Can I Compost Human Hair?
Human hair is a valuable addition to your compost pile, providing nitrogen and improving soil structure.

Sourced & Cited
Hair is a surprisingly useful composting material. It's a slow decomposer, but adds valuable nitrogen to your compost mix. It's a natural, readily available resource if you're looking to boost your compost's nutrient content.
Compost Classification
Brown (Carbon-rich): Hair is relatively dry and breaks down slowly, contributing primarily to the carbon component of the compost. Its low moisture content means it's best added in moderation to avoid an imbalance in your compost pile's nitrogen-carbon ratio.
🌱 Key Nutrients
This item contributes the following nutrients to your compost:
Nitrogen (N)
🏷️ Tags
Important characteristics to know about this item:
Breaks Down Slowly Use in Moderation Pest Attraction Risk Adds Key Nutrients
⚠️ Potential Risks
- Slow decomposition rate may require longer composting times.
- Potential for matting or clumping if not properly incorporated.
- May attract pests if not properly managed within the compost pile.
💡 Best Practices
- Mix thoroughly with other "brown" and "green" materials for balanced decomposition.
- Consider chopping longer strands into smaller pieces (approximately 1-inch lengths) for quicker breakdown.
- Distribute the hair evenly throughout your compost pile to prevent clumping.
- Monitor your compost pile regularly for any signs of pest infestation or foul odor.