In a sea of shampoos it can be difficult to find the right shampoo for your hair. Since you’re here we guess you want your shampoo to be cruelty-free as well as vegan, in other words: animal-free. We went on the hunt for the best vegan + cruelty-free shampoos that are on the market right now.
Jump directly to the best vegan + cruelty-free shampoos.
Finding The Right Shampoo For Your Hair
The first step in your haircare routine is washing your hair. The shampoo you choose can mean the difference between bad hair days and good ones. Just like with skincare, it is of upmost importance you pick a shampoo that is suited for your hair type. Therefore, we divided the best vegan + cruelty-free shampoos below in hair types and needs.
Not sure which shampoo is best for your hair? The first, and most important, thing to consider is your scalp. As shampoo is mainly to cleanse your scalp and roots (whereas conditioner is to add moisture to your mid-shaft and ends), your scalp type is key to finding the right shampoo for your hair.
Scalp Type
Dry Scalp
Do you have a dry, tight or itchy scalp post-washing and can you go without washing your hair for more than 4 days without your roots getting greasy? Choose a moisturizing, hydrating shampoo.
Oily Scalp
Contrarily, are your roots getting oily within a day or 2 after shampooing? Then it’s is best to avoid moisturizing shampoos, as these tend to add too much moisture to your already oily scalp. Oily scalps are better off with a shampoo that effectively removes excess oils. Reach for a shampoo for balancing, clarifying or a deep-cleansing shampoo.
But what if you have an oily scalp and dry ends, you ask? A common mistake is to go for a moisturizing shampoo because your ends are dry. It’s best to choose a shampoo which is suited for an oily scalp and leave the moisturizing part up to your conditioner. This way you have to wash your hair less, which is better for your dry ends.
Hair Type
When we identified our scalp type, we can look at our hair. Generally speaking, these are the shampoos to look for per hair type/concern.
Fine Hair
Fine hair often means oily hair. Avoid moisturizing, creamy shampoos. Instead go for a volumizing, balancing, clarifying or deep-cleansing shampoo
Thick/Coarse hair
Thick/coarse hair often goes hand in hand with dry hair. Reach for a moisturizing shampoo
Curly Hair
Of all hair types curly hair is in general the most dry. Opt for very moisturizing, hydrating shampoos that are made specifically for curls, so they aren’t weighed down in the process.
Damaged Hair
Hair can get damaged by external factors, be it styling tools, bleaching, coloring or chemical treatments. Damaged hair tangles and breaks easily and generally has split ends. Opt for a repairing shampoo.
Color-Treated Hair
If your lengths are colored, you’ll want a shampoo that doesn’t strip away the color. Go for a shampoo for color-treated hair or at least a shampoo that is sulfate-free.
Ahead, the best vegan + cruelty-free shampoos for every hair type.
Index
- Best Volumizing Shampoo: IGK – 30,000 Feet Volume Shampoo
- Best Shampoo for Oily Hair: Paul Mitchell – Shampoo Two
- For Damaged Hair: Olaplex – No. 4 Bond Maintenance
- Drugstore: Faith in Nature – Aloe Vera Shampoo
- Best Dandruff Shampoo: Derma E – Scalp Relief
- Best for Color-Treated Hair: Pureology – Hydrate Shampoo
- Dry Shampoo: Kevin Murphy – Fresh Hair
- Best Shampoo for Curly Hair: Ouidad – VitalCurl + Clear & Gentle Shampoo
- Purple Shampoo: Eva NYC – Tone It Down Blonde Shampoo
- Best Moisturizing Shampoo for All Hair Types: Verb – Ghost Shampoo
- Best Scalp Exfoliator: Briogeo – Scalp Exfoliator
- Shampoo Bar: Ethique – Pinkalicious
- Best Clarifying Shampoo: Aveda – Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
- For Thin Hair: R+Co – Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
- Best Natural Shampoo: Rahua – Classic Shampoo
The 15 Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Shampoos for Every Hair Type
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1/15
Best Volumizing Shampoo for Fine Hair:
IGK
30,000 Feet Volume Shampoo
Shop at Amazon | $$$
This do-it-all shampoo delivers body and volume, while cleanses thoroughly. At the same time the color-safe formula protects against UV rays and heat styling tools. Due to the lack of harsh chemicals it goes easy on the scalp. The fragrance is a mix of blackberries, violet and leather accord and will stick with you for a while.
