Hair Conditioner Buyer’s Guide

Hair Conditioner Buying Guide

Everyone wants beautiful, healthy, shiny-looking hair but obtaining it is something of a wild goose chase for many beauty enthusiasts. There are thousands of hair conditioners out there claiming to deliver amazing results and the hair of a Goddess, but more often than not, we find ourselves throwing hundreds of dollars at products that don’t do very much at all.

But while finding an excellent hair conditioner might feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, there are a lot of wonderful products out there. In the search for the perfect hair conditioner, we have put a lot of products through their paces and discovered some little gems along the way.

If you have grown tired of broken promises and lackluster hair, then you’re in the right place. Our hair conditioner buyers guide is sure to bring a new shine to your hair.

R+Co Television Perfect Hair Conditioner | Shine + Strengthening + Softening for All Hair Types | Vegan + Cruelty-Free | 8.5 Oz
Sulfate and Paraben Free
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner, 6.8 oz
VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner 6.7 FL OZ | Alpha Keratin Hydrates, Softens, Renews Hair | Sulfate Free, Paraben Free, Color Safe, Vegan
Best Conditioner for Damaged Hair
Redken Extreme Conditioner | Anti-Breakage & Protection for Damaged Hair | Infused With Proteins | 33.8 Fl Oz
Redken All Soft Conditioner | For Dry / Brittle Hair | Moisturizes & Provides Intense Softness | With Argan Oil | 33.8 Fl Oz
Product
R+Co Television Perfect Hair Conditioner | Shine + Strengthening + Softening for All Hair Types | Vegan + Cruelty-Free | 8.5 Oz
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner, 6.8 oz
VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner 6.7 FL OZ | Alpha Keratin Hydrates, Softens, Renews Hair | Sulfate Free, Paraben Free, Color Safe, Vegan
Redken Extreme Conditioner | Anti-Breakage & Protection for Damaged Hair | Infused With Proteins | 33.8 Fl Oz
Redken All Soft Conditioner | For Dry / Brittle Hair | Moisturizes & Provides Intense Softness | With Argan Oil | 33.8 Fl Oz
Key Ingredients
Babassu Seed Oil, Juniper Berry Extract
Argan Oil, Shea butter, Edeweiss Extract
Alpha Keratin 60ku(R), Baobab seed oil
Soy Protein, Arginine, Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids
Argan Oil, Arginine
Cruelty Free
Formulated for
General Use. Body, shine, smoothing, softening, strengthening
Dry, damaged hair. Restores and protects against future damage. Helps reduce split ends.
Damaged hair and General Use, Frizz control, split ends
Damaged Hair
Dry, Brittle Hair
Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN)
B078H7LG1Y
B00LCBNOPO
B07PVCK9KX
B002WTC3BQ
B002WTC38Y
R+Co Television Perfect Hair Conditioner | Shine + Strengthening + Softening for All Hair Types | Vegan + Cruelty-Free | 8.5 Oz
Product
R+Co Television Perfect Hair Conditioner | Shine + Strengthening + Softening for All Hair Types | Vegan + Cruelty-Free | 8.5 Oz
Key Ingredients
Babassu Seed Oil, Juniper Berry Extract
Cruelty Free
Formulated for
General Use. Body, shine, smoothing, softening, strengthening
Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN)
B078H7LG1Y
Sulfate and Paraben Free
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner, 6.8 oz
Product
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner, 6.8 oz
Key Ingredients
Argan Oil, Shea butter, Edeweiss Extract
Cruelty Free
Formulated for
Dry, damaged hair. Restores and protects against future damage. Helps reduce split ends.
Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN)
B00LCBNOPO
VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner 6.7 FL OZ | Alpha Keratin Hydrates, Softens, Renews Hair | Sulfate Free, Paraben Free, Color Safe, Vegan
Product
VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner 6.7 FL OZ | Alpha Keratin Hydrates, Softens, Renews Hair | Sulfate Free, Paraben Free, Color Safe, Vegan
Key Ingredients
Alpha Keratin 60ku(R), Baobab seed oil
Cruelty Free
Formulated for
Damaged hair and General Use, Frizz control, split ends
Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN)
B07PVCK9KX
Best Conditioner for Damaged Hair
Redken Extreme Conditioner | Anti-Breakage & Protection for Damaged Hair | Infused With Proteins | 33.8 Fl Oz
Product
Redken Extreme Conditioner | Anti-Breakage & Protection for Damaged Hair | Infused With Proteins | 33.8 Fl Oz
Key Ingredients
Soy Protein, Arginine, Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids
Cruelty Free
Formulated for
Damaged Hair
Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN)
B002WTC3BQ
Redken All Soft Conditioner | For Dry / Brittle Hair | Moisturizes & Provides Intense Softness | With Argan Oil | 33.8 Fl Oz
Product
Redken All Soft Conditioner | For Dry / Brittle Hair | Moisturizes & Provides Intense Softness | With Argan Oil | 33.8 Fl Oz
Key Ingredients
Argan Oil, Arginine
Cruelty Free
Formulated for
Dry, Brittle Hair
Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN)
B002WTC38Y

