Cruelty-Free and Vegan Hair Products We Love

Timmy, my pet rabbit, was super pleased when I wrote an article about cruelty-free makeup. Like me, Timmy thinks it’s important to get the word out about great cosmetics and beauty companies that don’t test on animals. Now, Timmy wants to get his hair under control (specifically, his morning bedhead).

I gently explained to Timmy that he couldn’t use hair products made for humans on his beautiful fur. He’d accept that, he said grudgingly, as long as there were some cruelty-free hair products in my bathroom. (I think that was his plan all along—rabbits are terrible at polite suggestion.) Here are a few of my favorite hair brands with strict anti-animal-testing policies.

JĀSÖN

The word “Jason” means “healer” in Greek, and this hair, body, and skin care brand uses safe and botanical ingredients while refusing to test on animals. One of my favorites: the Smoothing Sea Kelp Shampoo and Conditioner ($9 each). The duo actually does what it says it will, smoothing out frizziness like no other. I like the line for both its affordability and, now, availability. I used to only be able to get JĀSÖN at specialty stores like Whole Foods, but now it’s sold even at my local grocery store chain (Jewel-Osco). Hooray for cruelty-free hitting the big-box-type stores!

LUSH

Not only is LUSH a dedicated fighter against animal testing, but the brand also won’t support any company that tests on animals. The company’s own “Supplier Specific Boycott” states” “we will not buy any ingredient from any manufacturer or supplier that tests anything they produce on any animals for any reason.” This is good news, because a life without the super-minty deep conditioner The Hair Doctor ($15.95), is a life in which my hair would be tangled beyond belief and I would be balled up in a corner, sobbing.

Giovanni Cosmetics

Every product in the Giovanni hair line is cruelty-free, and nearly all (except the lip balm and a few products in the “Magnetic” range) are vegan. The shampoos, conditioners, and styling products are relatively cheap and available everywhere, from Target and CVS to Whole Foods and Ulta. I especially like the 2chic Ultra-Moist Dual Action Leave-In Spray ($8.99), which fights hydrates strands with avocado and olive oil.

Paul Mitchell

Paul Mitchell, let’s get married. This mega-hair care line became the first to oppose animal testing when it signed PETA’s pledge in the ’80s. “Corporations can and should change the world for the better,” said company founder John Paul DeJoria. “We have the perspective needed to leave the world a better place for our having been here.” Love it! I also love Hot Off the Press ($15.99), an award-winning thermal protection hair spray that helps protect locks against the continual onslaught of heat styling. Spritz it on before reaching for the dryer or flat iron to avoid frying your mane.

Pureology

Pureology is hands-down my favorite hair care line. The high-end shampoos, conditioners, and styling products smell amazing, are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and all designed to protect and extend the life of your color. While Pureology products are expensive, they’re worth every penny, IMHO. I still have a jar of the discontinued Nano Works Shine Luxe Finishing Polish Unisex ($56) that smoothes flyaways and provides great lightweight hold and shine, and it’s incredible. Even though the Finishing Polish isn’t available anymore, you can get a similar shiny finish with the Cuticle Polish Shine Serum ($24). Sadly, Pureology was recently bought by L’Oreal, which still tests on animals. The Pureology line itself currently remains 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny–certified. (I thought it was important to share this news, so that you vegan beauty seekers can make informed purchases going forward!)

What are your cruelty-free and/or vegan products hair must-haves? Tell us in the comments!