10 Top Professional Vegan Hair Products For Your Salon

Salons everywhere are making the shift to professional vegan hair products, and frankly, we can’t blame them.

The global natural hair care products market size was valued at $10.17 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow by more than 9% by the time we reach 2030. As you might expect, vegan and cruelty free hair brands comprise a large chunk of that sizable market.

The beauty industry is clearly evolving, and the spotlight is on vegan hair care. For years, traditional hair products have relied on animal by-products like keratin sourced from hooves or silk proteins derived from insects. 

While these may have been standard ingredients in the past, today’s consumers—and by extension, salons—are demanding better.

What’s behind this shift? It's not just about being ethical. It’s also about performance. Plant-based ingredients like soy protein and aloe vera rival, and often outperform animal-derived alternatives. Think silky, nourished hair minus the guilt of compromising on animal welfare or environmental impact.

If your salon team is looking to elevate its toolkit with professional vegan hair products, you're in the right place. This guide will break down how to spot vegan hair care products, the benefits of switching, and some standout brands worth considering. 

How to Identify a Vegan Beauty Product

Not every product claiming to be "natural" or "green" is actually vegan. To give your salon clients what they’re asking for, you need to know the key markers of a legitimate vegan product. 

The easiest starting point is the "100% vegan" label. Many reputable brands clearly display this on their packaging for easy recognition. 

Another strong indicator is certification logos, such as the Certified Vegan, or Vegan.org, logo. These certifications make sure that the product has been thoroughly vetted to be free of animal ingredients and hasn’t been tested on animals. 

Certifications guarantee transparency. Aside from Vegan.org, you can look for logos from PETA’s "Cruelty-Free and Vegan" program. These organizations rigorously check that all ingredients—and the final products—comply with vegan and cruelty-free standards. Think of these certifications as your stamp of trustworthiness. 

Reading the ingredient list is also key. Watch out for sneaky animal-derived ingredients like keratin (unless plant-based), lanolin, or silk proteins. It may sound tedious, but understanding which ingredients are animal-derived will help you avoid misleading claims. 

Terms like "natural" or "organic" often confuse customers. While these sound positive, they don’t necessarily mean the product is vegan. Always dig deeper to validate these claims with a closer look at certifications and ingredient lists. 

Finally, take the time to empower your entire salon team with the appropriate knowledge. When your staff understands the importance of delivering on vegan promises, it makes consultations with clients seamless. They can confidently recommend products and explain their benefits, enhancing client trust and satisfaction.

10 Best Vegan Hair Products

Vegan hair care isn't just a trend—it's becoming the new norm in professional salons everywhere. Not only do these professional vegan hair products align with your eco-conscious clients’ values, but they’re also packed with ingredients that deliver top-notch results. 

Here’s a list of some must-have vegan hair products to help keep your clients' hair just as fabulous as their ethics are sound:

1. Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Shampoo  

This professional vegan shampoo is a salon favorite for its gentle yet effective cleansing ability. It's perfect for all hair types and its different varieties are infused with nutrient-dense superfood extracts like oat milk, banana, and coconut for an ultimate detox boost. It's a great option for clients who struggle with sensitive scalps or over-processed hair, as it cleans without stripping away natural moisture.  

For stylists, the 93% naturally-derived formula is pH-friendly, and sets the perfect foundation for any treatment or styling session. Its light, fresh scent (it is fragrance- and essential-oil-free) elevates the shampoo experience, leaving your client with a squeaky-clean feel and shine. Toss this vegan superstar into your lineup, and you'll have clients raving about their newfound glow.  

2. Pacifica Coconut Power Strong & Long Moisture Mask  

When your next client sits in your chair lamenting their dry or damaged hair, Pacifica’s Coconut Power Mask is the lifesaver you need. Made with coconut oil, rice, super fruits, and other nourishing ingredients, this moisture mask hydrates deeply to restore strength and elasticity to damaged locks.  

This product is tailor-made for salon treatment days when your client’s hair needs extra TLC post-coloring, straightening, or perming. Spread it through damp hair, apply heat for extra absorption, and watch as frizz and dryness disappear into oblivion. Knowing it’s vegan makes the results even sweeter!  

3. Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer  

Curly hair clients rejoice! Aveda’s Be Curly Curl Enhancer defines and tames curls with an easy application and a natural finish. This vegan product uses aloe and wheat protein to enhance natural curl patterns while reducing frizz for smoother, more uniform results.  

Stylists will love using this on textured hair clients before air-drying or diffusing. It brings out the vibrancy and bounce in curls without weighing them down. Make this your go-to curl enhancer for minimal effort and maximum effect.  

4. Frank Body Caffeinated Scalp Scrub  

This invigorating scalp scrub is one of the best vegan hair products for clients battling dry scalps, dandruff, or buildup. Formulated with coffee grounds, natural oils, and rosemary extract, it cleanses, exfoliates, and stimulates circulation to promote scalp health.  

Massage onto wet hair, focusing on the roots, for an ultra-refreshing experience that not only treats the scalp but also preps the hair for ultimate shine and vitality. Your clients will leave the salon rejuvenated from the inside out.  

5. Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner  

A multitasking miracle, this leave-in conditioner from Innersense is a must-have for every stylist’s arsenal. Lightweight and packed with nourishing aloe vera, eucalyptus, tamanu oil, and rosemary, it detangles while adding a light dose of hydration and shine.  

Use it as a pre-styling treatment to prime the hair or as a finishing touch for clients who want to skip heavy creams. It’s safe for all textures and works wonders on brittle or heat-styled strands. Bonus? The soft, botanical fragrance is a delight for everyone involved, so make sure you have it in your inventory.

6. Maria Nila Color Refresh  

If your clients are looking for a low-maintenance way to keep their color fresh between salon visits, Maria Nila's Color Refresh is the solution you need to have in your collection of professional vegan hair products. 

This vegan, nourishing hair mask intensifies color while hydrating. Available in a variety of shades, it’s perfect for toning blonde hair, adding vibrancy to brunettes, or cooling down reds.  

Stylists can use this to create custom tones and refresh color-treated hair within a single session. Plus, its creamy formula ensures smooth, even results every time.  

7. Verb Ghost Oil  

Hair oils can sometimes weigh down finer strands, but Verb Ghost Oil is the exception. This vegan wonder is lightweight yet packed with nutrients such as moringa oil to eliminate frizz, boost shine, and protect hair from heat styling.  

Use it as a finishing product to add a glossy finish to sleek styles or apply before blow-drying for an ultra-smooth look. Either way, it’s a surefire client-pleaser that won't leave any build-up.  

8. Ethique Shampoo Bar  

For salon owners looking to boost their eco-friendly credentials, Ethique’s Shampoo Bar is a must. Not only is it vegan, but it’s also a zero-waste product, reducing plastic usage without compromising on quality. The unique formula of this professional vegan shampoo bar is packed with nourishing mango butter to smooth split ends, along with rice protein and other natural ingredients. 

This bar is ideal for clients with sensitive skin or those who appreciate sustainable salon options. Pair it with a relaxing shampoo massage and leave your clients feeling refreshed… and impressed.  

9. Rahua Omega 9 Hair Mask  

This salon-grade vegan hair mask is a rich treatment luxurious enough for even the most discerning clientele. It’s infused with Rahua oil, sunflower seed oil, quinoa, lavender, and eucalyptus to repair and fortify even the most damaged ends.  

Apply as a deep-conditioning treatment or to rescue hair damaged from frequent color processing. It's an indulgent step in your salon experience that will leave clients with noticeably healthier hair.  

10. Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo  

Pureology has been a trusted salon staple for a reason. Their Hydrate Sheer Shampoo is vegan, sulfate-free, and delivers deep hydration for dry strands without weighing them down.  

Perfect for all clients but especially effective on fine or thin hair, it's an everyday solution that makes dry hair manageable and vibrant. Use it in your shampoo rotation to cover clients insisting on soft, touchable hair.  

[CTA_MODULE] 

Vegan vs. Cruelty-Free Hair Brands

It's common for vegan and cruelty-free terms to be used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Vegan hair products contain no animal-derived ingredients (like keratin or lanolin). 

Meanwhile, cruelty-free hair brands simply mean they weren’t tested on animals. 

Some brands are both vegan and cruelty-free, but not all! For instance, a cruelty-free brand might still use honey or silk in its formulas. 

When shopping for your salon, look for clear labeling. Certifications like the Leaping Bunny or "Certified Vegan" logos make it easier to identify products that meet both of these requirements.

Streamline Your Hair Salon Business With GlossGenius

Switching to vegan hair care is more than a product choice—it's about creating value for your clients. By offering ethical and high-quality options, your salon can attract like-minded clientele while standing out in a competitive market. 

At GlossGenius, we know the needs of modern salons go beyond great products. That’s why we’re here to help you simplify operations with tools for Client Management, Reports & Analytics, Online Booking, and Marketing—all in one intuitive platform. 

Start your free trial with us today and see how easy it is to run your salon while focusing on what you do best—creating great hair days for your clients.

[CTA_MODULE] 

FAQ

What professional shampoo is vegan?

Many professional shampoos are now available in vegan formulations, catering to salon-quality standards while aligning with ethical and sustainable values. Notable brands like Pureology and Verb offer high-performing vegan shampoos designed for various hair types and needs. 

Are vegan products better for your hair?

Vegan hair products can provide significant benefits due to their reliance on plant-based ingredients, which are often gentler on the hair and scalp compared to products with harsh chemicals or animal-derived additives. They are typically free from parabens, sulfates, and silicones, which can cause buildup or dryness over time. 

Are Olaplex hair products vegan?

Yes, Olaplex products are entirely vegan and cruelty-free. Their formulations are free from animal-derived ingredients, and the company strongly supports ethical practices.

Why are some hair products professional only?

Professional hair products are labeled as such because they are specifically formulated for high-performance results, which often require precise application by trained stylists. These products are typically concentrated, offering stronger active ingredients that address advanced hair concerns like damage repair or color protection.