After 18 hours of research evaluating 103 products, we picked Pureology Hydrate Conditioner as our top choice.
Let’s face it: most of us don’t put much time into choosing a hair conditioner. The truth is, you really should. Most conditioners contain cheap, synthetic ingredients that can severely damage your hair.
So, what should you look for in a conditioner?
You want something with Hydrolyzed Proteins—such as Keratin, Soy, or Wheat—which will moisturize, smooth, and add shine to your hair. Essential Oils are important, too.
You want to avoid chemicals such as Behentrimonium Chloride, Isopropyl Alcohol, and Silicones which can cause irritation and strip your hair of natural chemicals.
Want to hear the best part?
We understand that you’re busy and don’t have an endless amount of time (or money) to spend trying out the best hair conditioners. That’s why we’ve done the work for you.
We’ve spent hours researching, reading reviews, and testing products to create a list of the best hair conditioners. Whether you’re looking for salon quality or something you can buy at your local drug store, we guarantee our list has got you covered.
#1 Best Hair Conditioner Overall
Pureology Hydrate Conditioner
- Micro-Emulsion Technology strengthens hair from within
- Moisturizes, detangles, and locks in color
- Works on both straight and wavy hair
Pros
Praised by both consumers and stylists alike, this conditioner is truly a powerhouse of natural ingredients. Its versatile formula works well on both straight and curly hair and it’s both salt and sulfate-free.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.9/10
Regardless of hair type, this conditioner has a little something for everyone. It hydrates and moisturizes dry, parched hair; conditions and revitalizes color-treated hair; provides UVA/UVB protection from harmful sun radiation; and gives lift and volume to dead, lifeless hair.
Scent
9.9/10
Not only does the hearty blend of aroma oils, jojoba esters, shea butter, peppermint, sage, and rosemary smell amazing, but it moisturizes and nourishes damaged hair.
Value
9.9/10
A 33-ounce bottle is going to cost about $1.53 per ounce. Although it’s not the least expensive product on our list, reviewers report that it is worth every penny. And though this product is also available in an 8.5-ounce bottle, we recommend the larger size as it’s a much better value.
Overall Editor Score
9.9/10
#2 Best Leave In Conditioner
It’s a 10 Miracle Leave in Product
- Great for blow drying and flat ironing
- Adds volume and shine to thin, flat hair
- Controls curls and frizz all day long
Pros
Users can’t stop raving about this amazing leave in conditioner. As the name suggests, this truly is a miracle product. Among other things, this product adds shine, controls frizz, and protects hair from heat. Plus, it smells great! Are you sold yet?
Product Ratings
Performance
9.6/10
So you may be wondering where the name of this product comes from. Well what makes this such a miracle product is that it does 10 things in one: 1) repairs dry damaged hair; 2) adds shine; 3) smooths and controls frizz; 4) seals and protects color; 5) detangles; 6) prevents split ends; 7) stops breakage; 8) leaves hair silky and smooth; 9) enhances natural body; and 10) provides heat protection. It’s a 10 is a quality product that can manage any hair type.
Scent
9.4/10
The sunflower, green tea extracts, and vitamin C combine to create a light, fresh scent that reviewers just can’t get enough of.
Value
9.5/10
At around $21.17 for a 10-ounce bottle, or over $2 per ounce, this stuff isn’t cheap. But for one product that can do the same thing as the 10 products you’re currently buying, it really is a steal.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
#3 Best Conditioner for Men
Krieger + Sohne Men’s Hair Conditioner
- Smells amazing
- Hydrates and smooths, while eliminating frizz and dryness
- Backed by a lifetime guarantee
Pros
Krieger + Sohne produces “warrior grade” products, perfect for any man. They work great and smell amazing. Oh, and they’re not tested on animals. And that feels good too, right?
