Best Cruelty Free Vegan Shampoo Brands (By Hair Type)

Whether you have long flowing locks, a short, spunky bob, or even a perfect little pixie cut, we all have the same goal in mind for our hair.

We want it soft, shiny, smooth, and just overall healthy.

That being said, though, everybody’s hair is completely different in its chemical makeup, which means we all need something a little bit different than the next person.

For vegans, the majority of hair products on the market are absolute no’s as they are often loaded with animal products disguised by words we have no idea how to pronounce!

Luckily for you, I have put together a list of the best vegan shampoos in hopes that after some trial and error, you can achieve the healthy, glowing hair you have always wanted.

Select Your Hair TypeVegan Dandruff ShampooVegan Shampoo for Color Treated HairVegan Shampoo for Dry Hair/Dry ScalpVegan Shampoo for Curly HairVegan Shampoo for Oily HairVegan Shampoo for Thin/Fine Hair

Our Top Picks By Hair Type

Vegan Dandruff Shampoo

Being a primary concern for thousands of people, dandruff is probably the most irritating and quite honestly embarrassing result of having a dry scalp. Those little white flakes, that look like nothing more than baby powder, can cause all kinds of distress where there doesn’t need to be any.

Besides having a dry scalp, dandruff is also caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis (oily scalp glands), shampooing too often, brushing your hair too often, eczema, psoriasis, sensitivity to a certain product, and even a yeast infection. Keep in mind that dandruff is a direct result of a scalp condition and has little to do with your hair.

The most effective way to treat dandruff is by incorporating a moisture based shampoo that contains salicylic acid into your hair care regime. Adding in a product that is packed with moisture will aid in the healing of your dry scalp, which is the root of your problem.

Dandruff shampoos such as the ones I have listed below are specifically designed to target your scalp, ridding it of the dry layers, and keeping the newer layers of skin healthy.

Maple Holistics Sage Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Highly Recommended for Dandruff Sufferers

Maple Holistics’ products are a beautiful blend of natural and effective. The sage shampoo is one of the company’s original, best-selling formulas. It is strong enough to combat moderate to heavy dandruff, without the use of harsh ingredients. The shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, and is safe for color treated hair.

User Feedback

The shampoo has an overwhelmingly positive rating on Amazon. Reviewers cheer this product’s ability to reduce stubborn flakes and itchiness. Some reviewers saw as much as a 90% reduction in dandruff after using this product. Those with severe flaking, itchiness, and hair loss will find this shampoo to be a great addition to their beauty regimen.

Alternative Vegan Dandruff Shampoos:

Vegan Shampoo for Color Treated Hair

If you are anything like me, you love to change up your look every now and again, often through the use of hair dye. Although you may feel great in the moment, your hair is, unfortunately, taking the brunt of the pain.

Dying your hair often results in dry, weak, fragile strands that also struggle to hold onto the that color you just spent way too much money on. I get it, though; you want to look good, and you want to feel good – you just don’t want to destroy your hair in the process!

Now, there is nothing wrong with dying your hair as long as you make sure to take care of it. To do so, you will want to look for a product that is specifically meant for color treated hair.

These products are sulfate free (sulfate is known for stripping away color), packed with nutrients and moisture beads, and will strengthen your hair while keeping your new color fresh and vibrant.

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo - Anti Fade Complex

Highly Recommended for Color Treated Hair

Pureology is an all vegan hair care company that specializes in creating products for specific hair types. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is sulfate free, which is what makes it ideal for those with color treated hair. The concentrated formula is infused with rose, green tea, and sandalwood, all of which work together to keep your hair soft and supple as you continue to color it.

With a high average user rating on Amazon, Pureology Hydrate is loved by its many users, the bulk of which are focused on the preservation of their hair color.

User Feedback

Users noticed a dramatic difference in how their hair color held up after switching to this cruelty-free shampoo (and conditioner in some cases). Many were also impressed with how soft and strong their hair became with the use of Pureology Hydrate as compared to the dry, dull hair they were used to experiencing with other products!

