Our Favourite Vegan And Cruelty-Free Hair Dyes

Whether you’re new to the game of hair colouring, or you’ve been dying your do for years and looking for a vegan-friendly alternative, we’ve got the lowdown here.

Why choose vegan hair dyes? 

You don’t have to be a vegan to want to use vegan hair dye. But making small switches with the hair and beauty products you buy is a great way to help our planet, and the lives of the animals on it. When you switch to vegan hair dyes, you’re eliminating any animal-cruelty involved in the manufacturing process. 

Is all hair dye vegan and cruelty-free? 

Sadly the answer to this question is no. A large percentage of the mainstream hair dyes are tested on animals, and some contain animal derivatives, making them non vegan-friendly. 

The two most common animal derived products in hair dyes are squalene and vitamin A, both generally sourced from fish, or shark liver oil.

Our top picks 

As promised, here are some of our favourite vegan and cruelty-free dyes.

Natural colours

The Flowerology range by Umberto Giannini offers a simple and organic selection of dyes from brilliant blonde through to dark brown, promising 100% grey coverage in the process. 

For a more extensive selection of natural colours (no fewer than 30 to be precise) check out Natuturint. They’ve been at the forefront of natural hair dyes for 20 years, and they've got the products to prove it.

After some more professional hair care? Paul Mitchell Color have been leaders in cruelty-free hair treatments since 1980.

photo credits: Paul Mitchell

Bleaches 

Bleach London products are entirely vegan and cruelty-free, and are part of PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies programme. Their plex bleach and No Bleach, Bleach kits are inexpensive and easy to use at home. 

Another option is the Flash Lightning bleach kit from Manic Panic. Again completely vegan-friendly and cruelty free with no compromise on result.

Something brighter 

For bold colours without bleaching first, Arctic Fox has a brilliant selection of dyes for unbleached hair. Our favourite is Purple Rain.

Photo credits: Arctic Fox

Semi-permanent 

If you’re looking for a semi-permanent burst of colour to brighten your locks for a few weeks, then the magically-named unicorn fantasy range hair tints from Lime Crime will be right up your street. Pick from magnificent pinks, bold purples, shocking reds and many more.

Back with all-round winners is Bleach London and their Awkward Peach semi-permanent hair colour. It’s guaranteed to turn heads.

Let us know your favourites in the comments below.