Product Ratings
Performance
9.2/10
When selecting the best men’s conditioner, it came down to Krieger + Sohne and Jack Black. Although we (as well as every men’s magazine on the planet) really loved both, we went with Krieger + Shohne based on the stellar description and rave reviews. Plus, as an Amazon Bestseller described as the “oil of the gods,” how could we possibly not choose this as the best conditioner for men? This conditioner truly has it all. It’s lightweight, hydrating, soothing, and healing. Plus, it eliminates frizz and dryness, soothes the scalp, and reduces dandruff. Some even say this conditioner is so good it can eliminate stress and elevate your mood. Need we say more?
Scent
9.2/10
The formula of this conditioner is created using a variety of vitamins and amino acids and smells of rich peppermint oil. Men love the smell and say women are highly attracted to it as well. Effective and delicious. What more could you ask for?
Value
9.2/10
Another reason we went with K + S over Jack Black is that it was a slightly better value per ounce. A 16-ounce bottle costs just over $17. So at just over $1 per ounce, we think this stuff is a great buy.
Overall Editor Score
9.2/10
#4 Best Drugstore Conditioner
L’Oreal Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm
- Great for chemically treated or over processed hair
- Repairs up to one year of damage in a single use
- Noticeable difference in as littles as 5 minutes
Pros
L’Oreal Total Repair 5 is a rinse out reconstructing balm that reverses damage to hair’s smoothness. It’s by far the most powerful drug store hair repair system on the market.
Product Ratings
Performance
9/10
Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm by L’Oréal is specially formulated for damaged, over-processed, and chemically treated hair. This intense luxurious reconstructing balm instantly repairs the 5 signs of damage, including split ends, breakage, dehydration, roughness, and dull color. It will mend split ends and reduce signs of damage with just one use and leaves hair feeling amazingly soft for days.
Scent
9.0/10
This stuff has a very light and pleasant, soapy scent that users just can’t seem to get enough of.
Value
9.0/10
An 8.5-ounce bottle will cost around $10 on Amazon, which puts it right at $1.14 per ounce. But to be honest, you can probably find this for under $6 at your local Target or CVS without having to pay for shipping, so we recommend you maybe give that a try first.
Overall Editor Score
9.0/10
#5 Best Conditioner for Volume
Moroccanoil Extra Volume Conditioner
- Free of sulfates, phosphates, and parabens
- Great for color treated hair
- Beautifies hair with shine, manageability, and movement
Pros
Moroccanoil Extra Volume Conditioner is truly magic. For those of you who have grown up with unrealistic hair expectations thanks to Disney, an Editor from Elle claims that this conditioner turns her dull, frizzy-yet-flat hair into a “Cinderelle-ed” masterpiece. You heard it, folks. Always wanted to have hair like a Disney princess? You’ve gotta give this stuff a try.
Product Ratings
Performance
8.5/10
Not only will this conditioner give you body and shine, but it will cleanse and detangle to bring you healthy, happy hair. The formula is also free of sulfates, phosphates, and parabens, so it’s safer for the environment and won’t dry, fade or strip hair of color.
Scent
8.5/10
Moroccanoil Extra Volume Conditioner contains antioxidants, argan oil, and nutrients which not only cleanse and detangle hair but also smell amazing.
Value
8.5/10
Nothing from the Moroccanoil brand is cheap, but users report a noticeable difference when they switch from Moroccanoil to something else. So if you really want to give your hair a voluptuous body we suggest you suck it up and dish out the $25 for an 8.5-ounce bottle.
Overall Editor Score
8.5/10
#6 Best Deep Conditioner
Maitrix Biolage Hydrasource
- Repairs split ends
- Great for color treated hair
- Rejuvenates dry, damaged hair
Pros
Matrix Biolage Hydrasource is an intensive-conditioning system that deeply moisturizes to nourish and repair dead hair. Not only that, but it smells good too! What more could you ask for in a conditioner?
