Welcome, conscious consumers!
Looking for the perfect vegan shampoo?
You’re in the right place!
We’ve curated a list of the best vegan shampoos that not only respect our furry friends but also deliver fantastic results for your hair.
So, let’s dive in and find your new favorite!
Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo
Hair Type: Oily
A clarifying champion, this shampoo is perfect for those with oily hair. It’s enriched with pure Australian Tea Tree Oil and Lemon Peel Extract to balance scalp’s natural pH and gently remove excess oil. Aloe Vera nourishes and soothes the scalp, leaving hair bouncy, soft, and manageable. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, making it an ethical choice for conscious consumers.
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ABBA Color Protection Shampoo
Hair Type: Damaged, Colored, Chemically Treated
This shampoo is a savior for chemically treated and colored hair. It’s enriched with coconut and sage, working together to protect color and revitalize processed hair. It’s sulfate-free and paraben-free, ensuring gentle care. The shampoo also helps in smoothing and softening hair while reducing color fading. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for ethical consumers.
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Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo
Hair Type: Normal
This shampoo is a versatile choice suitable for all normal hair types. It’s formulated with aloe, lemongrass extract, argan oil, and sea buckthorn oil, which work together to cleanse and nourish your hair. It also contains avocado oil and CoQ10 that add an extra layer of protection and shine. The shampoo is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harsh chemicals, making it a safe and ethical choice for daily use.
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Malibu Wellness Scalp Wellness® Shampoo 33.8 oz
Hair Type: Chemically-treated, Dry, Fine, Normal, Thick
This shampoo is a boon for those dealing with scalp issues. It’s enriched with spearmint and eucalyptus essential oils, providing an invigorating experience while eliminating impurities. It’s particularly beneficial for chemically-treated, dry, fine, normal, and thick hair types. The shampoo hydrates the scalp, removes dandruff, clarifies oily hair, and adds volume to thin, dry hair. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, making it a responsible choice.
Shop Malibu Wellness👉 You might also like our article on Vegan Dry Shampoos
Peter Lamas Avocado & Olive Oil Ultra Smoothing Shampoo
Hair Type: Curly, Frizzy, Coarse
This shampoo is a godsend for those with curly, frizzy, or coarse hair. It’s packed with avocado and olive oil, which lock in moisture, eliminate frizz, and add a brilliant shine. The shampoo also contains sandalwood, barley, and jojoba extracts that soothe the scalp, stimulate hair follicles, and protect against dryness and breakage. This shampoo is vegan and cruelty-free.
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Pacifica Coconut Power Strong & Long Moisturizing Shampoo
Hair Type: Dry, Damaged
This vegan and cruelty-free shampoo is infused with coconut, rice, and super fruits, which work together to revive hair weakened by frequent washing, chemical processes, heat styling, and daily environmental exposure. The shampoo gently removes dirt and pollutants, leaving your hair strong, long, and moisturized.
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Puracy Citrus + Mint Shampoo
Hair Type: All Hair Types
Puracy’s natural shampoo is a standout choice for all hair types. Its plant-based formula is designed to enhance manageability and prolong the time between washes by 3+ days. This shampoo not only purifies your hair but also helps in preserving its natural equilibrium. It’s an ideal pick for those who appreciate a simple, yet effective approach to hair care, with a formula that’s gentle yet potent on your hair and scalp.
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Ethique Pinkalicious™ Uplifting Solid Shampoo Bar
Hair Type: All, Normal
Ethique’s Pinkalicious™ Uplifting Solid Shampoo Bar is blend of pink grapefruit and vanilla, coupled with creamed coconut and cocoa butter, that revitalizes and restores your hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and shiny. The shampoo bar is not only a treat for your hair but also for the environment with its compostable packaging and climate-positive approach. It’s a refreshing and responsible addition to your hair care routine.