Why Is It Important To Condition Your Hair?

There are many people who do not understand the importance of conditioning the hair but the truth is, that if you want shiny, healthy-looking hair, conditioning is a must.

Condition Your Hair Every Time you Shampoo
Condition Your Hair Every Time you Shampoo

If you don’t condition your hair every time you shampoo it, this can result in the hair becoming fragile and will eventually lead to breakage. Once this happens, the hair can appear thinner and much less luscious. Not only does it affect the aesthetic appeal of your hair but styling may become extremely problematic.

A lot of people will say that they don’t need to condition their hair since it is naturally oily. We all have natural oils in our hair; they are produced by the scalp and help to maintain its condition. However, some people have excess oil and this can result in ‘greasy’ hair. But this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to condition your hair, you just need to find a conditioner that is right for your hair.

Not only does conditioning the hair mean that it is repaired but it will also help to prevent further damage. If you spend a lot of time heat-styling or coloring your mane then this is even more important as these things can cause serious damage.

Using conditioner every time you shampoo the hair will make styling the hair so much easier and less painful when removing tangles. Since the hair will be more elastic, it won’t damage as easily when brushing and when it is dry, it will have a beautiful shine that so many of us strive to achieve.

Conditioner Makes it Easier to Style Hair and Comb through Tangles
Conditioner Makes it Easier to Style Hair and Comb through Tangles

What To Consider When Buying Hair Conditioner

There is very little point in running to the drug store and purchasing the first hair conditioner that you lay eyes on. All conditioners are made with different hair types in mind. If you buy a conditioner formulated for dry hair when your hair is naturally very oily, it isn’t going to address your hair issues. So, before you commit to a conditioner, take a look at these buying tips.

Hair Conditioner Ingredients

One of the first things you should do when buying a hair conditioner is to look at the ingredients. This will tell you a lot about what the product will do for your hair. For example, if it contains various types of oils, such as Argan oil, then it is likely to be a deeply hydrating conditioner.

Conversely, you may notice ingredients like proteins and keratin. These are great for restoring damage and strengthening the hair.

Baobab Seed oil is used in Hair Conditioner
Baobab Seed oil is used in Hair Conditioner

Furthermore, it is always better to look for conditioners that contain natural ingredients as these will be more gentle on your hair and won’t cause any irritation or other problems. If you live a vegan lifestyle, it is important to ensure that the conditioner and its ingredients are all animal-friendly.

There are some ingredients that will do more harm than good and should be avoided at all costs. If you see any of the following on the label, take a wide berth!

  • Parabens
  • Sulfates
  • Silicones
  • Cocamide DEA
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Chlorides

Related: Why is my hair greasy after washing?

Hair Type

As we have discussed, it is important to make sure that you are buying hair conditioners that are suitable for your hair type. Consider the following:

Oily Hair

If your hair tends to get greasy pretty quickly then there are certain types of conditioner that you should avoid. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you don’t need to use conditioner; just like people with oily skin need to find skincare products that suit their skin, those with oily hair should look for conditioners that have the following features:

  • Balancing conditioners will help to balance your scalp’s oil production and keep the hair from becoming limp or greasy.
  • Avoid anything hydrating and go more towards conditioners that are advertised as being light or strengthening.

Damaged Or Brittle Hair

If you have heat-treated your hair a lot, this could have resulted in a lot of damage but there are some great conditioners out there to treat the problem. You may need something much more intense.

