It’s January and to us conscious-minded folk, that means one thing: Veganuary. But trying out veganism doesn’t only mean skipping out on meat, fish and dairy options, it also extends to what you wear, from the clothes on your back to the products you put on your hair and skin. Luckily for us, vegan haircare is no longer a niche category reserved for the hyper-conscious, today, plant-based options that work wonders, can be found everywhere.
So, given the heat, humidity, sun exposure and frequent styling demands of living in the UAE – I swear we don’t style our hair as much elsewhere – we’ve rounded up our favourite products that genuinely work.
This vegan haircare edit spans scalp health, growth support, repair, styling and everyday maintenance, from the serious science stuff to the everyday quick fixes. Each product earns its place for addressing a specific concern, so you can build a routine that’s functional and ethical.
HASK Curl Care Shampoo + Conditioner Set, AED 51
A reliable entry point into vegan haircare, HASK’s Curl Care Shampoo and Conditioner are formulated without sulfates, parabens or animal-derived ingredients. Designed to gently cleanse while preserving moisture, this duo is great for curls, waves and coils that need hydration without heaviness. Infused with coconut oil and argan oil, the set helps define texture, reduce frizz and maintain elasticity making it a strong everyday wash option for curl health.
Best for: Curl hydration & definition | amazon.ae
Hårklinikken Hair Mask – Intense & Hydrating AED 220
This rich, vegan-friendly hair mask delivers intense hydration while helping improve strength, elasticity and moisture retention. Powered by plant oils including Abyssinian, olive and avocado, alongside quinoa and flax proteins, it’s designed to leave hair softer, smoother and more resilient. Especially beneficial for dry, brittle or heat-stressed hair, used weekly, this vegan haircare wonder seriously supports your strands without relying on animal-derived ingredients or heavy silicones.
Best for: Deep hydration, elasticity & dry or stressed hair | harklinikken.ae
Lola from Rio – Ela É Carioca Rice Protein Damage Control, AED 95
A standout in the vegan hair repair category, Lola from Rio’s Ela É Carioca Rice Protein Damage Control brings a bit of Brazilian joy to stressed-out hair. This rice-protein leave-in treatment helps strengthen weakened strands and restore elasticity without stiffness. It’s ideal for hair that’s seen a bit too much sun, saltwater, chlorine or heat styling (sound familiar)? Using rice protein as a plant-based alternative to animal keratin, it delivers serious vegan haircare while keeping hair light, flexible and full of bounce.
Best for: Damage repair & strengthening | faces.ae
LUSH Super Milk Conditioning Hair Primer, AED 135
One of Lush’s best-selling hair products globally, Super Milk has earned cult status for good reason. This vegan conditioning spray softens, detangles and lightly protects hair from heat, all without silicones or heaviness. Formulated with a triple whammy of conditioning almond, coconut and oat milks, with lemon juice for shine and olive oil for nourishment, it’s particularly well-suited to daily use in hot climates, where hair needs moisture and protection.
Best for: Leave-in conditioning & light heat protection | Lush.com
Dr. PAWPAW Original Balm 7-in-1, AED 67
For an on-the-go minimalist routine, Dr. PAWPAW’s Original Balm works wonders. It’s 7-in-1 formula includes heat protection, detangler, shine, leave-in hair treatment, blowdry styling aid, split end reduction, and minimises frizz. Suitable for all hair types, Dr PawPaw’s signature papaya and coconut scent will also leave you smelling like you’ve just left an island oasis for the office. An excellent vegan haircare choice for busy mornings when one product needs to do it all.
Best for: Heat protection & everyday styling | lookfantastic.ae
Snow Fox Ginseng Hair & Scalp Spray, AED 293
For a quick scalp refresh that fits into a busy routine, Snow Fox’s Ginseng Hair & Scalp Spray is an easy win. Lightweight and non-greasy, it’s designed to wake up the scalp using caffeine, ginseng and tetrapeptides — short chains of amino acids that help support scalp health. A few spritzes help hydrate, invigorate and rebalance the scalp, making it especially useful between washes or layered alongside serums and tonics. Ideal for hot, dry climates, this vegan haircare staple is a simple, feel-good step that keeps your scalp comfortable and hair looking fresh, even on the most chaotic days.
Best for: Scalp stimulation & hydration | snowfoxskincare.com
Maru.derm Caffeine & Biotin Anti-Hair Loss Toner
For those focused on scalp health without the luxury price tag, Maru.derm’s Caffeine & Biotin Anti-Hair Loss Tonic keeps things refreshingly straightforward. Powered by caffeine and biotin, it’s designed to support scalp circulation and help strengthen hair at the root over time. The lightweight formula absorbs easily, layers well with other treatments and doesn’t leave residue, making it a no-fuss vegan haircare addition to a longer-term hair routine.
Best for: Scalp circulation & root strengthening
VEGAMOUR GRO Hair Serum, AED 285
If Veganuary has you thinking long-term rather than chasing quick fixes, Vegamour’s GRO Hair Serum is one to know. A cult favourite and flagship product from the brand, this lightweight scalp serum uses clean, plant-based actives to help reduce the appearance of thinning and support fuller-looking hair over time. Free from hormones and harsh ingredients, it’s designed to be used consistently rather than occasionally. It will deliver results but over time, so it’s ideal for anyone playing the long game when it comes to hair wellness.
Best for: Growth support & thickness | sephora.ae
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil, AED 135
Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil manages to win over even the harshest natural beauty sceptics. Vegan and cruelty-free, it’s a lightweight oil that smooths split ends, boosts shine and helps improve elasticity without weighing hair down. It’s perfect for hair that’s colour-treated, heat-styled or prone to breakage. Used sparingly, it also works well as a finishing touch on dry ends for a healthy, smooth finish. We also love the new packaging!
Best for: Strengthening, elasticity & split-end care | lookfantastic.ae
Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo, AED 145
Rounding out the edit is a genuinely clean dry shampoo from Rahua, perfect for days when you simply don’t have time for a wash, or want to keep your blow dry for a few extra hours. Made with plant-based starches rather than talc or aluminium, it absorbs excess oil while adding light volume without the chalky residue many dry shampoos leave. Non-aerosol and fully vegan, it’s especially well suited to the UAE climate, where stretching blow-dries without over-washing can make all the difference to long-term hair health.
Best for: Refreshing roots & extending styles | harrods.com
