Simple Swaps for Sustainable Vegan Haircare
Miniml Shampoos & Conditioners are made with Yorkshire water, and naturally fragranced. Once empty, you can find local stores for refills, or send them back using QR codes, and the bottles are washed, emptied and refilled to send back to you.
Avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing (avoid shea butter for latex allergies). Don’t use human shampoos/soaps on pets (the PH is different and some contain toxic macadamia oil) – read more on giving dogs baths with lukewarm water).
Choose from:
- Nourishing Coconut
- English Lavender
- Pink Grapefruit
- Tea Tree & Mint
Friendly Soap Shampoo Bars (from Northumberland)
Friendly Soap Shampoo Bars (made in Northumberland) are all vegan and free from palm oil, sold in paper packaging. You can find them in many health shops and farm shops, or buy in bulk online. There are fragrance-free options available too.
To avoid shampoo bars going mushy, store in a cool dry place and ideally on a slatted soap dish. Most are made with a blend of castor, coconut and rapeseed oils, to leave hair naturally moisturised, and scented with real aromatherapy oils.
These shampoo bars are best used in soft-water areas:
The range includes:
- Fragrance-Free
- Lavender and Geranium
- Lavender and Tea Tree
- Lavender Geranium Hair & Body Bars
- Naked Bars (no packaging)
Battle Green’s Solid Shampoos & Conditioners
This mint shampoo bar is scented with essential oils of mint and rosemary (good for hair growth), it contains coconut oil, vitamin E and oils of olive and grapeseed.
The chamomile conditioner bar is made with nourishing oils of jojoba, grapeseed, rapeseed & coconut, with rhassoul clay to aid detangling. Just rub between wet hands and run through hair, leave for 2 minutes then rinse well with warm water. Also in mint & lavender.
Green People’s Organic Shampoo Bars
Green People’s shampoo bars are made with organic ingredients, and due to no soap, you’re not left with sticky residue (no ‘transition period’ needed). Containing shine-boosting oils of argan and macadamia alongside frizz-fighting ingredients, one bar lasts 60 washes and most people won’t need conditioner. Also in ginger.
Most shampoos contain sodium lauryl sulphate (used to degrease engines). So imagine what it does to your scalp (some believe long-term use can prevent hair growth).
If you’ve ever used a shampoo and ended up with ‘welts on your head’, try switching to a natural shampoo for a few weeks, and you should notice a positive difference.
Green People’s Liquid Shampoos
If you prefer liquid shampoos, Green People offers nice organic vegan ones, sold in easy-to-recycle sugar-cane packaging. Everything from scent-free to repair shampoos, to combined shampoos/shower washes.
UpCircle Natural Shampoo Creme (in glass jars)
Upcircle Shampoo Creme is vegan and free from palm oil, sold in a glass jar. It’s made with upcycled pink berries from the fragrance industry, with coconut and rosemary oils to soothe the scalp and strengthen hair.
Highly concentrated, this shampoo uses 50% less water and lasts three times longer than most liquid shampoos. Designed to reduce scalp irritation, the shampoo has a ‘mousse’ consistency and lathers evenly, to leave a fresh herbal scent.
Soak hair thoroughly then scoop a blueberry-sized amount out with a spatula, taking care not to let water enter the jar (be careful when handling glass jar with wet hands). Handmade in the UK, it’s sold in a cardboard box.
Upcircle Conditioner Creme is made with orange peel wax, upcycled from the orange juice industry which helps to improve hair strength and reduce split ends.
It also contains rosemary oil, bamboo extract, vitamin E, corn wheat and soy proteins. Apply to the ends of shampooed hair, and leave for a few minutes, before rinsing off with warm water.
Battle Green’s Dry Shampoos (in paper packs)
Battle Green’s organic dry shampoos are made with cornstarch, arrowroot powder and kaolin clay, with aloe vera and almla fruit powder to soothe the scalp. Scented with mint & tea tree oil or orange & neroli, they are sold in a cardboard shaker pot, with refill sachets (store in a dry cool place).
As well as avoiding paying for water to be shipped to your door (the ingredient in most liquid shampoos), dry shampoos are convenient if you have no regular access to a shower, and are also good for disabled people (and their carers who find it difficult to use a shower or lean over a sink).
They are also good for people with fine hair who find they need to ‘wash hair daily’, but prefer not to actually wet and shampoo their hair each day.
Sprinkle a little dry shampoo powder directly onto the roots of your hair (or into your palm) and apply with your fingers. Work into the roots, let it sit for 30 seconds to absorb oil, then brush through to remove excess powder.
