The 19 Best Conditioners for Soft, Shiny, Tangle-Free Hair

Billy Madison may have famously debated whether shampoo or conditioner is better—remember the bathtub scene with the battling bottles? But wed argue that theyre equally crucial. Sure, shampoo does the cleansing, but conditioner is paramount forreintroducing lost moisture. And more moisture equals strands that look smoother, shinier, and healthier, not to mention much easier to comb through. So think of conditioner as shampoos unfailing sidekick, a must-use any time you wash your hair.

Celebrity hairstylist Kristen Shaw recommends getting products formulated for your hair type. "For example, if you have curly, dry hair, it would be great to use a curly shampoo that will specificallyadd moisture and then use a smoothing conditioner to help lock down any frizz," she explains. And no matter your hair type, she stresses the importance of anourishing formula—preferably silicone-free, though this is a matter of personal preference.

With these expert pointers in mind, we researched and tested the best conditioners available today. After evaluating each formulas ingredients, benefits, effectiveness, and value, we narrowed it down to these 19 options worth buying.

Best Overall

Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

Ulta

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The Byrdie team is all forOlaplex products. The entire line is pretty amazing, but if youre just looking for conditioner, No. 5 is a stellar choice. Originally used by professional colorists tominimize damagecaused by bleach and dye, thisbeloved haircare systemhas quickly become a household name. Like all haircare items from the brand, this one is formulated with apatented molecule that repairs broken bondswithin each hair shaft.1 In addition to addressing brittle, over-processed strands, No. 5 Conditioner leaves hair moisturized, smooth, and oh-so-soft.

Who Its For

Though the bond-mending formulais particularly helpful forbleached, color-treated, or chemically processed hair, all hair typescan benefit from using this conditioner. It is thick though, so it can be a bit of a challenge to get out of the bottle, especially when theres not much left.

• Hair Type: All
• Size: 3.3–8.5 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

The Olaplex Bond Maintenance System Kit Transformed My Hair

Best Budget

Dove Nutritive Solutions Intensive Repair Conditioner

Target

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If youre anything like us and like to reallyload up on cream rinse, opting for a wallet-friendlyoption like this one is always a good move. It works as well as its pricier counterparts,nourishing strandsfrom the inside out. We like that it delivers bothimmediate smoothing benefits while also improving the condition of your hair over time. The smell isnt everyones favorite though.

Who Its For

This affordable formulais perfect for those who tend touse a sizable amount of product each timethey condition their hair. Its also nourishing, which is ideal fordry and damaged hair.

• Hair Type: Dry, damaged
• Size: 12 ounces
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

Best Drugstore

Hair Food Avocado & Argan Oil Smoothing Conditioner

Amazon

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As a general rule, we heart pretty much all conditioners(and shampoos, for that matter) found at the drugstore—but this one really stands out. The namesake ingredients work totamp down flyaways, hydrate parched strands, and prevent breakage. Although it does contain silicone, the simple formula is free of sulfates and parabens.

Who Its For

Those with damaged, dry, or tangle-prone curly hair will appreciate how this slick conditionermoisturizes and smooths withavocado and argan oil.

• Hair Type: Curly, damaged, dry
• Size: 17.9 ounces
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

Best for Dry Hair

OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Conditioner

Amazon

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As the name suggests, the star of the show here is Moroccan argan oil, one of the best oils for hair there is. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-6 fatty acids, the naturally nourishing ingredient is ideal for protecting and replenishingdry, color-treated, or brittle hair.2 We like that it leaves hair not only moisturized but also super shiny and silky-softto the touch.

Who Its For

Though its suitable for all hair types, this thick, nourishing formula provides the deep conditioningextra-parched and damaged hair craves.

• Hair Type: All
• Size: 13–25.4 ounces
• Cruelty-Free:No

We Tested 29 Hair Oils, These 10 Were the Absolute Best

Runner-Up, Best for Dry Hair

Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisture Conditioner

Amazon

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This conditioner works by targeting and strengthening your hairs natural protective barriers. Translation? Moisture gets locked in for up to 24 hours. Fortified with caviarand a specialprotein complex, it leaves strands ultra-smooth, too. We tried this product firsthand and were impressed with howsoft and healthyit made our hair look after just one use. It does have a somewhat greasy feel when you put it on, so make sure you wash it out well.

Who Its For

Offering long-lasting moisture while strengthening brittle hair, Nexxus Humectress is great for those battling dryness or damage. Since it doesnt weigh down your hair, its also ideal for fine hair.

