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Explore Clean Hair Care Brands for Healthier, Gorgeous Hair
R + Co Bleu / Prose / Ulta
While we may not have control over the climate and its effects on our hair, we can certainly influence the impact of the products we choose. The concept of clean beauty extends far beyond merely avoiding harmful ingredients; it embraces the ethical and sustainable practices involved in crafting these products. This means opting for brands that prioritize the environment and consumer health through mindful ingredient selection and production processes.
Understanding what clean beauty truly means for hair care can be a challenge, especially as definitions continue to evolve. Stylist Leigh Hardges at Maxine Salon in Chicago explains, “Beauty brands use the term ‘clean’ to signal that products don’t contain certain ingredients (natural or synthetic) that they consider questionable or unsafe.” Typically, clean hair brands steer clear of ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, oxybenzone, and talc, ensuring a healthier choice for your hair.
To empower you in making informed choices, we consulted three experienced hairstylists, engaged with a board-certified dermatologist, and researched numerous brands committed to clean ingredients and environmentally friendly practices. Below, we highlight some of our favorite clean hair care brands that are not only beneficial for your hair but also kind to our planet.
Briogeo
Briogeo’s innovative approach ensures you never have to compromise on quality. This brand has a strict no-fly list for ingredients that are not allowed in its formulas, including silicone, aerosols, and microplastics. The Curl Charisma line, celebrated among curly-haired clients, utilizes rice amino acids and quinoa extract to combat frizz and enhance hair strength. These ingredients not only sound nutritious but also work wonders to improve the overall health of your locks. Additionally, all of Briogeo’s packaging, including bottles and jars, is made from 100 percent recyclable materials.
Olaplex
Olaplex has earned the Leaping Bunny certification since 2021, affirming its commitment to cruelty-free and vegan products. The formulas are free from sulfates, phthalates, and phosphates, ensuring a clean experience for your hair. While the brand uses plastic packaging, it minimizes secondary packaging to reduce waste. Olaplex is also engaged in sustainable practices that conserve water, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and protect forests. For those seeking to maintain healthy hair while being environmentally conscious, we recommend Olaplex No. 4 and No. 5, which have been recognized as the best overall bond builders for hair.
R + CO Bleu
R+CO products are crafted with an eco-conscious mindset, and the R+CO Bleu collection strives to enhance sustainability through packaging made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials, aluminum, and recycled paper. Offering vegan and cruelty-free options, this line is perfect for guilt-free shopping. If you’re a fan of the beloved High Dive cream, consider trying the Super Style Crème, which nourishes hair with vitamin E and avocado oil.
Vegamour
With a celebrity endorsement from Nicole Kidman, Vegamour stands out as a vegan and cruelty-free brand that truly delivers results. The GRO Hair Serum has been particularly effective in reversing stress-induced shedding. All Vegamour products are crafted using ingredients that can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Notably, their plant-based marula oil is sourced through a partnership with Southern Botanica, which provides Fair Trade employment opportunities to over 5,000 women in northern Namibia each year.
Monday Haircare
Did you know that your beloved pink packaging from Monday Haircare is entirely eco-friendly? This brand not only offers PETA-approved formulas devoid of parabens and sulfates but also prioritizes recycling, as all their bottles are made from recyclable materials. According to master stylist Stephanie Angelone at RPZL Hair Extension & Blowout Bar in NYC, the Monday Shampoo is one of the top natural shampoos for effective cleansing and detangling. The affordability of Monday’s products means you can prioritize sustainability without stretching your budget. Their formulas utilize naturally-derived ingredients like artichoke extract and shea butter to promote silky, smooth hair.
Innersense Organic Beauty
Innersense Organic Beauty is a family-owned brand dedicated to creating products designed for all hair types. Its focus on hydration has garnered a loyal following among customers with curly hair. Stylist Hardges, with over 17 years of experience, states, “Innersense is the first ‘clean’ product that really knocked my socks off.” She recalls a former client who was allergic to many personal care products finding relief with Innersense, leading to a significantly healthier scalp and moisturized hair. This success is attributed to Innersense’s commitment to using conscious chemistry and avoiding harsh synthetics in its formulations.
Moreover, the brand operates without compromising the environment. Innersense is both B Corp and Climate-Neutral certified, indicating its commitment to sustainability. They maintain low water usage by maximizing the concentration of essential ingredients, and their packaging is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials.
Davines
While using the Davines Love Curl Shampoo, I was excited to learn it not only helped my hair but also contributed to preserving biodiversity. This certified B Corp brand collaborates with Slow Food Presidia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to food biodiversity, to source key ingredients like almond and buckwheat from small family farms in Italy. By prioritizing sustainable sourcing and protecting at-risk ingredients, Davines promotes healthier hair and a healthier planet. Although not all products are vegan, Davines remains a cruelty-free brand and excludes sulfates and parabens from its formulations.
Aveda
Aveda has long been a pioneering force in the world of clean beauty, as noted by Hardges, who refers to it as the “founding father” of the movement. Renowned for its commitment to plant-based ingredients and environmental stewardship, Aveda manufactures its products using 100 percent wind power. This brand excels in addressing various hair challenges, and I found great success with the Aveda Botanical Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, which effectively strengthened my heat-damaged hair while providing a delightful fragrance from essential oils.
Prose
If you’ve ever experienced the disappointment of trying a friend’s favorite shampoo only to find it lacking for your hair, Prose offers a customized solution. Recognizing that every individual has unique hair needs, Prose creates tailored routines through an online consultation. Based on your responses, they recommend products formulated with natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera, sea moss, kombucha, and even okra. As a B Corp Certified company, Prose is committed to utilizing sustainable and ethically-sourced materials and ingredients, making it the first carbon-neutral custom beauty brand.
Pureology
Choosing Pureology products not only enhances your hair but also contributes to water conservation. The brand has reduced the water required for manufacturing processes, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious consumers. With 95 percent of their packaging made from post-consumer recycled materials, Pureology’s products are 100 percent recyclable. Their Style + Protect Refresh & Go Dry Shampoo, enriched with rice starch
Sienna Blake is a licensed aesthetic consultant and beauty writer specializing in cosmetic surgery advancements and non-invasive treatments. With a background in dermatology and over eight years of industry experience, Sienna is passionate about helping people achieve confidence through informed beauty decisions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and regularly collaborates with top plastic surgeons to stay at the forefront of aesthetic innovations. Outside of her work, Sienna enjoys traveling, skincare research, and practicing Pilates.