Most dry shampoos are made with volatile organic compounds, which irritate the scalp and are made with talc (a mined substance with concerns over ovarian cancer). Some even contain flammable butane flammable gas (bin empty cans or take half-full ones to toxic waste).
The ‘no-poo method’ (not washing hair) is not advised by trichologists who say that ‘hair doesn’t clean itself’. You could end up with scalp infections. They say ‘pooh-pooh’ to ‘no-poo!’
Green People’s Organic Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Green People Organic Men’s Shampoo contains pineapple enzymes and aloe vera to calm irritation. Sold in easy-to-recycle sugar-cane packaging, it creates natural foam (coconut and yucca), anti-inflammatory oils of rosemary and tea tree (and quinoa protein to thicken hair).
While everyone sheds dead skin cells on the scalp, people with dandruff experience it more frequently. Common in cold months due to indoor heating, oily dandruff however may be caused by overproduction of sebum, and makes flakes sticky and yellow.
Dandruff is more common in people with eczema or psoriasis, excessive hair styling, and lack of zinc or B vitamins in the diet.
Most anti-dandruff shampoos are made with dodgy ingredients, that are too harsh for your scalp. Most contain salicylic acid, coal tar and other ingredients that can dry your scalp (and dandruff is actually caused by dry scalps, so it makes the issue worse).
Stop watching the TV ads (presenters are being paid lots of money!) and instead switch to a good organic shampoo.
Most hair dyes on sale these days boast of being ‘vegan’ (a few aren’t, as they contain royal jelly from bees). But the big brands are still packed with chemicals. Dark hair dyes in particular may contain PPD (a chemical that’s banned in cosmetics in some countries abroad, due to being linked to bladder cancer).
Conventional hair dyes are so toxic (sometimes making people’s faces swell up) that unless you have hi-lites (that don’t touch the scalp), most hair salons now require a 24-hour patch test, before they will even touch your head with hair dye, for fear of being sued.
Of course, you don’t have to dye your hair at all. Many people shave their hair off, go grey naturally or are just happy with the colour they have. But millions of people do dye their hair, so let’s look at better alternatives.
If you have your hair coloured at a salon, there are some organic salons that offer soy-based hi-lites and natural hair dyes. Shop around.
Henna of course is the natural hair dye of choice. This comes from a shrub (but should never be used for people with G6PD deficiency). It’s messy and takes hours to work (so take a good book into the bathroom and some old clothes!), but it does not damage hair.
You can choose auburn or dark brown (black henna is not a thing, so check the label as it may be PPD). It won’t lighten hair, and can turn blonde hair a muddled orange colour. Some brands even give off a khaki tinge at first, but this usually disappears after the first couple of washes.
Henna fades rather than grows out, so as it’s cheap, it’s a good long-term option, and can hide a small percentage of greys. It’s Pure is the best brand, which offers samples to try it out full head.
Other Good Brands of Natural Hair Dye
These are all abroad, so you’ll either have to find UK wholesalers, or order from abroad (most will send them, but you may have to pay hefty customs charges).
Desert Shadow (US) is a natural hair dye in various shades that takes 1 to 3 hours to work (sold alongside bamboo brushes).
Earth Dye (US) contains herbs to speed up hair growth (check medications before use). It also sells dyes for eyebrows and beards (also find natural beard dye at Grizzly Mountain).
Hairprint (US) was invented by an environmental chemist who turned his own grey hair back to original colour. Using a few plant-based botanicals, in 90 minutes you can restore melanin (it won’t work for red hair).
Also in a version for stubborn grey hair (use a clarifying shampoo a few days beforehand, to remove traces of silicone).
A Book on Understanding Natural Hair Dyes
Natural Hair Coloring is a beautiful book by an American beautician, who covers all the natural dyes, how to use them and how to transition from chemical to natural dyes. Includes before and after images.
Can You Lighten Your Hair Naturally?
Natural hair dyes can’t lighten hair. So visit a salon that uses organic hair dyes (salons can buy wheat straw mixing bowls and biodegradable capes.
Or naturally lighten hair a few shades using lemon or chamomile (won’t be dramatic, but it may lift a shade or two).
Understanding Natural Hair Dyes
Most hair dyes sold in supermarkets and chemists are full of toxic chemicals and sold in boxes with oodles of plastic packaging. Hair salons now need to offer 24-hour patch tests, due to previous cases of being sued, from people using conventional brands.