• Hair Type:Dry, brittle, damaged
• Size: 13.5–33.8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No

Nexxus Humectress Conditioner Smoothed My Strands After Just One Use

The 15 Best Deep Conditioners of 2023

Best for Fine Hair

Matrix Total Results High Amplify Shine Rinse

Amazon

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Conditioning can be tricky for those with fine hair. Too heavy or too rich of a formula can weigh things down, leaving already thin hair looking flat or limp. This product isnt technically a conditioner, but you can use it in place of one. Thewater-like formula penetrates the hair cuticle to add nourishment and leaves a mirror-like shine in its wake. According to the brand, it works its magic in just eight seconds, so you can rinse it out almost as soon as you put it on.

Who Its For

We recommend this lightweight, silicone-free treatment for those with thin hairwho tend to find traditional conditioners too heavy. Its just not the best for those who get tangles easily.

• Hair Type: Fine
• Size: 6.8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No

The 14 Best Shampoos for Fine Hair of 2023 For An Instant Boost

Best for Thick Hair

Ouai Thick Hair Conditioner

Sephora

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While thick hair complaints may be considered champagne problems in the hair world, finding products that can actuallypenetrate and condition dense, sturdy strandsisnt always easy. Jen Atkin answers thick hair prayers with avegan, sulfate-free formula packed with rich conditioning ingredientslike avocado oil, shea butter, and marshmallow root extract. Beyond the luxurious consistency, were all about the rejuvenating floral-citrus scent.

Who Its For

If you have thick or coarse hair that tangles easilythis conditioner will make iteasier to manage post-shower.

• Hair Type: Thick, coarse, dry
• Size: 10–32 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Oily Hair

Rahua Voluminous Conditioner

Amazon

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This formula is lighter than most, so it wont weigh down already oily or thin hair. According to the maker, lemongrass works double duty tocombat excess oils on the scalp while restoring bounce and shine. The bottle is also packed with calming herbal goodness, like lavender, eucalyptus oil, lemongrass, green tea, and rosemary, which treat your hair (and your senses) with aspa-like conditioning experience. It can sometimes be hard to get out of the bottle though.

Who Its For

If you have an oily scalp or hair that quickly becomes greasy after washing, this lightweight, silicone-free formula might be your answer.

• Hair Type: Fine, oil-prone 
• Size: 9.3 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

We Tested More Than 20 Dry Shampoos In Our Lab—These 6 Performed Best

Best for Coily Hair

Pattern Intensive Conditioner for Tight Textures

Amazon

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This conditioner is the richest in Tracee Ellis Rosssproduct lineup for natural hair. Its especially effective at penetrating coily strands and tight texturesbattling dryness or low porosity (hair that struggles to absorb treatments). Its chock-full ofhair-friendly ingredients,like safflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil, whichadd bounce and a glossy finish. Plus, it doubles as a repair mask—let it marinate with the steam of your shower for about 10 minutes before rinsing. Even thesweet floral scentof neroli rose, and patchouli feels like a treat to your senses.

Who Its For

If youre looking for a rich formulathat definesnaturally coily or textured hair, we highly recommend Pattern Intensive Conditioner. But fine-haired folks may find it too heavy.

• Hair Type: Curly, wavy, coily, textured
• Size: 3–29 ounces 
• Cruelty-Free:No 

The 16 Best Deep Conditioners for Natural Hair of 2023

Best for Wavy Hair

R+Co Atlantis Moisturising B5 Conditioner

Dermstore

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Like curly or coily hair, wavy hair can be prone to dryness, which fights the formation of curvaceous locks. R+Co Atlantis mitigates this by working more like adeep moisture treatmentthan a basic conditioner, thanks to theintensely hydrating blendof vitamins and extracts. Vitamin B5, prickly pear extract, and rice bran penetrate strands tostrengthen from the inside out3 while smoothing flyaways and nourishing the scalp (which we especially love in the dryer winter months).4It strikes the perfect richness that leaves hair lookingnoticeably silkier without feeling greasy or coated. 

Who Its For

We stand behind thishydrating conditioner for wavy or curly hair craving a glossy finish and protection from flyaways,as long as your hair isnt too fine in which case it might weigh it down too much.

• Hair Type: Wavy, curly, thick, coarse, dry 
• Size: 2–33.8 ounces 
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Color-Treated Hair

Pureology Hydrate Conditioner

Amazon

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Color-treated hair is also prone to dryness and damage, so adding extra moisture and protection is key. Were particularly fond of thiscolor-protecting conditioner from industry staple, Pureology. Formulated with dyed hair in mind, its free of sulfates, parabens, and mineral oil (which can all strip color). Instead, it contains apatented anti-fade complexcomprised of sunflower seed and vitamin E and promises toward off color-fading culprits (think UV rays and pollution). The formula is alsosuper concentrated—you get over 70 uses from one bottle—and we think the herbal-minty scent is delightful.

