You've been thinking for a while about switching from your usual shampoo to a more natural, more conscious one, without ingredients you can't even pronounce. You've searched for "vegan shampoo" and an endless list of options has appeared with colorful labels, claims on the packaging, and very different prices. And you most likely closed the tab without buying anything, because how do you know which one is truly good?
At Alma Eko, we've been carefully selecting hair care products for a while, and in this article, we'll tell you everything we've learned: what it really means for a shampoo to be vegan, which ingredients matter, and which ones we choose for our store and why.
What it means for a shampoo to be vegan (and what it doesn't mean)
A vegan shampoo is one that contains no animal-derived ingredients. This excludes things like animal keratin, hydrolyzed silk, lanolin (which comes from sheep's wool), animal-derived glycerin, or fish collagen.
But here's the important part: vegan is not synonymous with natural, or good for your hair, or respectful of the planet. A shampoo can be 100% vegan and still contain harsh sulfates, synthetic silicones, parabens, or artificial fragrances. The vegan label only tells you where the ingredients don't come from, not what those ingredients are or if your scalp will be happy with them.
That's why, when you're looking for a good vegan shampoo, the label is the starting point, not the destination. What really matters is reading the formula.
What ingredients to look for in a truly vegan shampoo
You don't have to be a chemist to understand whether a shampoo is good or not. By knowing what to look for and what to avoid, you've already gained a lot.
What it should contain:
Mild plant-derived surfactants, such as those derived from coconut (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine). These are what clean the hair, and the difference from harsh sulfates is that they do so without stripping the scalp's natural oils or irritating it with continued use.
Truly nourishing vegetable oils and butters: argan oil, shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, mango butter. These ingredients are what make the difference between hair that comes out clean and hair that comes out clean and shiny. Especially important if your hair tends to be dry, frizzy, or damaged.
Plant extracts with specific properties: lavender soothes the scalp and helps strengthen the follicle; tea tree has antiseptic and antifungal properties that are great for dandruff or an itchy scalp; calendula is very gentle for the most reactive scalps.
What to avoid:
Harsh sulfates like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). They create a lot of foam, clean a lot, and precisely for that reason, they can dry out and irritate the scalp if used day after day. Abundant foam is not a sign that the shampoo cleans better; it's a sign that it contains a powerful detergent.
Silicones, which you'll recognize because the ingredients end in -cone, -conol or -xane (dimethicone, cyclomethicone...). They give you that feeling of soft, smooth hair instantly, but they build up in the hair and over time dull it, weigh it down, and make you need more and more product to achieve the same effect.
Parabens as preservatives (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben). They are being removed from many natural formulas precisely because there are open questions about their behavior in the body.
Synthetic fragrances, especially if you have a sensitive or reactive scalp. Artificial fragrance is one of the most common cosmetic allergens, and on the scalp, it can cause itching, irritation, or dandruff without you knowing where it comes from.
The most surprising thing for those who don't know: you can also wash your hair with natural soap
This often surprises people the first time they hear it, but it's completely true: there are natural soaps that have been used for centuries to wash hair, and at Alma Eko, we have several that work wonderfully for that.
The difference from a conventional shampoo is the format: in a bar, without plastic packaging, much more concentrated, and with an ingredient list that fits in two lines. And the result, once the scalp adapts (which usually happens in three or four washes), is usually very good.
Aleppo soap is the best known for this. It contains olive oil and laurel oil in different percentages, and depending on how much laurel it contains, it works better for one type of hair or another. A lower percentage of laurel is good for dry or normal hair; a higher percentage is better for oily hair. It's one of those products that, if you try it and it suits your hair, you'll never buy three different bottles of shampoo again.
Tea tree soap is another surprising option: it has natural antiseptic and antifungal properties that make it very useful if you have dandruff, persistent itching, or a scalp prone to irritation. Many people who have spent years looking for a solution to these problems with specific pharmacy shampoos find it here.
And walnut soap is specially designed for scalps with psoriasis or dermatitis, with anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the skin without aggressing it.
Why the adaptation period exists and how to manage it well
If you've been using conventional shampoos with silicones and harsh sulfates for years, it's likely that when you switch to a natural vegan shampoo (or natural soap), you'll notice your hair feels different for the first few weeks. You might find it heavier, drier, or need more product than usual to create a lather.
There's a very simple explanation for this: your hair has a buildup of silicones that the conventional shampoo masked, and the natural shampoo doesn't cover it but gradually eliminates it. This process can last between two and four weeks depending on how much residue there is and your hair type, and once it's over, almost everyone notices their hair feels lighter, more natural, and with more volume.
The trick to getting through this period with less drama: start with more frequent washing in the first few weeks, rinse very well with cold water at the end to close the cuticles, and be patient. The transition is worth it.
Which vegan shampoo or natural soap to choose according to your hair type
At Alma Eko, we don't have shampoos for all tastes or all hair types: we have those that we believe truly work, carefully selected. Here we explain them one by one:
If your scalp is sensitive, itchy, you have psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, the product that gives the best results in these cases is the Organic Dermo-Soothing Shampoo. It is specifically formulated for these situations, calms irritation from the first washes, and highly respects the scalp's balance. It is the most highly rated product in our hair section for a reason.
