Choosing the best vegan shampoo and conditioner can be confusing as many common beauty products contain ingredients derived from animals. Ingredients like biotin, gelatin, beeswax, honey, and squalane, which are found in various regular shampoos, usually come from animals. Fortunately, more brands are now offering vegan alternatives for these ingredients, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, a certified dermatologist, says, “Vegan products can be as effective as regular hair products but without harming your hair. This is because they have natural ingredients that don't have sulfates, chemicals and other synthetic additives, which can harm the scalp while removing natural oils. They also have ingredients such as argan oil and shea butter that are natural and provide many nutrients for the hair. Such nutrients include vitamin E, or tocopherol, vitamin A, and F, which can help hair become shiny, soft, and moisturized.”

Our findings show that these professional-grade vegan shampoos are simpler in terms of ingredients compared to commercial ones. They include antioxidant-rich plant ingredients, which are seen as gentle yet effective solutions for various hair problems.

Our haircare experts have carefully selected products to cater to every hair need. Whether your hair is dry, greasy, damaged, colored, thin, thick, curly, or straight; there's a vegan shampoo and conditioner for everyone out there. We've compiled a list of top vegan shampoos and conditioners with positive reviews, making it easier for you to make the right switch. Scroll down to discover these options and find the perfect match for your hair.

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  Best Overall

  Briogeo Superfoods Banana+Coconut Nourishing Shampoo And Conditioner

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This vegan shampoo and conditioner combo contains 96% natural ingredients and is great for all hair types. It cleanses your hair thoroughly without removing natural oils. Imagine it like a healthy juice cleanser for your hair, filled with vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables. The shampoo is a hydrating tropical delight with potassium-packed banana, fatty-acid-rich coconut, antioxidant-rich acai, and mango extracts. Thus, as you imagined, it has a tropical and fruity smell with hints of banana, coconut, sweet flowers, and vanilla. Also, we believe it's an ideal combo with a nourishing gel cleanser and a creamy conditioner, both providing rich hydration for your hair.

2

Best for Thick Hair

COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo & Conditioner Duo

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Indulge in the brilliance of COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo & Conditioner Duo—a vegan haircare marvel tailored for normal to thick hair. This cruelty-free duo ensures super glossy and hydrated results, elevating your haircare routine. With 100% clean ingredients, it's the ideal choice for those seeking a healthier, glossier mane. Immerse yourself in the nourishing power of shampoo and conditioner that not only meets vegan standards but also delivers the glossiest, healthiest hair you've been dreaming of. Elevate your haircare experience with this clean, vegan duo for a vibrant, luxurious finish.

3

Best for Volume

Love Beauty And Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Shampoo And Conditioner

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If you're environmentally conscious, you've likely heard of this brand, Love Beauty and Planet. Their ‘volume and bounty’ sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner set is designed for fine hair to add volume. This hair combo uses natural ingredients like plant-based cleansers and detanglers, along with coconut oil. It helps your hair look bouncy and adds strength. The products also contain organic coconut water that lightly moisturizes your hair, leaving it feeling healthy. When we used this, we were charmed by its smell, which is due to the citrusy mimosa flowers. Another great thing is that these products come in cute 400 ml bottles made entirely from recycled plastic waste.

4

Best for Fine Hair

R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo And Conditioner

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This is one of the best R+Co shampoos for fine and flat hair, giving it a vitality boost. It nourishes and strengthens hair from root to tip, enhancing fullness and body. The special mix of ingredients, including biotin, improves hair health by boosting its keratin structure. Thus, it increases strength and adds thickness. Also, with conditioning pro-vitamin B5, shine-boosting coconut oil, and natural volumizing saw palmetto extract, it makes your hair noticeably fuller. Our haircare expert likes how it adds bounce to her flat and fine hair while being hydrating enough for dry ends, making it one of her favorites.

5

Best for Hair Growth

Shapiro MD DHT Fighting Shampoo And Conditioner

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This shampoo is great for both men and women who deal with thinning hair. It uses science-backed ingredients to fight hair loss by reducing the effects of hormones that cause it. This dermatologist-recommended shampoo contains caffeine and saw palmetto berries that promote hair growth by stimulating hair follicles. Plus, it fights the hormone DHT, known for causing hair loss, with green tea extract and other natural ingredients. Green tea and saw palmetto's ability to combat the DHT hormone is even supported by a scientific study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. This patented formula not only stops hair loss but also makes your hair look fuller.