Who Its For

This fade-preventing conditioneris designed specifically to protect and nourishcolored-treated hair. However, its not for those who are sensitive to strong fragrance.

• Hair Type: Thick, dry, color-treated, damaged
• Size: 1.7–33.8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Damaged Hair

Davines OI Conditioner

Amazon

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Everything about this buttery cream rinsefeels pampering, including the impressivelysoft and shiny results. Its thick and rich when scooped out of the tub but melts into a blanket of softnessas you apply it to damp hair—but you wont have to worry about it weighing down your strands. This conditioner is formulated with the brands signature roucou oil, which is loaded withbeta-carotene and vitamin A to nourish and condition dry, itchy patches on the scalp while protecting and silkening your hair. We just wish it came in an easier-to-open container (slippery shower hands are real!)

Who Its For

If youre dealing with damaged, brittle hair or a dry, itchy scalp, Davines OI Conditioner has your name on it (unless you dislike botanical fragrance).

• Hair Type: All
• Size:2.6–8.8 ounces 
• Cruelty-Free: Yes 

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Best for Chemically Treated Hair

Amika The Kure Bond Repair Conditioner

Sephora

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Inside this cheerful mint-green bottle is a clinically backed bond-repair conditioner that provides a much-needed boost to dry, damaged, or over-processed hair. Its spiked with the brands proprietary blend ofplant-based proteins and natural butters to nourish and strengthenhair from root to tip. We love how it leaves you withsmooth, shiny, polished-looking locks. 

Who Its For

Just the thing forbleached, dyed, or chemically processed hair, this conditioner mends broken bonds to strengthen each strand and prevent further damage.

• Hair Type: All
• Size: 8.5–33.8 ounces 
• Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Best for All Hair Types

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Conditioner

Dermstore

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Team buuk.top loves this conditioner because its like a healthy smoothie for your hair. Thelightweight creamworks on all textures and thicknesses, and, thanks to a lineup ofhair-loving ingredients(banana, coconut, and acai, to be exact), it deposits much-neededvitamins, minerals, and antioxidantsonto your hair. Taking a cue from those active ingredients, thejuice bottle-inspired containerand sunny yellow hue will surely make you smile. We also love that itsvegan and sulfate, silicone, paraben and phthalate-free.

Who Its For

Suitable for all hair types and textures, this silicone-free superfood conditioner is a surefire pick for pretty much anyone and everyone.

• Hair Type: All
• Size: 2–33.8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

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Best for Sensitive Scalps

Necessaire The Conditioner

Sephora

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Its easy to neglect your scalp—especially since it hides under your hair—but that can lead to dry, flaky skin and product buildup. Thankfully, one of the beautys buzziest brands has aconditioner you apply directly to the scalp instead of just mid-lengths to ends. This unique formula features a blend of hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (which helps absorb oil). It treats the scalpto a dose of TLC, gentlyremoving buildup or flakes while nourishing your hairfrom the roots down. Whats more, it detangles foreasier combing post-shower

.

Who Its For

If youre looking for something that gently treats your scalp while conditioning your hair and are open to a lighter-weight, milky texturerather than a classically creamy formula, Nécessaire is your guy.

• Hair Type: All
• Size: 8.4 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No 

Best Leave-In

Unite 7Seconds Condition Leave In Detangler

Amazon

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Those looking to step up their conditioning game might consider using a leave-in conditioner after washing out their in-shower cream rinse (they help reduce frizz, prevent breakage, and boost shine). This one from Unite works todetangle your hair, making it easier to comb through, and preps it for styling. We also like that it offers heat and UV protection to prevent sun fading and damagefrom hot hair tools. Its not a replacement or your in-shower conditioner, but rather like a conditioner wingman.

Who Its For

If youre looking for something to spritz on after showering to prevent knots and heat damage, this ones for you.

• Hair Type: All
• Size: 8 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

We Found the 20 Best Detanglers Thatll Deliver Your Hair From Knots

Best Mask

Verb Ghost Hair Mask

Sephora

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At least once a week, you should swap your standard conditioner for a hair mask. As a face mask does for your complexion, its a quick and easy way toimprove the state of your mane—think of it as an elevated version of a regular conditioner. We love Verbs Ghost Hair Mask, anextremely moisturizing yet surprisingly lightweight formula that imparts mega shine. We just wish more of it came in the container.

Who Its For

It works on allhair types and textures, from stick-straight and fine to coarse and curly.

• Hair Type:All
• Size: 6.3 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

For the best results, leave it on for at least five minutes before rinsing (our move is to apply it before shaving our legs).