Alternative Shampoos for Color Treated Hair:

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Vegan Shampoo for Dry Hair/Dry Scalp

With so many possible causes, it’s not surprising that many of us experience dry hair and/or dry scalp at some point in our lives. Dry hair is known for being brittle, resulting in general breakage. The breakage in the hair also leads to split ends and frizziness, which nobody particularly enjoys the look of.

Anybody can experience dry hair/scalp, but the most likely to endure it are those living in a hot climate, swimming in chlorinated water, using hot water to wash your hair, and using a shampoo/conditioner that lacks moisture.

A dry scalp can lead to itching, which can lead to dandruff so it’s best to stop this problem in its tracks before it causes you further problems!

Don’t worry though, you do not have to stop swimming or pack up and move to fix your annoying dryness. You just need to do a little digging, which I have already done for you, to find a product that is designed to combat the dryness you are experiencing.

You’ll need a shampoo (and likely a conditioner) that is packed with moisture, vitamins, and free of any harsh chemicals. It’s a very simple fix!

Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo

Highly Recommended for Dry Hair/Dry Scalp

Avalon Organics is an all organic, vegan company that is known for its use of essential oils, such as the tea tree oil found in their scalp normalizing shampoo. This product contains a total of zero parabens, preservatives, synthetic colors or fragrances, or sulfates, which prevents dryness from occurring to the scalp and hair.

The four main ingredients, tea tree oil, mint, eucalyptus, and chamomile are all organic and aid in healing the scalp, reverting it back to a healthy state.

With the use of Avalon Organics Scalp Normalizing Shampoo resulting in a healthy scalp and soft, touchable hair, this biodegradable formula is truly astounding.

User Feedback

The majority of users noticed a decrease in dryness within the first week of using this shampoo. Many users also noted a complete reduction in split ends, frizziness, and an overall improvement in the texture of their hair. If you have dry, damaged hair or an itchy scalp, I highly recommend you give Avalon Organics a try!

Vegan Shampoo for Curly Hair

Although it is one of the most admired and sought after types of hair, curly strands are not the easiest to manage.

Curly hair, whether it be made up of loose curls or tightly wound spirals, has a tendency to be frizzy, knotted, dry and just overall untamed. Many of you who have this style of hair are probably used to waking up, showering, and hoping for the best as it dries.

Thankfully, you don’t have to rely entirely on hope anymore!

Curly hair requires a very specific type of care. You need a product that is moisturizing to combat the natural dryness of the hair, but not so much that your hair is weighed down by sulfates, parabens, and heavy oils.

Investing in a product that is also designed to reduce frizziness is also a plus because frizz can make hair appear unkempt and damaged when it’s perfectly healthy.

Pureology Curl Complete Shampoo

Highly Recommended for Curly Hair

As you can probably assume from the product name, Pureology Curl Complete Shampoo is specifically designed to treat the problem areas of curly hair. The gentle, vegan formula is designed to combat frizziness and rejuvenate every curl while adding just enough moisture into your hair to prevent dryness, but not enough to weigh your hair down.

This shampoo is also sulfate free, making it a great option for those who color their curly tresses.  As well as being vegan and free from sulfates, this animal-friendly shampoo boasts impressive reviews on Amazon.

User Feedback

Many users noticed an immediate feeling of cleanliness upon rinsing out the product in the shower. They also appreciated that this shampoo didn’t tangle up their curls as much as competitor brands (both vegan and non-vegan). When combined with Pureology Curl Complete Conditioner, users reported softer curls that were light and airy.

Alternative Shampoos for Curly Hair:

Vegan Shampoo for Oily Hair

Speaking from personal experience, oily hair is infuriating. Those who struggle with this type of hair often find it hard to keep their hair clean, or they feel like no matter how many times they wash it, it’s still greasy.

The most important part of treating oily hair is understanding why you have it. Greasy hair is the direct result of having an overactive sebaceous gland, which controls how much natural oil, or sebum, your scalp releases into your hair.

