The number of consumers in the U.S. who identify as vegan rose by 600% from 2014 to 2017 alone and percentages have been growing exponentially year on year. The interest in vegan products extends to skincare and haircare, with beauty buffs speaking wonders of the benefits of natural and plant-based products. If you are keen on expanding your range of vegan haircare items, these are just a few product types to watch out for.

Vegan Hair Dyes

Vegan hair dyes come in a plethora of vibrant shades and are usually free of harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, parabens, PPDs, and the like, and they usually contain a high percentage of organic ingredients. Vegan hair dyes are natural so they can be mixed with other colors to contain brand new combinations. They are gentle on the scalp and hair strands, yet they last permanently like commercial dyes. Just one food-based ingredient used in some vegan hair dyes is bergamot — a bitter Mediterranean orange whose oil is used to lend foods a citric flavor. Bergamot essential oil is often used for anxiety, nausea, and pain, but this plant is also used to make one of the most popular teas in the world: Earl Grey! 

Avocado in Hair Masks

Hair masks are used to give the hair and scalp a big moisture boost and as far as vegan ingredients are concerned, few can beat avocado owing to its creamy, thick texture. You can make your own mask by simply blending one avocado with one tablespoon of olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, and a little coconut milk. You can also purchase avocado hair masks, though if you have the time to make one from scratch, all the fresher!

Wasabi Shampoo

Wasabi, the super spicy, enlivening ingredient also known as horseradish, is mostly used to add liveliness to sushi dishes. However, some vegan companies are using this ingredient (or fresh horseradish, to be precise) alongside other ingredients like caffeine powder and menthol to freshen and stimulate the scalp. Because wasabi doesn’t have a strong fragrance, it is often combined with mood-lifting essential oils obtained from organic sweet oranges and lemons. Wasabi is thought to improve hair strength while stimulating blood flow to the scalp. 

Green Tea Scrub Shampoos

Exfoliation is not only for the face and body; it can also boost scalp health by removing excess oil and dead skin and by boosting circulation to the scalp. Green tea is a popular ingredient in hair scrubs because it helps remove impurities and reduces build-up on hair. It also leaves the scalp with a refreshing feel — similar to the effect caused by crushed peppermint and other fragrant herbs.

Veganism is a lifestyle that covers everything from your choice of clothing to hair and skincare. Many of nature’s bounties help to strengthen, moistures, or stimulate the hair and scalp. Just a few mentioned are oils, fruits, and herbs, all of which wield their own particular magic. If your hair is looking a little dry and lifeless, discover the magic of vegan ingredients by whipping up your very own avocado mask.