Sustainable Spotlight: Pureology Offers Color Care Without Compromise

Pureology is a line of high-quality professional products for color-treated hair.

Launched in 2001, Pureology offers high-quality professional products for color-treated hair without sacrificing the quality of ingredients. “Color care without compromise” is the Pureology promise to professional stylists and at-home users who wish to align their beauty product choices with sustainable practice and aesthetic performance.

From the very beginning, Pureology products have been sulfate-free and 100% vegan. Now after over 20 years, that eco-commitment has grown to encompass more sustainable choices: this includes a reduction in carbon their footprint during sourcing of ingredients and raw materials, increased water conservation through concentrated formulas, and 95% post-consumer recycled plastic packaging that is 100% recyclable.

Pureology formulas are also paraben- and mineral oil-free. We caught up with Jamie Wiley, Pureology Artistic Director, to learn more about Pureology’s sustainability initiatives and top hair tips.

Jamie Wiley, Pureology Artistic Director.

Do you have a favorite product from the collection and are there any signature/most popular products we should know about?

 Our hero products are Hydrate Shampoo + Conditioner ($59) as well as Color-Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray. Pureology’s Pure Volume Shampoo ($30) is great for any type of hair in the wintertime, as it acts as a light clarifier. The wheat protein removes build-up, which causes dullness in hair, and its key ingredient eucalyptus leaf extract will actually promote healthy hair growth! Be sure to follow with Pureology’s Pure Volume Conditioner ($32) or a deep conditioner of your choice to restore moisture back into the hair and to hydrate. 

Hairstyle by Jamie Wiley, Pureology Artistic Director.

What are your favorite hair trends right now and do you have any tips for achieving them?

Hot rollers! Hot rollers are a great styling tool because you can create quick volume and curls on any hair type and length. They will create different results depending on length, texture, and density. Short hair will get more volume and lift rather than a defined curl. Naturally curly hair can be easily reshaped and set with hot rollers.

Hot rollers are also great if you don’t have time for a blowout—you can use 6 to 8 jumbo hot rollers and section hair into large sections to help style and dry the hair. I also like to spray hair with Pureology’s Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray ($26) once the hot rollers are removed to help lightly tousle the hair as it cools.

Jamie Wiley, Pureology Artistic Director.

Another trend that we are seeing a lot of is curtain bangs. What should you tell your stylist if you want to achieve this look?

When heading to the salon to get your bangs cut, be sure to tell your stylist the exact type of fringe you are looking to get—use descriptive words and bring pictures! Also, ask your stylist for pointers on how to style bangs at home and take note! I always tell my guests to take videos of how I am styling their new look so they can refer to it once home.

How should you manage and keep your bangs looking nicely styled?

Keeping bangs looking nice and styled is all about the product and tools you use! Bangs don’t wake up flawless, they need help getting to that point. First, make sure to use the correct product for your hair type so you don’t get weighed down or not enough coverage. A versatile product I like to style bangs with is Pureology’s Style + Protect Weightless Volume Mousse ($28). This mousse is formulated for all hair types and not only lifts the hair, but helps absorb dirt and oil on non-wash days. On damp hair, apply the Weightless Volume Mousse to the base of your head and lightly massage. Using a flat brush and blow dryer, redirect the bangs back and forth until hair is dry and volume desired is achieved.

Hairstyle by Jamie Wiley, Pureology Artistic Director.

“Money pieces” are another trend that seems to be everywhere. Would you recommend this color process for all hair types?

The money piece brightens the entire look of your face. It’s achieved through a coloring technique at the front hair line rather than all over. It can be subtle or sublime in a head-turning way, but be sure to consult with your colorist about this first. This technique is suitable for all hair types from fine to medium all the way to coarse, but I’d say it’s more about being aware of the size of the money piece and the shape of the head rather than the hair type. It’s also important to make sure that the contrast between the colors of the hair aren’t too dramatic for a seamless blend.

Is there anything we should know about the ingredients or formulas in Pureology products?

Pureology is zero sulfate, paraben-free, and 100% vegan. Also, the formulas are super concentrated, so a little goes a long way. You’re actually able to get 74 washes out of one bottle!

What steps does Pureology take towards being sustainable?

Aside from the super concentrated formula that I mentioned, Pureology creates all shampoo and conditioner bottles with 95% post-consumer recycled materials, all secondary packaging is made of 100% recycled fibers, and all product bottles sent to salons must be returned for refills.Our efforts are ongoing.

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy