These Are the Vegan Hair Care Products I Can’t Live Without
Vegan living goes way beyond what’s on your plate. I learned that the hard way when I realized my food was plant-based… but my shampoo definitely was not. Clothes, skincare, makeup, hair products—if you’re aiming for a truly animal-friendly life, it all counts.
Food is easy. Meat? No. Beans and veggies? Yes. Done. Beauty, though, is a whole other story, and honestly, it can feel a bit sneaky.
The beauty industry loves vague words. “Natural.” “Clean.” “Cruelty-free.” They sound good but don’t always mean much. Shockingly, there are no official rules that say what makes a beauty product vegan. None. Zero. That gray area makes shopping feel like detective work.
Because of that, animal ingredients can hide in plain sight. You think you’re doing the right thing, but surprise—there’s lanolin or keratin in your conditioner. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re trying to be mindful and ethical.
1. How Do You Know If a Hair Product Is Vegan?
If you want your hair routine to match your values, you have to stay alert. I wish there were a shortcut, but there isn’t. You have to read labels and question marketing claims.
Here’s what actually helps:
- Look for trusted vegan certifications, not just buzzwords
- Check brand websites for full ingredient transparency
- When unsure, email the brand and ask directly
One symbol that truly matters is The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark. It’s used on tens of thousands of products and is one of the most reliable signs that a brand is doing things properly.
Also, quick but important reminder: vegan and cruelty-free are not the same thing.
- Vegan means no animal ingredients
- Cruelty-free means no animal testing
Some products are both. Many are not. A cruelty-free item can still contain animal byproducts, so always double-check.
2. Best Treatment for Thinning Hair: Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
This is one of those products I kept hearing about and finally understood the hype once I tried it. The texture is light, never greasy, and the packaging is genuinely cute.
What makes it stand out is the ingredient mix. Turmeric, caffeine, and biotin work together to wake up the scalp and support thicker-looking hair. With steady use, hair feels fuller and healthier, not weighed down.
3. Best Shampoo for Dry Hair: Pacifica Vegan Collagen Hydrating Shampoo
You know when hair feels more fried than fluffy? That’s where this shampoo shines. It skips harsh stuff like sulfates and silicones, which alone makes a huge difference.
Avocado oil and jasmine soften the hair, while pro-vitamin B5 and vegan collagen help lock in moisture. It leaves hair clean, smooth, and calm instead of stripped and squeaky.
4. Best Hair Mask for Damaged Hair: Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Vegan haircare used to have a bad reputation. This mask proves those days are long gone.
It’s rich but not heavy, and it genuinely helps damaged hair feel stronger. The formula focuses on repairing bonds inside the hair, not just coating the outside. If your hair feels tired, this one brings it back to life.
5. Best Vegan Hairbrush: Dae Vegan Detangle + Style Brush
I didn’t think a brush mattered that much. I was wrong.
This one works on wet or dry hair and glides through knots without pulling. The vegan bristles are gentle, the design is cute, and the packaging is recyclable. It’s one of those quiet upgrades that makes every day easier.
6. Best Dry Shampoo: The Rootist Clarify Dry Shampoo Powder
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver, but overdoing it can mess with your scalp. This powder keeps things balanced.
It uses magnesium carbonate instead of talc to absorb oil and includes fermented ingredients that support scalp health. Your roots feel fresh, not chalky or itchy, which is honestly rare.
7. Best Volume Booster: JVN Embody Volumizing Foam
This foam is light, airy, and actually delivers on volume. No crunch. No stiffness.
It uses plant-based polymers and biotin to lift hair while keeping it soft. Bonus points for using a vegan alternative to squalene, which is often animal-derived. Thoughtful formulas matter.
8. Best Styling Product for Curly Hair: Aveda Nutriplenish Curl Gelée
Curly hair needs moisture. A lot of it. This gelée nails the balance.
It defines curls without weighing them down and helps fight frizz all day. Packed with plant oils and superfoods, it gives curls shine, bounce, and structure in one step.
9. Best for Lazy Hair Days: Odele Air Dry Styler
This one feels made for real life. You apply it, walk away, and somehow your hair behaves.
It smooths frizz, adds light volume, and gives that “effortless but polished” look. Perfect for days when heat styling feels like too much work.
10. Best Deep Cleaning Duo: Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo & Conditioner
If your scalp gets oily or weighed down, this pair is a reset button.
The shampoo clears buildup without drying, while the conditioner adds just enough moisture back. Hair feels clean, soft, and light, with a fresh lemongrass scent that never overpowers.
11. Best Shampoo Bar: Kitsch Rice Water Protein Solid Shampoo
Switching to solid shampoo felt weird at first. Now I’m hooked.
This bar strengthens hair with rice protein, adds shine, and skips plastic entirely. It lasts ages, travels well, and supports ocean cleanup efforts. Small change. Big impact.
