Healthy, shiny, and soft. Isn’t that how we’d all like to describe our hair? If your goal is to achieve silkier, more manageable tresses, using the best hair conditioner for your specific hair type is essential.

Conditioners help to restore moisture and add lubrication that can prevent hair from getting tangled or broken. They also work to smooth the hair cuticle, enhance shine, and prevent damage from brushes and heat styling tools. 

If you’re in need of a new conditioner, we’ve got you covered. We selected the best options on the market for every hair type. 

Best hair conditioner overview:

• Best overall: Pureology Hydrate Conditioner
• Best splurge: Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner
• Best budget: TRESemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner for Dry Hair 
• Best for damaged hair: Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
• Best for oily hair: Briogeo Superfoods Mango + Cherry Oil Control & Balancing Conditioner
• Best for fine hair: Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Foam Conditioner
• Best for dry hair: Nexxus Humectress Moisture Conditioner
• Best for curly hair: DevaCurl CurlBond Re-coiling Cream Conditioner
• Best for frizzy hair: Verb Ghost Conditioner
• Best for sensitive scalps: Kristin Ess Hair Fragrance Free Shine Enhancing Conditioner

Our picks for the best hair conditioners

Pureology’s ultra-hydrating conditioner is our top pick, especially for those with dry or damaged hair. It includes just about everything we want in a hair-restoring formula, like hydrolyzed proteins and seal-forming amodimethicone, as well as natural ingredients like sage, jojoba, and green tea for a healthy scalp and strong hair follicles. Despite its hair-restoring properties, this conditioner is surprisingly lightweight and easy to spread throughout the hair. 

It also has a minty fragrance that can help to stimulate the scalp, although it may be too intense for highly sensitive scalps. Give this conditioner a try if you want to transform your hair from dull, easily tangled, and brittle to shiny, moisturized, and smooth. Note that if your hair is already healthy, this formula may be a bit too moisturizing.

Hair type: All

Using conditioner is probably the most luxurious part of the basic haircare routine. The way the creamy product leaves your hair feeling silky, soft, and refreshed is already indulgent, so why not take it to the next level with a luxury product?

This Oribe conditioner is undeniably pricey, but we love the elegant black packaging with gold touches and a rich, inviting scent. As for its impact on the hair, the conditioner has immediate nourishing effects, thanks to antioxidant extracts and compounds that protect hair from external damage.

It also has a high amount of dimethicone and amodimethicone to leave the hair super silky, but it may be too heavy for fine or oily hair.

Hair type: Dry, damaged

TRESemmé is one of the most well-known drugstore haircare brands, and it’s hard to go wrong with its products. This hair conditioner is our favorite from the brand, thanks to its affordability and impressive hair benefits. 

It has a nourishing formula ideal for normal and dry hair types. Thanks to dimethicone and a touch of amodimethicone, it leaves the hair feeling soft and protected. Despite the rich ingredients, the formula isn’t too thick, so it’s easy to work through your hair, even when it’s long.

However, the silicones may leave some buildup — you may find that silicone residue can flatten your hair, especially if you have fine strands.

Hair type: Dry, normal, thick

Suppose you’ve inundated your hair with bleach or heat tools, and it’s showing signs of damage. In that case, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better conditioner than Olaplex No. 5.

As with all Olaplex products, this conditioner includes some of the brand’s patented bond-builders. They help restore some of the hair’s strength and shine by reinforcing its internal protein bonds.

This conditioner is a fortifying treatment that can make up for all kinds of hair trauma. However, if your hair isn’t actually damaged, it can sometimes lead to tangles or a straw-like hair texture. It can also feel heavy if your hair is oily or thick.

Hair type: Damaged, bleached

This mild, silicone-free conditioner from Briogeo is an excellent choice for those with oily hair. It’s moisturizing but light, without heavy conditioning agents that can make the scalp feel greasy. It’ll also work well on fine or flat hair that gets weighed down easily. However, if you’re used to silicone-based shampoos, you may not find this formula smoothing enough.