Hair Type: fine | Hair Concern: flat, thin, lack of volume | Free of: paraben, sulfates, mineral oil, gluten, animal (by)products | Cruelty-Free: yes | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product however IGK is not a 100% vegan brand | Packaging: plastic
Related: The Best Cruelty-Free Volumizing Shampoos for Fine Hair
2/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Shampoos: Oily Hair
Paul Mitchell
Shampoo Two
Shop at Amazon | $
If you have oily hair or you use a lot of products, a clarifying shampoo is what you need. Clarifying shampoo deep cleanses hair and removes product buildup. Paul Mitchell’s Shampoo Two contains oil- and grime absorbing ingredients pink clay and charcoal to leave hair squeaky-clean. The gel-to-foam shampoo has an invigorating zesty scent.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concern: oiliness, product buildup | | Free of: paraben, animal (by)products | Cruelty-Free: yes, Paul Mitchell is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product however Paul Mitchell is not a 100% vegan brand | Packaging: plastic
3/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Shampoos: Damaged Hair
Olaplex
No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Shop at Amazon | $$$
If your over-processed or heat-styled lengths have seen been better days, this damage-repair shampoo will be your savior. Olaplex’s patented formula works by relinking broken hair bonds to undo the damage. The result? Stronger, healthier and hydrated hair with each use. Pair with Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner for even better results.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concern: damage | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates, gluten, animal (by)products | Cruelty-Free: yes | Vegan: yes, Olaplex is a 100% vegan brand, which means none of their products contain animal ingredients | Packaging: plastic
4/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Drugstore Shampoo:
Faith in Nature
Lavender and Geranium Shampoo
Shop at Amazon | $
If you’re looking for a natural shampoo that does the job and is affordable, Faith in Nature won’t disappoint. Their 99% naturally derived shampoo come in 11 different options. The Lavender and Geranium Shampoo is suitable for normal to dry hair, cleanses thoroughly yet gentle and fills the shower with a calming fragrance to relax your senses. Plus, the packaging is made from recycled material.
Hair Type: dry, normal | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS, animal (by)products | Cruelty-Free: yes, Faith in Nature is a Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, Faith in Nature is a 100% vegan brand, which means none of their products contain animal ingredients | Packaging: recyclable packaging made from recycled materials
5/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Dandruff Shampoo:
Derma E
Scalp Relief Shampoo
Shop at Amazon | $$
A favorite clean formula to control dandruff is this shampoo made with salicylic acid to diminish flakes, tea tree oil to fight the fungal and menthol to provide relief to an itchy scalp. It lathers up well and has a pleasant minty-herbal scent. Unlike a lot of dandruff shampoos, this shampoo is safe for color-treated hair.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concern: dandruff, dry scalp | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal (by)products | Cruelty-Free: yes, Derma E is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, Derma E is a 100% vegan brand, meaning that non of their products contain animal ingredients | Packaging: recyclable plastic
Related: The Best Cruelty-Free Dandruff Shampoos
6/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Shampoo for Colored Hair:
Pureology
Hydrate Shampoo
Shop at Amazon | $$$
If your colored strands are lacking moisture, try Pureology’s bestselling hydrate shampoo. It cleanses your hair gently without stripping its color or moisture. Instead it leaves hair smooth, nourished and UV protected. With the smallest amount of the thicker shampoo you build up a rich lather. Scent-wise, prepare yourself for a minty sensation.
Note: for finer hair types this shampoo may be too heavy, try Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo instead.