Also, the more strands of hair you have on your head, the more sebaceous glands you have, which means the oily your hair will be. Those of us who have fine hair often have a lot of it, which is why greasy hair is most common in people with fine hair.

There are two types of greasy hair:

• The first type is when your hair is greasy from root to tip.
• The second is when your hair is only greasy up at its roots and then gets dryer towards the ends.

Both of these oily hair types are treated the same way; they need to be combated with an oil free shampoo, or a shampoo that uses tea tree oil, which naturally combats the oil in our hair, since it’s producing too much as it is.

Those of you who experience the second type of greasy hair will need to focus the shampoo at your roots and use a moisturizing conditioner towards your ends. There is one problem, though; experts cannot agree on how often greasy hair should be washed, some say daily, others say a few times per week. It comes down to your personal hair so try both methods out and go from there.

Desert Essence Organics Hair Care Shampoo (for Oily Hair)

Highly Recommended for Oily Hair

Dessert Essence is an all organic, vegan hair care company that offers high-quality products at a convenience store price. Their oily hair shampoo uses a combination of Australian tea tree oil and lemon peel extract to draw out and remove excess oils without causing dryness.

Do not let the word oil scare you; tea tree oil is naturally designed to combat the oil from our sebaceous glands. The company has also incorporated organic maca root that aids in strengthening the hair and protects it from future damage.

User Feedback

It seems that users with oily, greasy hair found this shampoo to be cleansing and refreshing. Many noticed a new ability to go several days without needing to wash their hair of excess oils, something they’ve never been able to do before. Their hair was soft, light, and free of excess oil weighing their hair down. Use with the coinciding conditioner was recommended if you have oily hair throughout.

Alternative Shampoos for Oily Hair:

Vegan Shampoo for Thin/Fine Hair

Fine hair simply means that each strand of hair is very skinny in diameter.  Fine hair can be tough to manage due to its limp texture and inability to hold shape. Also, fine hair is often prone to excess oil and tends to lack volume because of that.

I can personally relate to the struggle of having fine hair and trying to find a product that removes oil, adds volume, and even aids in making my hair a bit more coarse.

When looking for a cruelty-free vegan shampoo for your fine or thin hair, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

1. You want to look for a shampoo that won’t add extra weight to your hair, meaning you should avoid shampoos that contain sulfates and parabens.
2. You should also try to find a shampoo that is formulated to remove excess oils if you have oily hair on top of fine strands.

Finding a shampoo that contains ingredients designed to add volume to your hair is a definite bonus as well.

It depends on what you are specifically looking for.

Kiss My Face Big Body Shampoo

Highly Recommended for Thin/Fine Hair

Kiss My Face big body shampoo is specifically designed for those of you who have fine hair that can also be a bit greasy. This shampoo is made up of an all natural formula that is free of sulfates and parabens.  You will never have to worry about volume again with this brand as their formula is designed to clarify the hair while adding extra body for a fuller look.

The best thing about big body shampoo is that it is not just a temporary fix!  The shampoo and conditioner package is designed to make your hair thicker and fuller the more you use it, actually adding to the diameter of your hair and even regrowing thinning hair!

User Feedback

Amazon reviews show a heap of satisfied customers who noticed an increase in volume after just a single wash. Many felt that their hair was fresh and clean after using the big body shampoo and claimed it stayed that way for days. Users who also had oily hair to battle with noticed a decrease in greasiness, preventing them from needing to wash their hair as often, which has ultimately made their hair healthier.

Alternative Shampoos for Thin/Fine Hair:

Cruelty-Free Hair for Everyone!

Regardless of whether you have thick, thin, oily, color treated, curly or dry hair, there is a vegan hair care product out there on the market for you.

Every single brand of shampoo mentioned in this article has received rave reviews, but even better than that, your conscience can remain clear as they are not tested on animals and do not contain any animal ingredients or by-products.

It may take some trial and error, but I guarantee you will find that perfect shampoo that makes you look like you just left the salon!