If hair is damaged, it’s better to just chop your locks off, and start again. Or just embrace your natural hair colour, many are now happy at going grey. Natural hair dyes are made with plant-based ingredients that biodegrade. Common ones are:
Henna is a vibrant red dye, made from the leaves of the henna plant. You have to be careful using this on blonde hair or grey hair (it can go a muddled orange).
It takes hours to work and is messy, so use in the bathroom and take a good book! It’s safe for most people, but should not be used if you have G6PD deficiency.
Indigo is a blue-black dye, and can be used along or in combination with henna.
Be careful in stores, as some ‘black henna’ is made with a chemical compound containing PPD (banned for cosmetic use in some countries abroad).
Amla is from the fruit of a tree, and is another dye used to darken hair.
Walnut shells are sometimes used for brown shades, obviously not for nut allergies.
Cassia is from a tree bark, and used usually as ‘colourless’ henna in dyes, to improve hair condition.
These organic cotton hair ties (also in black and multi-colour pack) are ideal alternatives to elastic bands, which often get caught around the feet of hedgehogs if littered (or fed to chicks by ducks, thinking they are worms).
Conventional hair ties are made from nylon, which again does not biodegrade if falling down storm drains, and going out to sea. Billions are lost each year, falling off ponytails (like children doing handstands) or off wrists.
Littered elastic bands also get get caught around hedgehog legs (or ducks feed them to chicks, thinking they are worms).
This is why wildlife campaigners want the Post Office to use paper belly bands, over elastic bands for holding letters together.
One man who found an elastic band in his cat’s litter tray wants the Post Office (not the postie) to get fined £80 for littering elastic bands, just like everyone else.
These hair ties are made from organic cotton and natural rubber, sold in packs of 6. Free from plastic and metal, these biodegrade after use (unlike plastic hair ties). Good for all hair types, the organic cotton is strong enough for thick hair, but soft enough not to cause headaches.
They also don’t leave dents or deformations in hair, unlike elastic bands. The natural pack contains 2 each of brown, cream and black. Sold in zero waste packaging. Made fairly in India, products are shipped by sea. A portion from each sale is donated to Marine Conservation Society.
Why Choose Plastic-Free Hair Ties and Scrunchies?
Conventional hair ties are made from nylon, which again does not biodegrade if falling down storm drains, and going out to sea. Billions are lost each year, falling off ponytails (like children doing handstands) or off wrists.
Littered elastic bands also get get caught around hedgehog legs (or ducks feed them to chicks, thinking they are worms).
This is why wildlife campaigners want the Post Office to use paper belly bands, over elastic bands for holding letters together.
One man who found an elastic band in his cat’s litter tray wants the Post Office (not the postie, he’s just doing his job) to get fined £80 for littering elastic bands, just like everyone else.
Kooshoo (super-strong plastic-free hair ties)
Kooshoo (Canada) is a one-time purchase from over the pond, which makes the world’s best plastic-free hair ties. Made from organic cotton and certified rubber, these are 2.5 times stronger than average hair ties, and can cope with very thick hair and man-buns!
Made in Japan, the packs are sold mostly in packs of 12 (the thicker bands in packs of 2), so buy a few packs and you’re likely good for life! Dyed with low-impact colours, after use just cold wash and lay flat to dry.
The scrunchies are also made from organic cotton and rubber (twist Headbands are not biodegradable, they contain spandex).
Biodegradable Hair Brushes & Combs
Jungle Culture bamboo hairbrush is designed for all hair types, with a pressured paddle surface and soft bristles to brush your hair wet or dry, without irritation.
Using ethically-sourced bamboo, it’s sold in a zero waste paper box, and the brush massages your head and scalp to stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth. Unless you are bald or have very short hair, you likely use a comb or brush.
A wide-toothed comb is better for your hair, ideally made from sustainable wood or bamboo, as these are gentler materials like plastic or metal, and less likely to produce static electricity, which causes frizz.
Hair is fragile when wet, so use a brush only on dry hair. Choose a hairbrush with animal-free bristles, which is also gentle on the hair shaft.
Biodegradable Wide Tooth Hair Comb
This biodegradable wide tooth comb is ideal to detangle long hair. Unlike plastic combs, this is made from cellulose (wood pulp) so breaks down naturally, at end of use.
Made in Devon, the comb works on straight, wavy or curly hair. The wider spaces in between the teeth, lets the comb detangle, while avoiding breakage.
Most hair combs are made from plastic, meaning they are not so easy to recycle. Hair and beauty salons can get involved in this problem, by sponsoring a Terracycle Hair & Body Care Waste Box (or a council or office could do the same).
