2018 is in full swing and our love for cruelty-free, sustainable beauty is at an all-time high. Vegan beauty has begun to dominate our bathroom shelves and ethical brands are taking over our makeup bags. But as ever, when you're committed to helping the planet, there's always more you can do. If you're one of the many people who've decided that this is the year to commit to a kinder beauty regime, then get ready to take the next step and make your trips to the salon as ethical as possible.
Fortunately for us all, going cruelty-free doesn't mean having to give up a pamper session. All over the UK, super chic salons are now offering great beauty treatments which are kind not only to animals but also to the planet. So whether you're in need of a colour and cut, an indulgent manicure or even a makeup overhaul, there's somewhere out there to do you good, inside and out.
Click through to see our guide to the cutest ethical beauty salons in the UK.
Kokoa
Altrincham
Just 30 minutes from central Manchester, this eco-beauty bar is a haven for ethical beauty lovers. Here you can indulge in a full body exfoliating scrub or just nip in for a quick eyebrow shape without having to worry, as all the products used at Kokoa are vegan and cruelty-free. They even import their nail polishes from the US to ensure that their gel manicures are not only vegan but also free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. Great for the planet; even better for your nails.
Kokoa
13 The Downs, Altrincham WA14 2QD
0161 637 5860
Tabitha James Kraan
Cotswolds
Dreaming of a new 'do that's also good for the planet? This light-filled salon offers everything from balayage to blow-dry and is also fully committed to environmental kindness. Not only are all in-house products cruelty free, they're also organic and certified by the Soil Association. The salon itself is run completely on renewable energy and 85% of all their waste is recycled (even the towels).
Tabitha James Kraan Organic Hairdressing
Brewery Yard, Sheep Street, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1AA
01451 831 999
Unpretty
Liverpool
More and more professional makeup artists are rejecting the beauty industry's mistreatment of animals, but Unpretty's cofounder Carrie Jones has taken it a step further. After working as a celebrity makeup artist in London, she decided Liverpool would be the perfect place to launch a makeup studio offering only ethical and cruelty-free brands. Here you can pop in before a big night for a fresh face, attend a masterclass to perfect that elusive eyebrow arch or just have a browse of their extensive range of vegan makeup brands. All that at a studio named after a TLC song – what's not to love?
Unpretty
27 High Street, Liverpool L15 8HE
0151 733 3559
Glasshouse Salon
London
Always ahead of the pack when it comes to haircare, Glasshouse Salon founder Olivia Crighton set up her salon in 2013 to be more than just cruelty-free. None of their products are tested on animals, and all their dyes are organic and sourced in the UK to be the cleanest and greenest possible. If you're feeling inspired by this commitment to kindness, then you're in luck. Glasshouse Salon has recently launched a makeup bag overhaul service, where in-house experts will give you personalised advice on how to rejuvenate your everyday routine with cult, eco-friendly beauty brands. If you're outside of London and can't make it to Glasshouse Salon, don't worry; you can find our favourite ethical cosmetic brands here.
Glasshouse Salon
Netil House, 1 Westgate St, London E8 3RL
020 3095 9783
Amaryllis
Cardiff
Nestled just outside the city centre, this charming Cardiff salon is cult haircare brand Davines' Welsh flagship. Amaryllis' partnership with Davines means you can be sure that every product used on your hair is not only cruelty-free but also produced in the most eco-sustainable and biodegradable way possible and sold with a fair trade ethos. They've taken this ethos even further with a commitment to make your visit as eco-friendly as possible – you can even enjoy a vegan beer with your next trim!
Amaryllis
51 Cowbridge Rd East, Cardiff CF11 9AE
029 2037 3729
Ralph & Rice
London
It's no secret that we at Refinery29 adore Ralph & Rice. What's not to love about this super cute eco-conscious hair salon stocked entirely with cult Earth-friendly brands like Davines and stuffed with gorgeous vintage furniture? If that wasn't enough, Ralph & Rice offers all you can imagine in high end haircare, from dip dyes to braids, with as little harm to the planet as possible. The salon has big dreams, and is aiming to become a completely sustainable workspace complete with greenhouse and juice bar. But for now, we love it just the way it is.
Ralph & Rice
12 Cheshire St, London E2 6EH
020 7729 8558
Luna
Cardiff
From manicures and facials to tanning and hot waxing, Luna is committed to making every part of your beauty regime as kind to the planet as possible. An entirely organic beauty boutique, all the products they use and sell are also cruelty-free and the majority are vegan – their in-house skincare brand has even been approved by the Vegan Society! If you're concerned about the damage harsh products can do to your body or to the planet, at this stylish salon you can just relax and let those worries go.
Luna
74 Merthyr Rd, Whitchurch Village, Cardiff CF14 1DJ
029 2021 2605
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