Shop Ethique👉 You might also like our article on Vegan Conditioners
Love Beauty & Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Shampoo
Hair Type: Fine
The Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Shampoo is a vegan, sulfate-free solution for fine hair. It gently cleanses and nourishes, providing body and volume. Infused with natural coconut oil and coconut water, it hydrates deeply while the ethically sourced mimosa flower invigorates your senses. This shampoo is perfect for those seeking a biodegradable, cruelty-free product that offers strength, moisture, and a delightful scent.
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Number 4 Hair Care Clarifying Shampoo 8.5oz
Hair Type: All
The Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo is an organic, deep cleansing treatment suitable for all hair types. This anti-aging, color-protecting shampoo is gentle enough for daily use. It’s sulfate and sodium chloride free, ensuring no harsh chemicals strip your hair of its natural oils. Ideal for those who value a clean, rejuvenated feel without compromising on color protection. Plus, it’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free, making it a guilt-free choice for your hair care routine.
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ATTITUDE Shampoo Nourishing & Strengthening
Hair Type: Damaged
Enriched with antioxidants, grapeseed oil, and olive leaf extract, it nourishes and strengthens hair, leaving it soft and smooth. It’s hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and free from silicones and parabens, making it a natural choice for hair care. The eco-friendly packaging is a bonus, and the pear and ginger aroma is simply irresistible. Ideal for those seeking a natural, effective solution for hair repair.
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True Botanicals Nourishing Shampoo
Hair Type: Oily, Dry, Normal
This vegan shampoo is a luxurious, antioxidant-rich formula that cleans without stripping, leaving your hair and scalp hydrated and nourished. Ideal for all hair types, this shampoo boasts a delightful blend of bright citrus and subtle floral notes. It’s sulfate-free and uses a coconut-derived surfactant for a rich lather without stripping hair of its natural oils. Certified nontoxic, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, this shampoo is a standout choice for those seeking a clean, non-toxic hair care solution.
Shop True Botanicals👉 You might also like our article on Vegan Leave-in Conditioners
Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Hair Type: All
The Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo is a game-changer for those struggling with oily or dry scalp. This vegan-friendly, sulfate-free shampoo uses the power of tea tree oil to cleanse and balance your scalp, while rosemary essential oil adds a refreshing touch. Ideal for all hair types, it’s a perfect choice for those seeking a natural solution to scalp care.
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superzero Clarifying Shampoo Bar
Hair Type: Frizzy
This pH-optimized, plant-derived shampoo bar is free from soap, silicones, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh chemicals. It effectively removes impurities and buildup, reviving limp, lifeless hair and enhancing shine. The bar also contains a bond builder that strengthens hair from the inside, reducing breakage. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and comes in 100% recyclable no-plastic packaging. Perfect for those seeking a sustainable, high-performance hair care solution.
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Woodstock Herbal Products Shampoo – Fragrance Free
Hair Type: Sensitive Scalp
The Fragrance-Free Shampoo from Woodstock Herbal Products is a gentle yet effective solution for those with a sensitive scalp. Free from harsh sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, and any natural or artificial fragrances, this shampoo uses plant-based cleansers to leave your hair clean and nourished. It’s enriched with argan oil, jojoba oil, biotin, and panthenol, providing essential nourishment to your hair and scalp. Ideal for those who prefer a simple, fragrance-free hair care routine.
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Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath
Hair Type: All (incl. Oily, Color Treated, Dry, Normal)
Innersense’s Organic Beauty Hydrating Hairbath Shampoo is a luxurious, natural solution for thick, coarse, and thirsty hair. Its standout features include raw shea butter and a blend of avocado, sage, monoi, and tamanu oils. This shampoo is designed to restore the cuticle with nourishing emollients that soften and smooth texture. It’s a silicone-free formula that leaves hair bouncy and healthy. This product is best suited for those seeking a deeply hydrating shampoo that’s free from parabens, sulfates, gluten, and is cruelty-free.