Product Ratings
Performance
8.4/10
Not only will this conditioner prevent future damage, but it will restore hair to its natural, silky state. But this stuff doesn’t stop there, it eliminates frizz, detangles, and leaves hair looking and feeling stronger and shinier than ever. And users report a noticeable difference after just one use.
Scent
8.4/10
Rosemary, goldenseal, and aloe plant give this a subtle, natural scent that users just can’t get enough of. Plus, it’s not too overpowering so it won’t clash with perfume or cologne, so feel free to use this stuff daily!
Value
8.4/10
At around $15.43 for 9.5 fluid ounces, this conditioner comes out to $1.61 per ounce. Although it’s not the cheapest product on our list, we think that’s incredibly reasonable for a deep conditioner that truly works.
Overall Editor Score
8.4/10
#7 Best Conditioner for Curly Hair
DevaCurl Ultra Creamy Daily Conditioner
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Works on any curl type
- Eliminates frizz and leaves hair feeling soft and smooth
Pros
The formula is gentle enough for daily use and leaves curls looking healthy and strong. Reviewers consider this the “Holy Grail” of conditioner for curly hair, so why not give it a try?
Product Ratings
Performance
8.2/10
This ultra-creamy instant conditioner keeps curls shiny and manageable. But what we love most about this product is that you can use it daily and it won’t dry out your curls like normal conditions. As an added bonus, it’s not tested on animals, and that feels good too, right?
Scent
8.2/10
Reviewers love the fresh and invigorating scent of lemongrass.
Value
8.2/10
At just 97 cents per fluid ounce, this stuff is seriously a steal!
Overall Editor Score
8.2/10
#8 Best Conditioner for Dry Hair
Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Conditioner
- Leaves hair feeling smooth and touchably
- Treats all hair types
- Repairs chemically damaged hair
Pros
This daily conditioning formula infuses hair with moisture, leaving your locks looking healthy, silky, and shiny. Want to know the secret to this repairing conditioner? Quinoa proteins. Crazy, right? Bet you didn’t see that one coming! In any event, this stuff promises to hydrate, condition, and detangle. And reviewers report that it truly delivers. Say hello to strong, healthy hair in no time!
Product Ratings
Performance
7.9/10
This conditioner naturally detangles, preventing further damage and breakage. But it goes beyond preventing future damage and restructures dry, dead hair. The Aveda brand is also known for its rigorous environmental sustainability standards, so you can feel good about what’s going into your conditioner.
Scent
7.9/10
Created using pure plant and flower essence, this conditioner smells like you just walked through a field of flowers. Ummm, yes please.
Value
7.9/10
At around $4 per fluid ounce, this stuff is pricey. But if you’re in desperate need of a quick fix for dry, damaged hair, this conditioner is totally worth it. Plus, a little goes a long way with this stuff, so the price isn’t quite as bad as it sounds.
Overall Editor Score
7.9/10
#9 Best Conditioner for Straight Hair
Bumble and Bumble Straight Conditioner
- Free of sulfates and parabens
- Safe for color treated hair
- Developed to maintain hair’s natural integrity
Pros
Looking for something that will help you manage unruly hair, calm curls, and quiet frizz? Well we’ve got just the product for you! Bb Straight Conditioner will leave your hair smoother and silkier – straight out of the shower!
Product Ratings
Performance
7.6/10
Bb Straight Conditioner is designed for anyone with curly, thick, coarse, frizzy, unmanageable, unruly hair (or any combination thereof), looking to give their hair a smoother, silkier texture. This conditioner does all that while still encouraging body and movement. Finally, a product that minimizes frizz without compromising the curl. As an added bonus it also adds shine, and the straightening effect lasts all day. Swoon.
Scent
7.6/10
This conditioner has a soapy, coastal smell that you’re guaranteed to love.
Value
7.6/10
At around $34 for an 8.5-ounce bottle, this condition will cost you right around $4 per ounce. Although not the most expensive on our list, it’s pretty pricey.
Overall Editor Score
7.6/10