Best Silicone-Free

Christophe Robin Hydrating Melting Mask with Aloe Vera

Courtesy of Amazon.

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Shaw suggests avoiding formulas with silicones if you can. "These make your hair super shiny, but they dont actually help the hair at all," she tells buuk.top. Were big fans of Christophe Robins Hydrating Melting Mask which is asilicone-freeconditioning treatment, but much much more. It calls onaloe vera and omega fatty acids to support hair growth and replenish lost moisture without weighing down your strands.And yep, youll still get that coveted shine without the unnecessary chemicals.

Who Its For

This product is for dry, damaged, or fine hairthat craves moisture. Though its called a "mask," it can be used as adaily cream rinse or a few times a week as a deep conditioning treatment.

• Hair Type: Dry, damaged, fine
• Size: 3–6.75 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Pump Bottle

Living Proof Full Conditioner

Courtesy of Ulta.

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A pump bottle can make conditioning your hair much more convenient—you never have to shake the container, tap the base, or remove a lid with slippery, wet hands. This conditioner comes in a24-ounce pump bottle for easy dispensing (plus you get a lot of bang for your buck).Whats more, you can get a32-ounce refill bag to replenish it when you run out, so easy to refill while also waste-reducing

. (Theres is a travel-size option and a smaller 8-ounce bottle if you need it, too.)

Who Its For

While its not the best at detangling thick or curly manes, the silicone-free formula adds noticeable volume and lightweight moisture to fine, flat hair.

• Hair Type: Fine, flat, straight
• Size: 2–32 ounces
• Cruelty-Free:Yes 

16 Products for Fine, Flat Hair that We—and Stylists—Love in 2023

Where We Stand

Overall, our favorite conditioner is Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner because it repairs broken bonds, strengthens your strands, and leaves your hair super soft and shiny—plus, a little goes a long way. But if youre looking for something more wallet-friendly, Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner is a solid choice that will flood your locks with moisture.

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spenthours researching the best conditionerson the market, evaluating them based oningredients, benefits, hair type compatibility, intended use, and value. We alsotested several options ourselves and consulted a celebrity hairstylist

for insight into formulas and what ingredients to avoid.

Attributes we evaluated each conditioner for curly hair on:

IngredientsBenefitsRecommended hair typeIntended use Value

What to Consider When Buying Conditioner

Hair Type and Texture:

Shaw recommends looking for a conditioner that works with your hair type and texture. For instance, naturally curly or dry hair will likely need a rich, hydrating formula such as OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Conditioner. But if your hair is fine or you have an oily scalp, you might want to go with something lighter that wont add greasiness or weigh down your strands, like Matrix High Amplify Shine Rinse.

Moisturizing and Nourishing Formula:

All conditioners aim to condition the hair. Still, Shaw stresses the importance of a deeply nourishing and moisturizing formula (even if its lightweight)—especially if your hair is on the color-treated, damaged, or dry side. "This also enables you to leave your conditioner on longer and turn it into a healing hair mask," she adds. Briogeo Superfoods Banana + Coconut Conditioner is a great option that nourishes all hair types.

Silicones:

Finally, while silicones can make your hair look shiny, Shaw recommends avoiding them when possible. "Silicones often break down your cuticle over time and cause more damage, essentially masking the problem until its too late," she explains. As with Pureology Hydrate Conditioner, silicones can give curly or textured hair the necessary "slip" it needs to be detangled. But if youre interested in a silicone-free formula, Rahua Voluminous Conditioner is an excellent choice.

FAQ

How often should you use conditioner?

Generally speaking, you should condition your hair every time you shampoo. Shampooing removes dirt and oil and opens the hair shaft. Conditioning seals those shafts and locks in nourishment, which can help strengthen your hair and prevent it from drying out.

How do you apply conditioner?

Always apply conditioner to wet hair. Evenly distribute it throughout your strands, starting from mid-length and working your way down to the ends. For hair that gets oily easily, only apply conditioner to the ends. If you have curly hair, apply it closer to your roots and distribute it down your hair to lock in moisture and prevent tangling.

Thoroughly rinse the conditioner out of your hair before drying and styling. (You can let the product sit in your hair for a few minutes, like a hair mask, before rinsing to let the ingredients work their magic.)

Does conditioner expire?

Yes, conditioner will expire. Depending on the ingredients, an unopened conditioner can last up to three years. Oftentimes, the expiration date is stated on the bottle toward the bottom. You can also look for the lidded jar symbol, which will have a number next to the letter M. Also known as the period-after-opening (PAO) symbol, this tells you how many months the product will still be good after you open it.