Are you a curly-haired beauty in need of some cruelty-free and vegan hair products that let your locks steal the show? See our picks for the best vegan hair products for naturally curly and wavy tresses!
All the women in my family have very dynamic hair. For example, when I look through old photo albums of my mom as a teenager, her hair had a natural wave to it. By the time she married, her hair had morphed from a relaxed curl to tight ringlets. My sister, on the other hand, had Shirley Temple-style hair as a toddler, and it has become less curly and wavier over the years. Me? I’ve always had naturally wavy hair, and it becomes straighter or more curly depending on the temperature and humidity.
I spent so many years hating my waves, and as a result, burned the heck out of my hair using a straightening iron throughout high school. These days, I like to shower in the evening and air dry my hair before bed with minimal styling in the morning. But this summer’s humidity has rendered my hair especially curly, and I’ve been scouting out the best vegan hair products to tame my locks while still accentuating my waves (which I’ve come to love, btw).
When selecting hair products, there are a few things I prioritize: 1) must be cruelty-free and vegan (the two are not synonymous!); 2) must have a low environmental impact (i.e., no phthalates, sulfates, or chemicals); and 3) must be affordable. Admittedly, it can be a challenge to find products that meet all of these criteria, which is why I decided to share my list of must-have vegan hair products for my fellow curly/wavy hair ladies 🙂
1. Captain Blankenship Mermaid Sea Salt Spray, $14
True to its name, this hair mist by Captain Blankenship will give your ‘do a perfect beach wave. The spray contains a mixture of water, Pacific sea salt, aloe vera, sea kelp extract, and essential oils. That’s it! For such a simple ingredient list, this product does a phenomenal job forming and maintaining that just-returned-from-the-beach look.
2. Desert Essence Soft Curls Hair Cream Coconut, $6.29
This 100% vegan leave-in conditioner promises to soften and add bounce to your curls while nourishing and repairing them. No styling required! Plus, who doesn’t love the irresistible aroma of coconut? Instant beach vibes from the comfort of your shower.
3. Rahua Control Cream Curl Styler, $26
Need something a little more robust to tame your curls? This styling cream from Rahua will do the trick. This product features rahua oil, the company’s signature ingredient, which is derived from the Amazon rainforest and touted for it’s strengthening and shine-inducing capabilities. Simply apply to wet hair, scrunch your curls, and let air dry.
4 & 5. Mineral Fusion Curl Care Shampoo and Conditioner, $9.99 each
If you’re interested in taking a more minimalist approach to hair care, find a shampoo and conditioner that is formulated for your hair type. Mineral Fusion is one of my favorites for this very reason, and their products are high-quality while still being affordable. This duo features argan and flax oils, which hydrate and define curls while minimizing the ever-dreaded frizz situation.
6. Yarok Feed Your Curls Styling Cream, $38
If you’re willing to spend a little more money, Yarok’s styling cream is a curly-haired girl’s best friend. It’s easy to work with, smells great, and, most importantly, gives body to lifeless waves. This might not be the best option to bring on a trip, but it’s perfect for everyday use.
Do you have naturally curly or wavy hair? What are your favorite vegan hair products?
Also by Molly: If You’re So Stressed You Can’t Even, This Wellness Trend Is For You
Related: Ayurvedic Coconut Oil Scalp Massage for Curls
5 Tips for Growing Your Hair Out–Without Pulling it Out!
Get more like this—Subscribe to our daily inspirational newsletter for exclusive content!
Photo by: Yarok via Instagram, Captain Blankenship; Vitacost; Rahua; Mineral Fusion; Yarok
