The goal of going vegan is not only to choose a dairy- and meat-free diet, but also to adopt a vegan lifestyle for the entire month, which also includes “veganizing” your hair care. Adopting a healthy hair care routine is just as important as following a fitness and skin care routine. As we age, our hair begins to become weak and thin. Environmental pollution, stress, chemicals in hair care products and heat styling cause irreparable damage to hair. However, switching to a vegan hair care routine not only protects your hair but is also eco-friendly and sustainable for the environment.
Here are some ways to embrace vegan hair care by switching to a cruelty-free hair care routine.
Use vegan hair products
One of the most important and effective ways to protect the natural environment, be kind to animals and take care of your hair is to use vegan hair products. That’s why you should invest in nature-inspired hair care products for your hair, whether it’s shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, or even combs.
Hair care products made from plant-based ingredients are good for hair. They have natural oils with anti-oxidant properties that deeply nourish the hair and prevent dandruff and dry scalp. They are also free of sulfates and parabens, providing them with a healthy environment to grow.
Vegan shampoos and conditioners are free from animal ingredients. They contain environmentally friendly and mostly biodegradable ingredients. Their packaging is made from recyclable materials. They are not tested on animals and are cruelty-free labeled. All these factors make vegan hair care products eco-friendly.
Eat foods rich in biotin
Biotin is an important vitamin that supports various metabolic functions in our body and converts food into energy. It also builds protein, which is important for the healthy growth of skin, hair and nails. Most of the best sources of biotin are animal-based, such as eggs, fish, meat and other dairy products. If you’ve already transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle, you might be interested in learning about some of the best vegan sources of biotin.
There are several natural, plant-based sources of biotin that can help you get the right amount of vitamin B-7 your hair needs:
-
Spinach
-
Mushrooms
-
Peanuts
-
Broccoli
-
Sun-flower seeds
-
Nutritional yeast
-
Yam
-
Almonds
-
Bananas
-
Lawyers
Pamper your hair with DIY vegan hair masks
Most commercial hair care products are loaded with harsh chemicals that do more damage than good. A better alternative is to try effective vegan hair masks using natural items you already have at home. Here are some rejuvenating vegan hair masks you must try.
Aloe vera and castor oil hair mask
If you are experiencing skin problems like itchy scalp, hair loss, and thinning hair, mask should be first on your list.
Method:
Take two to three tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and mix it with one tablespoon of castor oil. Section your hair and, using your fingertips, apply this mask to the scalp, working towards the ends of your hair. Wrap your head in a warm towel for at least an hour, then rinse thoroughly.
Coconut oil and oatmeal hair mask
This hair mask made from oatmeal and coconut oil is specially designed for people suffering from itchy and dry hair. Oats are excellent for gentle scalp exfoliation and are rich in B vitamins which help attract water and penetrate deep into the hair shaft to nourish and heal from within. Additionally, coconut oil deeply hydrates hair and prevents split ends and breakage.
Method:
Take ½ cup of oats in a bowl and mix it with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply the mask and gently massage the mixture into the scalp using a circular motion. Wrap your head in a warm towel for at least an hour, then rinse thoroughly.