Are Hairbrushes Vegan? Yes, of course, but not always…

Last updated on October 5th, 2023

In a world where conscious consumer choices are on the rise, veganism is clearly a lifestyle that goes way beyond just a diet. From fashion to beauty products, and so much more, the demand for cruelty-free and ethically sourced items has become more important than ever. But when it comes to everyday essentials like hairbrushes, you might find yourself wondering, “Are hairbrushes vegan?” 

Let’s get into the truth behind the bristles.

Veganism is a lifestyle that aims to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty. While a big part of it is about dietary choices, its principles also stretch into other aspects of life, including personal care products. This is where the question of whether hairbrushes are vegan comes into play.

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Sometimes! Yes, I’m sorry, once again I don’t have a straight answer for you. 

It’s easy to get a vegan hairbrush but it’s also easy to get a non-vegan hairbrush. It all comes down to what materials the brush is made from. So, it’s best to know what you’re looking for.

When considering the vegan-friendliness of hairbrushes, the handles are usually fine, not always sustainable but usually vegan. The problem comes down to what kind of bristles are used. There are many types of bristle options such as nylon, stainless steel and sadly animal hair such as boar and horse hair. 

Natural Hair Bristles: Traditional brushes often use natural hair bristles, which are sourced from animals like boars. Unfortunately, these bristles involve animals so are a no-go for vegans.

Bamboo Bristles: Bamboo bristles are vegan and usually very sustainable. They’re gentle and less likely to damage your hair. Oh, and they can feel nice and relaxing on the scalp.

Synthetic Bristles: On the other hand, synthetic or nylon bristles are man-made and do not involve animals. These bristles are often created using nylon, making them a cruelty-free alternative. However, nylon is not a very sustainable material unless it’s recycled nylon.

Well, it depends on what we mean by natural. Bristles made from natural animal hair would not fit into a vegan lifestyle. But natural, as in made from natural resources such as bamboo, that’s all good! And bamboo is typically a very sustainable resource so in this sense natural bristles are a great choice. 

Absolutely! Synthetic bristle brushes have come a long way in terms of quality and effectiveness. Some are designed to mimic the texture and feel of natural bristles while offering the added benefits of being easier to clean and more resistant to moisture damage. But, as with everything, if you want a good brush you have to choose a quality option.

If you’re looking for an excellent ‘boar bristle’ style brush but you don’t actually want any boars involved, check out Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brush on Amazon.

When searching for a vegan hairbrush, keep the following tips in mind:

Check the Label: If it says natural it probably means animal hair. This isn’t always the case, but usually. So look for clear indications that the brush is made with synthetic or plant-based materials.

Research the Brand: Investigate the brand’s commitment to cruelty-free and vegan practices. Brands that give a crap often make it very clear…and so they should!

Read Reviews: Reading customer reviews can help you understand how useful and durable the brush is, helping you make an informed decision. Vegan doesn’t always mean quality. And buying rubbish products that don’t last isn’t great for your pocket or for the planet.

In the quest for a vegan-friendly lifestyle, every choice matters – even the seemingly simple ones, like selecting a hairbrush. While natural bristle brushes might be a no-go for vegans, synthetic bristle or bamboo brushes offer a cruelty-free and and often high quality alternative.

So, the next time you find yourself wondering the vegan status of a hairbrush, remember that you have options.

If you want more of my tips on living your best vegan life and how to never miss out, take a look at my Vegan Health and Beauty page. 

Follow me on Instagram to see all the delicious vegan food I find, the vegan and cruelty-free products I use and what I get up to as a travelling vegan.

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