Veganuary Focus: Haircare without harm

Veganuary has become a staple within many people's awareness these days, when for the month of January they make a conscious effort to live as a vegan. For many, this leads to an ongoing commitment to follow a plant-based lifestyle not only avoiding the consumption of meat but also any animal-related products.

In addition to making a stand for animal rights, a plant-based diet has been acknowledged as a more sustainable way of living to help tackle climate crisis as it results is lower harmful emissions.  

With this in mind, gone are the days when veganism was looked at with raised eyebrows, and with a rising interest in this lifestyle choice, brands understand that plant-based products offer a lucrative revenue stream. 

According to market research firm Prophecy Market Insights, the global vegan beauty products market is estimated to be worth US$ 25.3 billion by 2029, with ethical-led consumer choices leaning towards cruelty-free and plant-based products.

In the professional sectors, beauty and hair brand are reformulating products free of animal-derived ingredients to meet the requirements of their clients whilst delivering the same, or better, hair care results. This has led to many certified brands using ingredients of a higher quality ensuring an overall improved product. Jake Nugent, OSMO Ambassador, explains:

“In addition to the other benefits of being vegan, committing to vegan haircare products means you will be using products which are much less harsh on the hair. As vegan products contain mainly natural and organic ingredients, they are better at promoting hair health. Vegan products are great if you want longer, more moisturised hair as plant-based ingredients tend to be extremely nourishing. Vegan products are also better for things such as scalp health as the ingredients used don't tend to clog pores.”

In the salon, you too can provide clients with a vegan experience. Although to brand yourself as a ‘vegan salon' does mean you must commit to avoiding any products or practices that involve the use of any animal derivatives, such as leather furniture.  

If you do want your salon to operate following a defined philosophy, you need to ensure your entire team, from the receptionist to the person who cleans the salon, are aware. Every aspect of salon operation must be within the perimeters of this ethos. You may wish to work with a recognised organisation, such as The Vegan Society, to access resources. 

Andrea Harvey, AKA The Vegan Hairdresser, has worked in the industry for almost 40 years, and has herself found it difficult to access vegan services. 

“I have had clients that go to a salon that has said they offer a vegan service,” says Andrea. “Having got to the salon, they find staff do not know what products are or are not vegan and do not truly understand what being vegan means or entails. So, the client takes their own vegan shampoos, conditioners and styling products to the appointment.”

Andrea also works as a Green Libertine with the Green Salon Collective promoting all things green, including recycling in the salon, as well as giving advice to other hair and beauty salons on how to offer clients vegan services and attract a new stream of audience.

Andrea adds: “Being a vegan salon can be profitable, it can also be costly! Changing to a vegan brand and making changes to the salon environment can cost. Don't be afraid to charge your worth as if you truly offer a vegan and ethical salon, clients will feel safe and comfortable visiting you and spread the word. 

“Shout about what you are offering. Even non vegans look for beauty products and services that are cruelty free, vegan and sustainable.”

The Vegan Society / Vegan Trademark: Displayed on 65,000 certified vegan products including cosmetics. Search for brands at www.vegansociety.com/search/products.

PETA's Global Beauty Without Bunnies Program: The PETA global animal test–free and vegan certification is awarded to companies that ban animal tests and refuse to use any animal-derived ingredients in their products. Search for brands at https://crueltyfree.peta.org/vegan-companies.

Take a look at just some of the professional hair care products that are vegan-friendly…

OSMO's IKON^® permanent hair colour range is 100% vegan friendly. Available in 81 intermixable shades across 19 tonal families, it is formulated with Micro-Connective Technology, Chia Oil and Tamanu Seed Extract for even, multi-dimensional shine.

A selection of OSMO's care and styling range is also vegan friendly.

Manic Panic's range of semi-permanent hair colours are 100% vegan and formulated using safe and non-harmful ingredients. The brand's High Voltage Classic Colour range delivers an intense, vibrant colour change in excess of 40 shades without compromising hair health.

Since 2022, Biolage's professional collection has featured 100% vegan formulations with no animal-derived ingredients. In addition to shampoo, conditioner and styling products, in-salon treatments include the Biolage Color Care Acidic Milk Rinse as an after colour service and the Biolage Acid Wave perm.