6

Best Lightweight Texture

Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner

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This cute yellow Acure shampoo is super moisturizing and perfect for dry and damaged hair. It keeps your hair soft and easy to manage as it provides long-lasting moisture. It has argan and pumpkin seed oils, which give your hair vital nutrients and nourishment. The main secret to its hydration is glycerin, which helps trap moisture in your hair. It even has almond seed extracts, giving your hair a sweet smell. The best part is it's sulfate-free, making it really good for every hair type. Our experts loved how it hydrates and adds moisture to the hair without weighing it down.

7

WOW Skin Science Red Onion Black Seed Oil Shampoo And Conditioner

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This shampoo from WOW Skin Science is great for making your hair strong and shiny. Usually, WOW products are really gentle and natural, without any harsh parabens or sulfates. This particular shampoo contains red onion oil, pro-vitamin B5, and black seed oil, which make your hair super shiny. The black seed oil and red onion in it have lots of antioxidants and nutrients. They do wonders for brittle hair, enhancing scalp blood flow and making it stronger and shinier than ever. Moreover, it acts as a thorough cleanse for your hair, removing all the unpleasant residue from pollution and hair sprays.

8

Most Pleasant Fragrance

Coco & Eve Super Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Set

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Seriously, we find this Coco & Eve combo to be a total game-changer in haircare routine. Both the shampoo and conditioner work together to make your hair super soft, shiny, strong, and frizz-free. These products are packed with natural stuff and not nasties like silicones and sulfates. They've got hyaluronic acid to keep your hair hydrated, along with fatty-acid-rich coconut oil. It also contains avocado oil, argan, almond, green tea, pineapple, and camellia extracts to make your tresses shiny and strong. The enzymes in pineapple clear out all the gunk, leaving your hair looking fresh and fabulous. And trust us when we say the smell is heavenly — it's like your hair took a trip to paradise.

9

Best Nourishing Set

Tree To Tub Argan Oil Moisturizing Shampoo And Conditioner

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Next up on our list is a special shampoo packed with natural ingredients that calm your sensitive scalp and bring life back to dry hair. What we love about this Tree to Tub argan oil shampoo is that it's not just gentle but super hydrating, too. It's free from harsh fragrances and chemicals; instead relies on natural wild soapberry power to make a luxurious lather, making your hair clean and shiny without using too much product. The best part is that it's packed with nourishing stuff like coconut, aloe, pomegranate, shea butter, jojoba oil, and argan oil. Special shoutout to the lavender essential oils that bring the perfect calming shower experience.

10

Botanic Hearth Biotin Shampoo And Conditioner with Collagen

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This biotin-enriched shampoo and conditioner duo is formulated with a blend of healthy ingredients for long, thick hair. The shampoo contains 100% pure rosemary oil, aloe, argan, jojoba, camellia, coconut oil, vegan collagen, and biotin. The conditioner complements it with 100% pure argan, aloe, biotin, vegan collagen, hydrolyzed silk, and keratin. When used together, they act as a dynamic duo, effectively sealing in moisture and elevating hair's vibrancy and natural luster. During our product trial, this combo set proved to be highly effective for thin hair strands, making them top choices for hair restoration.

11

Best Anti-dandruff Combo

Purezero Tea Tree & Matcha Invigorating Shampoo And Conditioner

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 As per its name, Purezero is a brand with pure ingredients and zero concerns. Their invigorating shampoo clears away buildup and nourishes the scalp, leaving hair refreshed and healthy. Its star ingredients are tea tree oil and matcha tea. The former helps with scalp infections like dandruff, while the latter is rich in antioxidants, providing nourishment and shielding hair from oxidative damage. Thus, this shampoo and conditioner set has potent ingredients for scalp health. Even a scientific study published in the Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology also proves the efficacy of tea tree oil in eliminating dandruff. We also enjoyed the fresh and subtle fragrance that's not overpowering.

12

Kristin Ess Hair Extra Gentle Shampoo And Conditioner

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When you have a sensitive scalp but crave a fresh start, reach for this adorable shampoo bottle from Kristin Ess Hair. It's perfect for those who need a mild natural formula and a subtle fragrance. This sulfate-free shampoo cleans your hair gently, leaving it soft, shiny, and manageable. This shampoo has Zip-Up™ technology that strengthens weak hair, repairs damaged cuticles, and shields against environmental stressors. It's enriched with nourishing avocado oil, castor oil, mango seed butter, and hydrolyzed pea protein, leaving your hair shiny after the first use. Moreover, it boasts a lavish aroma of magnolia, ambrette seed, pear water, orris butter, New Caledonia sandalwood, night violet, and white amber.

