Hey Fika Fam! Emma here, cozying up with a steaming mug of ethically sourced tea – because, let's be real, what's a Fika Looks post without a little fika inspiration? Today, I want to chat about something that’s become a surprisingly significant part of my sustainable living journey, and one that often gets overlooked: natural hair accessories.
For years, my hair accessory drawer was a graveyard of broken plastic clips, stretched-out synthetic scrunchies, and bobby pins that seemed to vanish into another dimension after one use. Sound familiar? I’d buy a multipack of cheap hair ties from a drugstore, only for them to snap, pull at my hair, or just look… well, cheap. My focus was always on clothes, home goods, and even my beauty routine when it came to sustainability. My hair accessories felt like such a small, inconsequential part of my life that I rarely gave them a second thought. But then, as often happens when you truly commit to a conscious lifestyle, the small things started to loom larger.
It was a Saturday morning, a few years back now, and I was getting ready for brunch with friends in Leslieville. I pulled out my usual elastic, and as I tried to twist it around my hair for a quick messy bun, it snapped, sending tiny black rubber bits flying. Frustrated, I stared at the overflowing drawer. It hit me: here I was, meticulously researching the origins of my denim, thrifting for vintage sweaters, and opting for refillable skincare, yet I was still mindlessly contributing to plastic waste and supporting fast fashion by buying these flimsy, disposable hair bits. It felt completely out of alignment with the values I held so dear for Fika Looks.
That morning marked a shift. I decided to apply the same principles I used for my wardrobe – longevity, natural materials, ethical sourcing, and supporting local – to my hair. And let me tell you, it's been an absolute game-changer, not just for the planet, but for my hair health and my overall sense of style too!
When I talk about "natural" hair accessories, I'm generally referring to items made from materials like wood, bamboo, silk, organic cotton, linen, cork, or even upcycled leather. These materials offer so many benefits:
My journey into natural hair accessories truly began to blossom as I explored Toronto's incredible artisan scene. I remember stumbling upon a tiny stall at the Kensington Market Art Fair one summer, where a local woodworker was selling the most exquisite, hand-carved wooden hair sticks. I picked up a beautiful cherry wood one, smooth as river stone, with a delicate leaf carving. It instantly elevated a simple low bun into something elegant, and I still have it and use it regularly today. That’s the kind of longevity and beauty you just don't get from a pack of plastic clips.
Here are some of my absolute favorites and where my Toronto life has intertwined with my accessory finds:
As I mentioned, my first foray into truly natural accessories was with wooden hair sticks. Beyond that Kensington Market find, I've discovered a few gems over the years. There’s a lovely little boutique near Queen & Bathurst that occasionally carries handcrafted wooden pieces from Canadian artisans. My current favorite is a darker walnut wood hair fork with two prongs that holds my notoriously thick hair up with such grace. I often wear it when I'm heading out for an evening at the Roy Thomson Hall or a nice dinner in the Distillery District; it adds a touch of understated sophistication that always earns compliments.
What I love most is how gentle they are. No pulling, no snagging, just a secure, comfortable hold. And the natural variations in the wood grain make each piece feel like a tiny work of art.
Oh, silk! If you haven't tried a silk scrunchie, you are missing out, my friend. My hair used to get so tangled and crimped with regular elastic hair ties, especially after a long day of meetings or a vigorous bike ride along the Martin Goodman Trail. Silk changed everything. I first invested in a few silk scrunchies from a small online Canadian brand I found through an Instagram ad, but I’ve also become quite adept at finding silk remnants at fabric stores on Queen West – perfect for making my own or having a local seamstress whip them up for me. There's something so luxurious about the feel of silk against my hair; it reduces friction, prevents breakage, and leaves no dreaded "hair tie dent."
Beyond scrunchies, silk or bamboo scarves have become my summer heroes. I often tie one around my head as a bandeau when cycling through High Park, or weave it into a braid for a pop of color. It’s practical, protects my hair from the sun, and instantly elevates my look. Plus, there are so many gorgeous patterns to be found in Toronto’s vintage shops – a truly sustainable way to get a unique piece!
For those casual, everyday looks, or when I just need to keep my hair out of my face while working from my home office here in Liberty Village, cotton and linen headbands are my go-to. They're breathable, comfortable, and absorb moisture without making my scalp feel sweaty. I have a collection of knotted headbands in various earthy tones and subtle patterns that I’ve picked up from local craft markets, like the ones at Evergreen Brick Works. They're perfect for throwing on with a simple tee and jeans for a quick grocery run or a walk around the neighbMyhood. I even have a few broader linen wraps that I love for bad hair days or when I want to add a bohemian touch to my outfit. They're incredibly versatile and surprisingly stylish.
This is where the true "Fika Looks" spirit of mindful creativity comes in! I've started looking at everyday objects with a new eye. A beautiful velvet ribbon from a special gift? Repurposed as a hair tie. A small offcut of leather from a local artisan friend's workshop? Transformed into a unique barrette (with a little help from her, of course!). Even a sturdy, decorative button can be sewn onto a fabric strip to create a custom hair tie. It's about seeing potential where others might see waste, and it’s incredibly satisfying to wear something you’ve given a second life. I remember once, I found a gorgeous, intricate brass button at a vintage stall in the St. Lawrence Market and instantly pictured it as the centerpiece of a hair elastic. It's now one of my most cherished, and talked about, accessories!
Making the switch to natural hair accessories has been so much more than just finding new ways to tie my hair back. It's another layer in my journey towards a more conscious, intentional lifestyle. It's about appreciating craftsmanship, valuing quality over quantity, and understanding the ripple effect of every small choice we make.
These little accessories have become daily reminders that sustainable living doesn't mean sacrificing beauty or style. If anything, they've added more character and meaning to my everyday routine. Every time I reach for my wooden hair stick or slip on a silk scrunchie, I'm reminded of the artisans who made them and the planet we're all trying to protect.
If you're thinking about making the switch, start small. Maybe it's just one bamboo comb or a set of organic cotton scrunchies. See how they feel, how they work with your hair, and how they make you feel about your choices. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
What are your favorite natural hair accessories? Have you discovered any amazing brands or local artisans? Share your finds in the comments – I'm always looking for new sustainable treasures!
Keep it natural, Toronto!
XOXO,
Emma Chen