradation. Due to the strength of the protein’s bonds, hair is considered a slow-decomposing material that can take several months to fully break down. Maintaining adequate moisture, aeration, and a warm internal temperature in the compost pile can help speed up the process. While hair can break down in a well-managed, hot compost pile in a matter of months, users should have realistic expectations.