As you can guess from the name, this product has a delicious fruity scent — it’s loaded with fruit extracts and plant oils, which introduce protective antioxidants. Anti-static agents like behentrimonium chloride offer additional benefits to keep the hair smooth and manageable. That said, the bottle can be difficult to squeeze, so getting the conditioner out may be a struggle.

Hair type: Oily or flat

This unique conditioner from Alterna is a solid option for those with thin or fine hair who find that most conditioners flatten their hair. Unlike most conditioners, this formula foams up and rinses away. It’s reparative without being heavy at all, which is why it’s ideal for anyone craving more volume.

This conditioner is rich in glycerin to hydrate the hair and pull in moisture. For those combatting hair loss, the included botanical extracts (red clover and amla) may have some beneficial effects on the scalp.

But since it’s not a leave-in product (and the science backing such ingredients for anti-aging or regrowth isn’t very strong), don’t expect dramatic results in that realm, though you’ll likely see improvement in your hair’s texture.

Hair type: Thin, oily, damaged

This affordable conditioner from Nexxus is exceptionally hydrating, making it our top selection for dry hair. It softens and detangles with a rich, creamy formula. The conditioner has a high amount of protective and smoothing ingredients like dimethicone and a few different types of proteins. 

However, for many, this conditioner is actually too much. A tiny amount goes a long way, but spreading it through the hair can be a struggle. Give it a try if you’re dealing with severe dryness, but for those with normal hair, you’ll probably want to choose a conditioner that’s not as rich.

Hair type: Dry, damaged

DevaCurl is our go-to when it comes to curly hair. So, if your curls need added moisture and support, this one’s for you. The formula is made with a bonding complex intended to fortify protein bonds and strengthen damaged hair. It’s a little like Olaplex but for curlies.

Despite the powerful ingredients, this formula doesn’t contain silicones or high amounts of polyquaternium agents, so it’s not likely to leave a residue. That means you don’t need to worry about it weighing down your hair.

Since those with curly hair are often more damage-prone, this might just be your hair conditioning savior. However, if your hair is generally healthy or has low porosity, the CurlBond complex may lead to some tangling.

Hair type: Curly, damaged, dry

Do you have frizzy, thick hair that doesn’t do well in humidity? If so, this glycerin-free conditioner can help you out. Glycerin is a humectant that holds water, which can be helpful if your hair gets flat or dry.

It’s also silicone free and rinses out easily, which makes it a solid option for those with curly or thick hair that want a lightweight conditioner. Instead of silicone, this formula contains conditioning agents, which smooth and detangle hair.

It also has a botanical oil blend with sunflower seed extract and green tea extract that further moisturizes and protects dry hair. That said, if you’ve used silicone-based conditioners all your life, you may find it lackluster, and if you have damaged hair, it may not be enough.

Hair type: Dry, frizzy, curly, thick

We usually love a great-smelling conditioner, but if your scalp is sensitive, you may want to skip the fragrance. This conditioner from Kristin Ess is an option that likely won’t irritate your scalp.

The fragrance-free formula is made without silicones, so it won’t leave any buildup in your hair. This makes it suitable for fine or flat hair and saves you from resorting to harsh or clarifying shampoos that can worsen dryness or irritation.

It’s designed with conditioning, cuticle-smoothing fatty alcohols, and plant oils to provide softness and a nice sheen. While it’s not the richest or most restorative formula, it’s perfect for daily use.

Hair type: Fine, sensitive

You’ll be in great condition 

Using hair conditioners is a must, and with this list, we hope you can find the one that’ll make your hair soft, manageable, and healthy. The best overall conditioner on our list is the Pureology Hydrate Conditioner. It’s best for dry and normal hair, and it has a nourishing formula that’s easy to spread, even through thick, dense tresses. 

How to pick the right hair conditioner for you

Do you need the creamiest, most reparative formula or a lighter option that’ll give you some oomph? Here are our tips for finding the best conditioner for you based on your hair’s unique needs. 