If your hair is normal and you're looking to strengthen it and give it extra hydration, the Organic Strengthening Shampoo for Normal Hair, with lavender and shea butter, is a very complete option. Lavender soothes the scalp and strengthens the follicle, and shea deeply moisturizes the hair fiber. For those looking for an uncomplicated daily vegan shampoo, this is a good starting point.
If you want the most minimalist, plastic-free, all-purpose option, Aleppo Soap is your ally. It works for hair, face, and body, comes in different sizes and laurel percentages, and once you get used to it, you realize you don't need anything else. It's one of the most positively reviewed products in the entire store.
If you have dandruff, itching, or a scalp prone to irritation or acne, the Tea Tree Soap is our favorite for these cases. Its natural antiseptic and antifungal properties help rebalance the scalp progressively, without the side effects of conventional anti-dandruff shampoos.
If you have psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis on your scalp, Walnut Soap is a very specific and highly rated option. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the skin without aggressing it, and many people who use it notice improvement from the first washes.
You can see the entire selection of hair care products in our catalog.
And conditioner?
If your hair is dry, curly, damaged, or simply long, a vegan conditioner after shampoo can make a big difference. We have two options:
The Thaïs Camila Solid Conditioner is nourishing and moisturizing, repairs split ends, and reduces frizz without silicones or parabens. Its solid format generates no plastic and lasts much longer than it seems.
The Dehesia Organic Almond and Lavender Conditioner is softer and lighter, ideal if your hair doesn't need as much nourishment but could use a little help with styling and shine.
Myths about vegan shampoo worth clarifying
"Vegan shampoos don't clean as well": Yes, they clean just as well, and in many cases, better in the long run. The foam we associate with "this really cleans" comes from harsh sulfates, which actually over-clean. A mild plant-derived surfactant cleans what needs to be cleaned without irritating or drying out.
"Natural soap dries out hair": This depends entirely on the soap and your hair type. Aleppo soap with an olive oil base can be more moisturizing than many conventional shampoos, especially for dry hair. The problem usually comes from using a soap not suitable for hair or not rinsing thoroughly.
"Vegan means it works for any hair type": The vegan label says nothing about whether the product is suitable for your hair type. Just like with any shampoo, you need to choose the formula based on what you need, not what's on the label.
"The adaptation period is unbearable": It can be somewhat uncomfortable, but with the right product and a little patience, most people get through it without major problems. And what comes after is worth it.
"A more expensive shampoo is better": Not always. The price of a natural vegan shampoo doesn't always reflect the quality of its ingredients. A €4 Aleppo soap can be more effective for your scalp than a €25 designer vegan shampoo.
About Alma Eko
At Alma Eko, every product you see in the hair section is there because we have reviewed it, tested it, and believe it truly works. We don't have a hundred options because we don't want to fill you with doubts: we have the ones we consider best for each need, all vegan, all non-toxic, and all without unnecessary plastic packaging.
If you don't know where to start, our recommendation is the Dermo-Calming Organic Shampoo if your scalp is sensitive, or the Aleppo Soap if you are looking for the most versatile and minimalist option. You can view the entire hair care catalog at almaeko.com.
Frequently asked questions about vegan shampoo
1. Is vegan shampoo better for hair than conventional shampoo?
Not automatically because it's vegan, but because well-formulated vegan shampoos often avoid the most aggressive ingredients: strong sulfates, cumulative silicones, parabens. What matters is the complete formula, not just the label. A poorly formulated vegan shampoo can be just as aggressive as a conventional one.
2. Can I wash my hair with natural soap every day?
Yes, with the right soaps. Aleppo soap, for example, is gentle enough for frequent use without drying out the scalp. The key is to choose the correct soap for your hair type and rinse very well afterward.
3. Is vegan shampoo suitable for sensitive scalps?
In general, it is a much better option than conventional shampoos for sensitive scalps, because it usually avoids the most irritating ingredients. For specific cases of psoriasis, dermatitis, or persistent itching, a specific formula such as the Dermo-Calming Organic Shampoo is best.
4. How long does hair take to adapt?
Between two and four weeks in most cases. If you were using shampoos with a lot of silicones, you might notice your hair feels heavier or different for the first few weeks as accumulated residue is removed. This is completely normal and will pass.
5. Do I need conditioner if I use vegan shampoo?
It depends on your hair type. If it's dry, curly, long, or damaged, a vegan conditioner makes a big difference to the final result. If it's fine, normal, and short, you might not need anything else.
6. Is Aleppo soap suitable for oily scalps?
Yes, especially those with a higher percentage of laurel oil, which has sebum-regulating properties. It is one of the most popular options among people with oily scalps who are looking for a natural alternative to conventional shampoo.
If you want to see our entire selection of hair products at Alma Eko, check out almaeko.com