Everyone can then drop off unwanted plastic combs and other such materials, to get them out of town forever, and be made into other things. You can use the same box to recycle plastic hairbrushes and styling tools, and non-pressurised hairspray bottles.
A Bamboo Beard Comb
Jungle Culture beard comb has evenly-spaced fine teeth prongs to suit all beard types and facial hair, push in the right direction to prevent painful ingrown hairs.
No Gunk (natural hair styling clays)
NO GUNK is a brand of natural hair styling clay, sold in zero waste tins. Made with Moroccan Lava Clay, for a textured natural look at matte finish, and no residue left on your hands or hair after use.
Made with mostly organic ingredients, but choose the unscented versions (the scented versions contain non-natural parfum). The Styling Funk is not vegan (contains beeswax).
The funky flex cream offers a water-based cream with mineral-rich kaolin, rose water and cactus seed oil, better for longer hairstyles. Again with no residue, this gives a stronger hold.
The company also makes a good mens’ exfoliator made with AHA acids, to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also sold in a zero waste metal bottle.
Dermatologists say that regular exfoliating for ageing skin is more effective than slathering on moisturisers. AHA basically helps to undo all the damage from years of sun-bathing, drinking or smoking.
Feel Hair Support is a sustainable supplement, clinically proven to reduce hair loss in 90 days (not for alopecia or male pattern baldness). Also good to promote thick healthy hair, it’s also vegan, not tested on animals and sold in plastic-free packaging.
Consult your GP if you are pregnant/breastfeeding or have any medical condition, before taking this supplement. Store in a cool dark place, away from children and pets.
Use code partner20 for 20% discount (not bundles or subscriptions). If you do subscribe, sign up for an account to earn discount rewards.
Whether you use our code or the subscription discount, it works out around just over £40 a month (no more than other quality hair health supplements, and more effective).
Just take 1 capsule daily with food, for at least 3 months to see results.
Feel Hair Support is made with Keranat™ (made from plants including millet seeds and lipids from sunflowers, safflower, rosemary and wheat kernels).
It’s the first scientifically proven ingredient to enter the hair bulb to stimulate hair growth, and can also strengthen hair from root to tip.
91% of women taking this supplement noticed a difference, compared to a placebo group. The outstanding results have been validated by 6 years of research, and 2 human clinical trials.
The supplement also contains biotin (vitamin B7), known for helping healthy hair. Thinning hair in women is often associated with lack of this vitamin.
How Long to Feel the Benefits?
It’s important to take Feel Hair Support for at least 3 months. This is because hair on our heads has growth cycles, with everyone losing 50 to 100 hairs a day.
So as the healthy new hair grows and old hairs fall out, you may feel that the supplement is having no effect. But it is!
After 12 weeks of consuming this supplement:
- 85% noticed a decrease in hair loss
- 85% noticed an increase in hair health
- 78% also noticed benefits to nails
Natural Remedies for Hair Loss
We all lose 50 to 100 hairs each day (at any one time, different hairs are dormant, growing or shedding). Over 15 million people in the UK have some kind of hair loss, whether that’s due to male pattern baldness, stress, nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy or drugs (like chemotherapy).
Male pattern baldness has affected around 80% of men by age 70, due to DHT (a chemical produced by testosterone). It nearly always affects the temple and crown of the head. There is no cure, so don’t worry – we love you as you are!
Female pattern baldness affects around 30% of women by age 70, and usually hormone-related (after menopause or due to stress). It tends to affect the top of the head.
Alopecia is a rare auto-immune condition where people lose all their hair (including eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair). Thankfully some well-known people affected (Gail Porter and Louis Theroux) have made it ‘okay to talk about’, if you don’t want to spend your life in wigs.
It can be genetics, but sometimes to do with thyroid conditions or lupus. Again it’s nearly always incurable.
Post-partum hair loss is common (nutrients needed for your baby are directed there, rather than for your hair). It’s nothing to worry about, and hair grows back soon after.
Tips to Help Prevent Common Hair Loss
If your hair loss is not due to male pattern baldness or alopecia, there are a few things you can do:
Don’t scrape hair into tight ponytails (this causes tension alopecia, common in ballet and ballroom dancers, as too much stress is placed at the hair line (people with African-African hair can also suffer, due to trends for tight braids and dreadlocks).
Leave your hair loose when possible, or make loose ponytails with plastic-free hair ties.
Relax! Stress can ‘push hair follicles’ into the resting phase, where they stay before falling out. If ‘growing hairs’ slow down, you could lose up to 300 hairs a day (compared to the average 100).