Hair Type: colored hair | Hair Concern: dry, dehydrated hair | Free of: sulfates SLS and SLES, animal (by)products | Cruelty-Free: yes, Pureology is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand. However, Pureology is owned by L’oréal, a brand that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, Pureology is a 100% vegan brand, which means none of their products contain animal ingredients | Packaging: Pureology’s recyclable bottles are made of 95% post-consumer recycled plastic
Related: The Best Cruelty-Free Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair
7/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Dry Shampoo:
Kevin Murphy
Fresh Hair
Shop at Amazon | $$$$
Powerful dry shampoo that with a few spritzes absorbs all oil and leaves hair clean-looking with added volume. The powdery vanilla scent stays with you all day.
Hair Type: all | Hair Concerns: oiliness | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal (by)products | Cruelty-Free: yes, Kevin Murphy is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product, however Kevin Murphy is not a 100% vegan brand | Packaging: plastic
Related: The Best Cruelty-Free Dry Shampoos
8/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Shampoos: Curls and Coils
OUIDAD
Vitalcurl+ Clear & Gentle Shampoo
Shop at Amazon | $$
Curly hair is very different from straight hair and therefor needs a very different approach when it comes to products, including shampoo. In general, curls tends to be much dryer than straight hair. For this reason, curly hair needs a hydrating, gentle non-stripping shampoo. One that doesn’t weigh curls down and actually enhances them. OUIDAD’s Vitalcurl+ Clear & Gentle is doing just that. The sulfate-free formula made with chia seed and sunflower oils leave curls clean and bouncy.
Hair Type: curls and coils | Free of: animal (by)products | Cruelty-Free: yes | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product, however not all of Ouidad’s products are vegan | Packaging: plastic
9/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Purple Shampoo:
EVA NYC
Tone It Down Blonde Shampoo
Shop at Amazon | $
The purple pigments of this shampoo ward off brassiness and yellow tones in one wash. Packed with hydrating ingredients such as wild cherry bark and argan oil this purple shampoo is safe to use on dry hair. To keep your hue looking as cold as ice, pair it up with the purple conditioner.
Hair Type: all blondes | Hair concern: brassy yellow tones | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates SLS and SLES, mineral oil, animal (by)products | Cruelty-Free: yes, EVA NYC is a Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, Eva NYC is a 100% vegan brand, which means none of their products contain animal ingredients | Packaging: recyclable
Related: The Best Vegan and Cruelty-Free Purple Shampoos
10/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Shampoos: Moisturizing
Verb
Ghost Shampoo
Shop at Amazon | $
This moringa oil infused shampoo is the perfect fit for all hair types that lean to the dry side, as it cleanses gently while adding moisture without weighing hair down. The grapefruit-oatmeal fragrance smells clean and light. The color-safe shampoo lathers up easily and leaves hair soft, manageable and frizz-free.
Hair Type: fine hair | Hair Concern: dry, damaged, frizzy hair | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, mineral oil, gluten, animal (by)products | Cruelty-Free: yes, Verb is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product, however not all of Verb’s products are vegan | Packaging: recyclable plastic
11/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Shampoos: Exfoliating
Briogeo
Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
Shop at Amazon | $$$$
For a once a week deep-cleanse, this 95% natural shampoo-exfoliator hybrid lifts any remaining product buildup and dead skin cells that are not washed away by shampoo. It is formulated with vegetable-derived exfoliators, anti-septic tea tree oil, detoxifying charcoal and moisturizing coconut oil. The foamy shampoo feels cooling on the scalp and has a minty scent. Also, it is color-safe.
Hair Type: all | Hair concern: dry, flaky scalp, dandruff, product buildup | Key Ingredients: tea tree oil, charcoal, coconut oil | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates SLS and SLES, silicones, animal(by)products | Cruelty-Free: yes, Briogeo is a Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this product is vegan, however Briogeo is not a vegan brand | Packaging: Briogeo’s containers are made of at least 25% post consumer recycled plastic
12/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Shampoos: Shampoo Bar
Best Shampoo Bar:
Ethique
Shampoo Bar for Normal Hair – Pinkalicious
Shop at Amazon | $$
This soap-free ph-balanced shampoo bar, works just like a normal shampoo only it is packed in zero-waste bar. Don’t worry about the suds, it actually lathers more than a regular sulfate-free shampoo. It comes in 12 different bars, of which this grapefruit scented Pinkalicious is suitable for normal hair and leaves it squeaky clean. As 1 shampoo bar will lasts at least twice as long as a shampoo bottle, it not only good for the planet but also for your wallet.