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Briogeo Hair Curl Charisma™ Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo
Hair Type: Wavy, Curly, and Coily (2A to 4C)
This shampoo is a creamy, sulfate-free solution that hydrates and cleanses without stripping hair of natural oils. It minimizes frizz to enhance the definition of waves, curls, and coils. Key ingredients include rice amino acids that lock out frizz-causing humidity, tomato fruit ferment for enhanced moisture retention, and ultra-hydrating shea butter and avocado oil for enhanced softness. This product is 97% naturally derived and safe for color-treated, keratin-treated, chemically-treated, and relaxed hair.
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OWAY Frequent Use Hair & Scalp Bath
Hair Type: All
The OWAY Frequent Use Hair & Scalp Bath is a gentle, energizing shampoo suitable for all hair types. It’s designed to cleanse and detoxify the scalp and hair, leaving your locks looking brighter and feeling healthier. Though this shampoo is for all hair types it’s particularly beneficial for those with dry and thin hair, as it helps to improve hair’s texture and shine. It’s a perfect daily shampoo that leaves your hair full of body and vitality.
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Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo
Hair Type: Oily, Dry, Curly, Normal, Straight
This sulfate-free shampoo is a powerful blend of sage essential oil and other natural ingredients, designed to tackle tough build-up and transform your hair from dry and lackluster to renewed and hydrated. It’s perfect for those seeking a deep cleanse and a boost in volume. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, making it a conscious choice for your hair care routine.
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Zerran Oily Hair Dandruff Shampoo
Hair Type: Normal to Oily, Dandruff-prone
Its sulfate-free cream formula, enriched with tea tree and eucalyptus extracts, helps control scalp oil production and fights dandruff. Regular use can lead to lasting results, keeping your hair fresh and flake-free. It’s safe for daily use and is free from alcohol, fragrance, gluten, and parabens, making it a great choice for sensitive scalps.
Shop ZerranFinding the Right Vegan Shampoo for Your Hair Type
Dandruff
Dandruff, a primary concern for thousands of people, can be an irritating and quite honestly embarrassing result of various scalp conditions. These little white flakes, resembling baby powder, can cause unnecessary distress.
While a dry scalp can often lead to dandruff, it can also be caused by an overproduction of oil or a yeast-like fungus. It’s important to remember that dandruff is a direct result of a scalp condition and has little to do with your hair itself.
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 into your hair care regime. Shampoos containing salicylic acid can help, but other ingredients like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole are also commonly used in anti-dandruff shampoos. These ingredients can aid in the healing of your dry scalp, which is the root of your problem.
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. The dyeing process can leave your hair exposed to harmful UV rays that can fade your color over time.
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.
Additionally, look for shampoos that contain antioxidants and UV protectors to prevent color from fading due to sun exposure.
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. Factors like heat styling and harsh chemical treatments can further exacerbate dryness.
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. While moisturizing shampoos can help, it’s also important to avoid heat styling and harsh chemical treatments, which can further dry out the hair and scalp
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!
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. This is often because curly hair is more porous than straight hair, which can make it more prone to dryness and frizz. 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. Shampoos with hydrating ingredients and without sulfates are often recommended for curly hair.
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.
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.
Greasy hair is the direct result of having overactive sebaceous glands, which control how much natural oil, or sebum, your scalp releases into your hair. However, it can also be exacerbated by factors like diet, stress, and hormonal imbalances.
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. It’s also important to avoid over-washing, which can strip the scalp of its natural oils and cause it to produce even more oil in response.
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.
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.
In addition to avoiding heavy products, people with thin or fine hair might also benefit from volumizing shampoos that can help to add body and lift to the hair.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
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.
However, it’s important to remember that not all cruelty-free products are vegan, so it’s crucial to check for both certifications.
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!
I tried the pureolgy brand for collor treated hair it made my hair feel funky like i hade just put grease in my hair it maybe because i also have oily hair anyone have any suggestions on what to use
Is there a suggested vegan shampoo for someone with fine/thin colored hair?