13

Best pH-balancing Set

Ingreendients Daily Shampoo And Conditioner

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This daily-use shampoo from Ingreendients is perfect for clarifying your natural hair. It's made from plants and uses bio-surfactants to clean your hair without any harmful chemicals. It's safe for colored or keratin-treated hair and even soothes itchy scalp. The shampoo is infused with aloe, coconut, and apple cider vinegar. Therefore, you can expect it to deeply cleanse your hair while maintaining your scalp's pH balance. Plus, it smells great with a mix of cedarwood, bergamot oil, vanilla, patchouli, orange oil, and ylang-ylang. It comes in eco-friendly packaging, aligning with its goal to save both your body and the planet.

14

Best for Daily Use

Pacifica Beauty Rosemary Purify Invigorating Shampoo And Conditioner

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Get your hair and scalp refreshed with Pacifica Beauty's Rosemary Purify Invigorating Shampoo. This sulfate-free vegan shampoo is infused with mint and rosemary to clear away excess oil and product buildup. Apart from rosemary, it contains peppermint oil which is also known to promote healthy hair growth and maintain scalp health. Further, it contains Spirulina, a hidden gem in hair care with immense antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This clarifying shampoo comes with a fresh mint fragrance and effectively addresses congested scalp issues. Our experts also find the formulation to be suitable for all hair types.

Vegan shampoos and conditioners often skip several typical elements found in conventional shampoos and still can be effective in cleansing your hair. That's why they have gained immense popularity, surpassing their commercial counterparts. Right here, we presented our curated list of the finest vegan shampoos and conditioners. But, finding the ideal match for your hair type may require guidance, and we're here to assist you in that quest.

1. Determine Your Hair Type

Identify your hair's natural pattern (straight, coily, wavy, or curly hair) and texture (fine, coarse, or medium). For instance, if you have fine and straight hair, then choose R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo or Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Shampoo for added volume.

2. Identify Your Scalp And Hair Needs

Consider your scalp condition (oily, dry, or balanced) when selecting a shampoo. For dry, damaged hair, nourish it with Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo or Briogeo Superfoods Banana+Coconut Nourishing Shampoo And Conditioner. To combat oily hair, dandruff, or product build-up, go with Purezero Tea Invigorating Shampoo And Conditioner.

For special anti-hair fall needs, choose one with a potent vegan formulation like Shapiro MD DHT Fighting Shampoo And Conditioner.

3. Opt for Cruelty-Free And Eco-Friendly Brands

Try to include cruelty-free shampoo and conditioner brands in your shower routine. Remember, not all vegan products are cruelty-free. Hence, look for vegan shampoos from brands committed to ethical practices and eco-friendly packaging. Ensure products have the Leaping Bunny or PETA logo to confirm their cruelty-free status.

4. Check Ingredients

Vegan shampoos and conditioners contain nourishing plant-based ingredients such as aloe, argan, and shea butter. They also use natural surfactants like olive oil, coconut, sunflower, rapeseed, and rice bran oil for gentle cleansing. Speaking of natural surfactants, Dr. Hamed says, “Plant-based surfactants can lather well and can also be gentle. Some types of plant-based surfactants even have good hydrating properties and can be biodegradable too.” Thus check for these ingredients when selecting a vegan shampoo and conditioner combo. 

They also typically have fewer harsh elements with a more 'free-from' ingredient list. Still, it's important to watch out for harmful substances like sulfates, parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances, which can damage both your hair and the environment.

5. Try Samples

Experiment with samples or travel-sized versions of vegan shampoos before committing to a full-sized bottle. Testing the product's compatibility with your hair beforehand helps you make an informed decision.

In the end, finding the perfect vegan shampoo may take some trial and error. Give your new shampoo a couple of weeks to observe how your hair responds and be open to trying different options until you discover the one that best suits your needs.

Plant-based or vegan shampoos and conditioners are popular in the beauty world because they offer numerous benefits for your hair as well as the environment. Here's why people love them.

• Effective Cleansing with Gentle Formula: Vegan shampoos cater to a variety of hair concerns, from addressing dry scalp and frizzy hair to maintaining hair elasticity and overall hair health, all with gentle and rich cleansing formulas.
• Animal-friendly: These shampoos and conditioners are made without animal products. Also, many of them avoid animal testing (cruelty-free).
• Boost Scalp Health: They mostly have nourishing organic ingredients and plant oils in them that soothe your scalp and reduce irritation. These ingredients won't strip your scalp's natural oils, unlike regular shampoos containing non-vegan ingredients.
• No Harsh Chemicals: They usually don't have harsh chemicals like phthalates, parabens, or silicones that can damage your hair or cause problems.
• Nourish Hair: Most of these plant-derived shampoos and conditioners have ingredients that keep your hair moist, stopping it from becoming dry, frizzy, or breaking easily.

Contributor: Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, Co-founder and Dermatologist - PowerYourCurls