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Your New Favorite Cruelty-Free Hair Care Brands

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Northwestern chapter.

A movement has been spreading in the world of fashion and beauty recently — a cruelty-free movement to be exact. The best part about cruelty-free products is that they keep us looking amazing without using any animal products or experimenting on animals. This change is not only great for people who want to live a healthier lifestyle, but it’s also great for anyone looking to have a more positive impact on the world through a few simple, everyday actions. In this case, that means being conscious of where and how our hair-care products are made.

When it comes to our hair, we always want it to look strong, healthy and beautiful. So, if it’s possible to keep our hair looking and feeling good without worrying about having a negative effect on the lives of other animals, why not switch it up?

Even if that can of hairspray says it hasn’t been tested on animals, it’s very likely the company that produced it or its sister companies do use animal testing. With so many trusted name-brand cosmetic companies animal testing their products, how do we know which products are safe to buy? I’ve compiled a list below that might be helpful during your next trip to the cosmetics aisle.

Popular Brands That Are NOT Cruelty-Free:

  • L’Oreal

  • Procter & Gamble (Pantene, Herbal Essences)

  • Unilever (TRESemmé)

  • Aussie

  • Head and Shoulders

  • Suave

  • Nexxus

  • Estee Lauder

Making this list, I was both sad and surprised to find that I was guilty of owning products from these brands that test on animals. Fortunately, there are still brands out there that continue to ethically make your hair beautiful. 

Cruelty-Free Hair Product Recommendations:

It might not seem like a huge deal to change your favorite hair spray or mousse brand. But, being conscious of the products we buy and how they’re made can actually make a huge difference in the fight against animal cruelty. Not to mention, your hair just might thank you, too.

For more information about cruelty-free hair and beauty products, check out crueltyfreekitty.com.