Researchers in the Bay Area are investigating whether human hair can enhance soil quality and combat climate change. This innovative research is being conducted by scientists at UC Berkeley and ecologists at the Presidio in San Francisco.
The study is led by Dr. Whendee Silver, an ecosystem ecologist, and visiting scholar Dr. Tibisay Perez from UC Berkeley’s Department of Environmental Sciences. Their research focuses on the biogeochemical effects of climate change and human impact on the environment, exploring ways to mitigate these effects.
One potential strategy involves using human hair to enrich the soil. Hair, which grows about half an inch per month, is often discarded. However, it might be a valuable resource for improving soil fertility and sequestering carbon dioxide.
Dr. Silver and Dr. Perez collected untreated hair from a local beauty salon, ground it up, and mixed small amounts into soil samples from Marin County. These soils were initially poor and infertile. After eight weeks, preliminary results showed that the hair was beginning to break down and increase the soil’s nutrient content.
“The hair acts like a slow-release organic fertilizer,” said Dr. Silver. “It contains nitrogen, which is released slowly as the hair decomposes, improving the soil quality over time.”
The researchers measured the impact on nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, and found no concerning levels. They hypothesize that plants would likely absorb the nitrogen if they were present, further enhancing soil fertility and plant growth.
Similar experiments are underway at the Presidio in San Francisco. Associate Director of Natural Resources at the Presidio Trust, Lewis Stringer, showed CBS News Bay Area the experimental plots. Hair-treated plots showed significantly more growth compared to those treated with straw mulch, fertilizer, or left untreated.
“It’s amazing to see how effective hair can be in restoring harsh soils,” said Stringer.
These experiments were funded by Matter of Trust, a San Francisco-based nonprofit that collects donated hair. Lisa Gautier, co-founder and CEO of Matter of Trust, highlighted that hair contains various nutrients beneficial for soil health. She referred to this process as the “Quiet Fiber Cycle,” where natural shedding of hair and fur enriches the soil.
“If you want to use hair in your garden, avoid long strands to prevent tangling wildlife,” advised Matter of Trust. “Incorporate the hair into the soil or use small bits from pets.”
The Presidio will soon analyze the field study data, and Dr. Silver plans to include plants in the next phase of her research. This study highlights a potential new use for human hair, making it a valuable resource for environmental sustainability.
