Veganism is increasingly popular, and many of us are tackling Veganuary – the annual challenge to adopt a plant-based lifestyle for the month of January in order to better our planet (and ourselves).
But, despite the supposed ease of switching an everyday diet for vegan alternatives, assessing our beauty routine can take a little more work, as brands continue to guard manufacturing practices and, well, ingredients. So, whether you’re committing full-time, or just trying to do your bit where you can (every little helps, after all), here are some simple switches you can make to vegan-ify your hair and beauty routine.
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1 Swap your regular manicure for a vegan manicurePro nail brands like Zoya, Madam Glam and Spa Rituals are as kind to the planet as they are to your nails (no fish-scales or beetle extracts used). And if you're looking for a longer lasting gel mani, it's Gelish all the way. They're the perfect vegan and cruelty-free alternative and last just as long as other gel brands. Bonus – they can be removed with a simple nail polish remover. What's not to love?
Our tip: filter your search by choosing vegan, natural and cruelty free services.
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2 Try a vegan scent
You might be surprised to hear that many fragrances use animal extracts to create the base of the fragrance. Musk (a heady, deep note that makes fragrances feel seductive) is the main culprit here. If you’re looking for an alternative try Le Labo for a range of cruelty-free, vegan fragrances.
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3 Look for salons that offer...
Treatments by Pai. A brilliant spa and skincare brand that’s vegan and are well known for their super-de-stressing rituals and facials. A treatment is a good way to try the products before you buy them as well.
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4 And if you can’t find vegan spa brands…
Ilia and Neom are all brilliant vegetarian spa brands. This means they’re not tested on animals but do contain some animal-derived ingredients like Honey or Beeswax. Although it might not work for strict vegans, these brands are doing a great job at being ethical and planet friendly.
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5 Pick your spray tan carefully
Great news. Everybody’s favourite spray tan, St Tropez is Vegan. As is Vita Liberata – a real industry secret with many beauty experts swearing by the natural, golden results of the range’s brilliant fake tans. As well great at home products, they also offer one of the best spray tans in the business.
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6 Get a makeup bag overhaul
You might have to consider a total makeup bag overhaul. The good news is that vegan makeup brands are so good you’ll never look back. Names to know include Kat Von D (try her tattoo eyeliner) and E.L.F (you’ll love the Metallic Lip Crayon).
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7 Get your hair washed and styled with…
It’s tough to find a fully vegan haircare range in salons, the only exception we found was Rahua, a luxurious Brazilian care range. Unless you feel strongly enough to take your own products with you (Klorane is by far the best shop-bought vegan haircare brand) look out for salons that use Paul Mitchell and Kevin Murphy who both have a good mix of vegan and vegetarian products.
FAQs
Which nail brands offer vegan and cruelty-free manicures?
You can choose Zoya, Madam Glam and Spa Rituals for vegan manicures that avoid animal-derived ingredients like fish-scales or beetle extracts. For longer-lasting gel manicures, Gelish is a great vegan and cruelty-free alternative. These options last as long as non-vegan brands and can be removed with standard nail polish remover.
How do you find vegan beauty and nail services near you?
You can filter your search by selecting vegan, natural and cruelty-free services on booking platforms. This helps you easily find salons that offer vegan treatments or use ethical brands. Narrowing your search saves time and ensures your chosen service aligns with your plant-based lifestyle.
What perfume brands offer vegan fragrances?
Le Labo provides a range of vegan and cruelty-free fragrances that do not use animal extracts such as musk. Many mainstream fragrances include animal-based notes, so choosing Le Labo helps you opt for plant-based alternatives without sacrificing quality or scent.
Are there vegan options for spray tans and fake tans?
Yes, St Tropez and Vita Liberata both offer vegan spray tans and self-tanning products. These brands are celebrated for their natural, golden results and are trusted by beauty experts. You can find their products for use at home or experience spray tans in salons using their ranges.
Which haircare brands have vegan or vegetarian options in salons?
Rahua is a fully vegan haircare brand available in some salons, while Paul Mitchell and Kevin Murphy offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian products. For at-home care, Klorane is an excellent vegan haircare choice. Not all salon ranges are fully vegan, so ask in advance if you have preferences.