What Are The Best Vegan Hair Products For Curly Hair?

Reading time: 7 mins

We will look at the advantages of using vegan hair care products and conditioners for curly hair. Explore natural ingredients and their benefits, and look at the chemicals to avoid in non-vegan products.

If you are a vegan, then there is no better time to be a curly head because there is a wide range of vegan hair care products available. The key to getting frizz-free hair is to invest in silicone and paraben-free products, that don't have any alcohol or create any annoying build-up. Also, for vegan hair care products, you have to ensure that they don't have ingredients like beeswax, honey, lanolin, gelatin, collagen, keratin, silk acids or amino acids. Cruelty-free and vegan products will nourish your hair without any animal-derived ingredients; rather, your hair will be infused with plant-derived nutrients and oils.

More and more people are embracing a vegan lifestyle. The dusty image that it used to have, has completely disappeared. As a result, the demand for vegan products, in general, has increased significantly, and with it the demand for vegan hair products. Because veganism is not just about food. You can be an environmental vegan, an ethical vegan, a dietary vegan or even a beauty vegan.

Lady comparing antiperspirants in a supermarket

It's difficult to explore vegan curly haircare without mention of the Curly Girl Method. The general idea behind this method is to get your curls to spring back into their natural shape. To do this, you'll need to avoid products and practices that can damage your hair's natural pattern, including heat, sulphates, drying alcohols and brushing.

To understand the best way to help your hair, you need to know your hair type. Hair type 1 includes straight hair which won't apply to you if you're a curly head. Hair type 2 is wavy, 3 is curly, and 4 is coily hair. The type of hair you have changes the kinds of products you want to use to support your natural curls, and over time you may find your hair will change type.

This method stipulates some quite radical changes from what your current haircare regime might be. It states no more brushing and no more heat styling. Proponents of this method report excellent results, but you are free to make any modifications that suit you and your hair - the method is just a guide.

Unlike straight hair, curly hair tends to lack moisture and dry out easily, making it more difficult to care for.

The amount of curl in your hair is influenced by your hair follicles. People with curly hair tend to have more oval or asymmetrical follicles. This, of course, is determined by your genetics.

Lady washing her curly hair in the shower

Washing Your Curly Hair

It’s generally recommended that those with curly hair keep their wash days to a minimum. Unlike straight hair types, you should refrain from shampooing your hair every day. If cleansed too frequently, your hair strands may dry out, which can lead to damage and breakage.

The first step to washing your hair is to give up the idea of using shampoo, or at least the shampoos that you might be used to buying. Most shampoos contain products like sulphates and alcohols for their cleaning properties, but this strips your hair of its natural oils and dries it out, which is terrible news for curls. Fortunately, the Oleo range of vegan shampoos contain none of these nasty cleaning properties which can damage your hair. Our Rosemary & Nettle Shampoo, Geranium & Lavender Shampoo Bar and Argan & Coconut Shampoo Bar will all gently cleanse your curly locks, without damaging their condition.

Some Useful Curly Hair Tips

Resist the urge to brush curly hair. Use a wide-toothed comb on your curly hair before shampooing. After washing your hair, simply run your fingers through your hair. Never ever brush your wet hair as it is more prone to breakage and damage.

The high temperature from heat styling tools can remove the natural texture of your curls, making them dull and lifeless. Limit the use of heat styling and use moderate heat and a diffuser to protect your naturally beautiful curls.

Use a wide-toothed comb to remove the tangles in your curly hair. Comb from bottom to up to remove the knots if any. Each curl can be considered as a potential breaking point, handling gently is the way to go. A hairbrush can mess with your natural hair texture and can cause damage to your hair.

Hot water showers strip off the natural oil or sebum from your scalp and hair. It can also open up the cuticle making the hair strands prone to frizz and breakage. Coldwater rinses are your safest bet whether you are shampooing or conditioning your hair.

Rosemary and Nettle Shampoo and Conditioner

Oils For Curly Hair

Oiling your hair improves blood circulation to the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth. Plant-based oils are what you want to opt for in line with your vegan lifestyle and they provide the best care.

Natural oils are a rich source of vitamin E and fatty acids. These fatty acids help to lock the moisture in your hair. That’s how natural oils control frizz and improve the manageability of curly hair.

Use light and non-greasy coconut oil for curly hair. Use your fingertips to massage the oil onto your scalp. You can apply coconut oil before bedtime and wash it the morning after. Alternatively, you can also apply oil an hour before shampooing your hair.

Olive oil is a great treatment for your curly hair. It adds a lot of moisture to your dry locks. Take 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl and heat for a minute. Apply evenly on your scalp and hair with your fingertips. Wrap a warm towel over your head and rinse off the oil with a mild shampoo after 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil and avocado oil can also be used for curly hair.

As I've mentioned, curly and coily hair types often lean toward the dry, dull, and frizzy end of the natural hair spectrum. That’s why you must keep those spirals well-hydrated. In other words: don’t skip on the conditioner.

The trick is to find a conditioner that while still providing an adequate amount of moisture, does not wear your hair down and spoil your curls. The Oleo Bodycare Rosemary & Nettle Hair Conditioner is ideal for your curly hair - giving your curls bounce and gloss. It will help provide a healthy dose of hydration, nourishment, and protection that your mane isn’t able to get from shampoo alone. After shampooing, work it through your hair to the ends using your fingertips, leave for 5-10 minutes then rinse out with cold, or if that's a step too far, lukewarm water.

Once you're out of the shower, it's better to blot your hair dry and scrunch, rather than twist and stretch it out in a towel. If time permits, let your hair dry naturally. If you're stuck for time, diffuse your hair on the cold setting of your hairdryer.

Simple tweaks to your haircare routine and everyday lifestyle will set your mane on the right path again. While learning how to take care of curly hair takes some effort, it’s definitely worth it.

Finally, curly hair: we know that it can be the bane of your existence, but if you treat it right, your hair can be a beautiful and bountiful expression of who you are. Do not compare your hair with straight hair or other hair types. Learn to embrace your curl.

Choose cruelty-free, vegan skincare products. Choose Oleo Bodycare.