Common in people who have had Covid (and people who worry!) do what makes you feel good – sleep, walks, pray, yoga etc.
Give up fags and booze. Smoking cigarettes can double chances of early-onset alopecia (as can alcohol) due to increasing free radicals, and depriving hair follicles of vitamins and minerals. Read our posts on how to give up smoking and help for alcohol addiction.
There’s no point taking supplements to grow your hair, if you are smoking and drinking vitamins and minerals away, it’s a waste of your time and money.
Plastic-free brushes and combs circulate oils, rather than tearing the hair shaft. You don’t need oils, just massage your scalp for 5 minutes a day, to stimulate hair follicles.
Choose natural shampoos and conditioners. There is some evidence that modern foaming agents (like sodium lauryl sulphate found in most shampoos – used as engine degreaser for industry) is too harsh, and could cause hair loss or slow hair growth). Also choose natural hair dyes for the same reason.
Cut your hair off! If your hair is very damaged from over-processing or too many hair dyes, often the damage travels up to the roots. In some cases, your best bet is to just bite the bullet, and chop your hair off short, and start again. Your hair will likely grow quicker!
Dr Vegan Hair Saviour (for growth and restoration)
Hair Saviour by DR.VEGAN sets out to support growth, thickness and a healthy sheen using a clean, plant-based formula that suits both women and men. It won’t work for male pattern baldness, this is simply a supplement to help natural hair health nutrients, if you are lacking.
Check with GP before taking supplements, if pregnant/nursing or on other medication (like blood thinners, due to saw palmetto) or supplements. Not for anyone history (or risk) of oestrogen positive breast cancer. Keep away from children and pets.
This multi award-winning supplement combines botanicals, minerals and vitamins chosen to back normal hair growth, root strength and pigmentation. It is made with 14 active ingredients, with four in five users reported it helped.
You can search online to find newspaper interviews with hair salons amazed by customer results.
The strength of Hair Saviour rests on its well-chosen actives:
- AnaGain (Pisum sativum): derived from pea sprouts, rich in phytonutrients. Clinical research on AnaGain shows an improved ratio of active to resting follicles, which translated into a 78% rise in the propensity for hair growth over three months.
- Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens): widely used to support hair health in adults. It is included to help maintain a healthy scalp and support normal hair maintenance.
- Bamboo Silica and Horsetail: both provide silica, a structural mineral linked with stronger-feeling hair and reduced brittleness.
- MSM: a source of sulphur, an essential element in keratin. It supports the integrity of hair strands.
- Biotin and Folate: support normal hair, skin and nail health, and contribute to energy metabolism and cell division.
- Zinc, Iron, Copper and Iodine: minerals that support normal hair, pigmentation and thyroid function. Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation. Iron supports normal oxygen transport, which is important for growing tissues.
- Alfalfa: a traditional botanical that provides a natural base of micronutrients.
- Black Pepper: included to help with absorption of certain nutrients.
- After around 4 weeks: many people see less shedding and signs of thinning may drop by about a third.
- By 6 to 8 weeks: you may notice baby hairs at the hairline, stronger nails and hair that feels less brittle and easier to manage.
- At 12 weeks: hair often looks thicker, smoother and glossier. Benefits can extend to healthier-looking skin and nails.
Natural Remedies for Hair Loss
Awake Organics Caffeine Shampoo (for hair growth)
Awake Organics Caffeine Shampoo is a water-activated powder containing ingredients to stop hair loss. Many customers are those using it to restore hair growth, after chemo treatment. Sold in a zero waste metal bottle.
Avoid caffeine shampoos if pregnant/nursing (caffeine can be absorbed into the bloodstream). Also avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and allergies. Check medication as contains guarana seed. For adults only.
Infused with ingredients to promote healthy blood circulation at the scalp, it’s enriched with natural DHT blockers to prevent hormonal-related hair loss. Contains rosemary oil.
To use, just shake the bottle to loosen the contents over a folded tea towel. Shake a small amount into your wet palm, and rub hands together to form a paste. Lather into the roots of wet hair for 1 to 2 minutes, rinse and condition as usual.
You should see results within 12 weeks (one bottle is the same as 3 bottles of liquid shampoo).
Awake Organics offers other products for thinning hair. These include conditioners and a rosemary and black seed hair growth oil (this is massaged into the scalp and left for at least 45 minutes) before shampooing out. Or just add a few drops to your condition for extra hydration.
Due to essential oils, don’t leave this on hair overnight, if pets sleep on your bed (cats especially can’t break down aromatherapy oils in their liver).