Hair Type: normal | Free of: paraben, palm oil animal (by)products | Cruelty-Free: yes, Ethique is a Choose Cruelty-Free certified brand | Vegan: yes, Ethique is 100% vegan | Packaging: 100% plastic-free. The card board packaging is certified compostable.
13/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Shampoos: Clarifying
Aveda
Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
Shop at Amazon | $$
This clarifying shampoo resets hair and scalp, leaving it super clean and extending time between washes. Aveda’s bestselling shampoo is made with rosemary and mint, which together leaves behind an uplifting aromatherapeutic scent to an ultra-clean scalp.
Hair Type: normal to oily | Free of: paraben, phthalates, silicones, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, animal-derived ingredients | Cruelty-Free: yes, Aveda is cruelty-free, however AVEDA is owned by Estee Lauder, a company that does test on animals | Vegan: yes, Aveda is a 100% vegan brand | Packaging: 100% post-consumer recycled plastic
14/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Shampoos: Thin Hair
R+Co
Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
Shop at Amazon | $$$
R+Co Dallas Thickening shampoo is made with biotin and coconut oil to strengthen the hair bonds and make your hair look fuller. The woodsy scented formula leaves hair squeaky clean and extends time between washes. If heat styling is a part of your hair routine, this shampoo will come in handy as it is formulated with heat protectants. The formula is very concentrated so you only need the smallest amount.
Hair Type: fine, thin hair, including color-treated | Free of: paraben, sulfates sls and sles, mineral oil, animal derived ingredients | Cruelty-Free: yes, R+Co is a Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, R+Co is a 100% vegan brand, which means none of their products contain animal ingredients | Packaging: plastic
15/15
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Shampoos: Natural
Rahua
Classic Shampoo
Shop at Amazon | $$$
This sustainably sourced, omega-9 rich shampoo washes away dirt and excess oil, while leaving the scalp perfectly balanced. Being sulfate-free the lightweight shampoo does not foam like soap, but it gets the job done easily. Rahua’s shampoo is naturally scented with a warm woodsy aroma of Palo Santo oil, which we feel is a great and relaxing way to start your day. Rahua’s cult-favorite shampoo leaves hair soft, detangled and shiny.
Hair Type: all | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, silicones, animal derived ingredients | Cruelty-Free: yes, Rahua is a cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, Rahua is a 100% vegan brand | Packaging: recyclable plastic. Rahua offers refills to reduce plastic consumption
FAQ
What Is The Right Way to Wash Your Hair?
- Before applying shampoo make sure your hair is completely wet
- Start shampooing at your scalp and give yourself a tiny head massage for a few minutes to thoroughly clean the scalp
- Work your way down and massage the shampoo in your hair
- Rinse your hair thoroughly
- Optional: do a double shampoo if your hair needs more cleansing or to target a different need using 2 different shampoos
- Finish with conditioner. Apply only to the lower half of your hair
- Rinse your hair thoroughly
How Often Should You Shampoo Your Hair?
There is no one size fits all answer to this, as it depends on your hair and especially your scalp. Generally speaking, those with dry hair and scalp should shampoo less than those with oily roots. When you have a dry scalp it is best to go at least a few days in between washes. With oily roots is it fine to wash your hair daily. But be cautious, as it can make your hair dry. Make sure to use a gentle shampoo and focus on the scalp. Do note, if you wash your hair too frequently, this can actually cause the scalp to produce more oil. Figure out how long you can go without washing your hair and adjust to your own experience.
What Is The Difference Between Vegan And Cruelty-Free?
Cruelty-free means a product and its ingredients haven’t been tested on animals. Vegan means a product does not contain animal derived ingredients. A product can be cruelty-free and not vegan as well a product can be vegan and not cruelty-free. The products in this article are all cruelty-free and vegan.