Hair type

• Dry. Having dry hair means your scalp is dry and doesn’t produce much oil (as opposed to having damaged hair that can feel dry). Dry hair can seem dull or easily become frizzy and tangled. Look for conditioners with creamy ingredients that’ll help to protect and nourish your hair, like dimethicone and plant oils. From our list, the best hair conditioner for dry hair is Nexxus Humectress. 
• Oily. The wrong conditioner can make your hair look greasier if you have an oily scalp. You might be tempted to skip conditioner altogether, but if you have to shampoo your hair often, it’s vital to nourish the ends of your hair. Look for conditioners with a light texture described as “balancing” or “for oily hair,” like our pick from Briogeo. 
• Normal. If your scalp doesn’t produce overproduce oil and your strands tend to be healthy, it’s all about choosing a balanced hair conditioner that’ll keep your hair soft and manageable after you’ve shampooed. Our pick from TRESemmé is a great choice because it offers medium-level moisturizing and conditioning effects and is budget-friendly. 
• Curly. Conditioners are essential when you have curly hair. Because of the curved shape of the hair strand, curly hair is often prone to frizz, tangles, and dryness. Additionally, some curly-haired folks avoid conditioners with silicones out of concern for buildup. Our pick from DevaCurl is best for damaged curly hair, while Verb Ghost Conditioner is great if your hair is in good health. 
• Fine. Fine hair tends to lay flat against the scalp. Unless you’re aiming for an ultra-sleek style, volume is the name of the game. Avoid heavy conditioners that don’t rinse out quickly since they can weigh your hair down and make it seem flatter than it would be otherwise. Instead, look for light or balancing conditioners like our pick from Alterna. You might also want to watch out for silicones high on the ingredient list. A bit of dimethicone towards the middle of the ingredient list is fine, but not in the first four ingredients.
• Thick. Having thick hair doesn’t preclude you from other issues, like damage, dryness, or frizziness. It just makes it harder to find a conditioner that’ll spread through your hair easily. Look for formulas with lighter textures that are easier to apply, like our top pick from Pureology or our silicone-free pick from Verb. 

Hair and scalp conditions

• Damaged. Most of us end up damaging our hair, either by being too aggressive with the blow dryer or insisting that we can achieve a level-9 blonde in one bleaching session. When hair gets damaged, its basic outer structure becomes jagged and less cohesive, so it breaks more easily, develops split ends, and becomes harder to manage. Look for strengthening ingredients designed to smooth down the cuticle, improve the bonds in your hair, and prevent further damage. Many brands rely on hydrolyzed proteins to help, but you can also look at penetrating oils like coconut oil or coating silicones like amodimethicone. Finally, patented bond-builders like Olaplex often make a huge difference. 
• Dyed hair. Unlike shampoo, which can strip your hair of its color, hair conditioners do no such thing. All of the options on our list are great for dyed hair, so choose the one that’ll suit your hair type. Once in a while, you can also use a color-depositing conditioner to help refresh your color. 
• Thinning or hair loss. If your hair is starting to thin, start by identifying the main reason why. Chances are you’re dealing with a hormonal issue that’s best solved with proper medical care. If the reason for your hair loss or thinning is hair breakage, any conditioner will help by sealing and lubricating the hair shaft. Some conditioners contain scalp-stimulating or hormone-controlling ingredients that claim to help counter hair loss, but we wouldn’t expect dramatic results from a wash-off formula.

FAQ

What conditioner is best for all hair problems?

It’s hard to find a hair conditioner that’s one-size-fits-all. If you’re trying to buy one conditioner for the entire family, opt for a middle-of-the-road option that’s neither too rich nor too light. Our best-budget selection for TRESemmé’s Moisture Rich Conditioner is an ideal place to start. 

Is conditioner good for all hair types?

Definitely! Most people should add conditioner to their routine, no matter their hair type. It’s particularly important if you have long hair and regularly use a foaming shampoo. The only exception is for those with short hair who use a mild shampoo — the oils naturally produced by your scalp might be enough to keep your hair in good shape.

What conditioner ingredients should I avoid?

If you have an allergy to a specific ingredient, scan the ingredients list to ensure you avoid it. If your shampoo is mild and lightly cleansing, avoid conditioners with silicones or anti-frizz agents that may leave buildup. You can also check out the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (backed by the FDA) for a deeper understanding of ingredient safety.