Related: How to use Olaplex No. 3

Some Some Conditioners are Formulated Specifically for Dry and Damaged Hair
Some Some Conditioners are Formulated Specifically for Dry and Damaged Hair
  • You may choose a conditioner that is formulated for curls as these tend to be much more hydrating.
  • You should consider a hair conditioner that is smoothing and offers deep hydration.
  • Products that contain a lot of natural oils will be best for your hair. You should try to avoid anything that claims to be volumizing as this can have the opposite effect.

The Best Hair Conditioner

There are so many hair conditioners on the market that finding the right one for you feels like a mammoth challenge. But it doesn’t need to be that way. We have spent the time looking for the perfect conditioner so that you don’t have to. These products stood out to us and we quickly fell in love with them!

For Shiny and Healthy Looking Hair, Use a Conditioner
For Shiny and Healthy Looking Hair, Use a Conditioner

R+Co Television Perfect hair Conditioner

R+Co Television Perfect Hair Conditioner

Buy on Amazon

The R+Co Television Perfect hair conditioner has a beautifully fruity scent containing tangerine coupled with earthy lavender and fresh pine. You’ll certainly feel invigorated after using it. Using after the companion shampoo results in beautifully smooth, soft, and healthy hair that is sure to earn your compliments.

What’s more, the conditioner is packed with natural ingredients that boost the health of the hair. Babassu seed oil is a rich moisturizing ingredient that can restore broken hair and bring back luster. It is excellent if you suffer from a dry scalp. There is also juniper berry extract which is excellent for keeping balance on the hair and scalp, reducing excess oil and impurities.

With a cruelty-free and vegan formula, as well as incredible results, this is a hair conditioner that will be loved by everyone.

Oribe Gold Lust Repair And Restore Conditioner

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner

Buy on Amazon

Everything about this hair conditioner is truly luxurious. From the elegant, glamorous packaging to the sulfate and paraben free conditioner inside, this is nothing short of a royal experience for your hair!

This is a great product for older people who want to restore the youth and vibrance to their hair which can fade over time. It is also an excellent choice for people who have overstyled their hair and need to bring back that natural shine.

The formula is weightless and yet delivers exceptional results that leave the hair looking and feeling healthier than ever. Rather than treating the hair as one component, the Oribe Gold Lust Repair and Restore Conditioner targets each hair cuticle, smoothing, and conditioning for ultimate repair.

This conditioner is super-kind to the hair and contains a wealth of luxurious and caring ingredients. It is totally free from nasties and contains argan oil and Mediterranean cypress extract to nourish the hair and restore shine. Split ends and heat damage will be undone by using this conditioner and with a hair masque and oil also available, you can treat your hair to the ultimate make-over!

Redken Extreme Conditioner

Redken Extreme Conditioner | Conditioner for Damaged Hair | Strengthen & Protect Damaged Hair | Infused with Proteins

Buy on Amazon

Redken Extreme is the best conditioner for damaged ends.

Redken claims that this deeply nourishing conditioner, when used with other products in the system, repairs up to 75% of breakage and damage, where it may have been previously irreversible. This makes the product the best conditioner for damaged hair and it is filled with beautiful ingredients that treat the hair gently with amazing results.

One of the most notable things about this conditioner is that the protein levels are much higher and this means that it is super-effective at repairing broken hair. Not only this, but the result is much stronger, healthier locks that look incredible.

But while some conditioners only treat the hair on a superficial level, the Redken Extreme conditioner delivers on a much deeper level. This conditioner will penetrate the roots as well as treating the tip and core of each strand. If you want an intense treatment, this could be right for you.

What’s more, with detangling properties and a super-smooth result, your hair will be much easier to manage and style.

VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner

VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner

Buy on Amazon

With a beautiful coconut scent, this hair conditioner will not only leave your hair in tip-top conditioner but will also tantalize your senses. If you are looking for a thick, rich hair conditioner that will repair and restore damaged hair, giving it a new lease of life, then this may be the right product for you.

The VIRTUE recovery conditioner is based on scientific research and uses unique ingredients that boost hair health like never before. One such ingredient is Alpha Keratin 60ku(R) which may sound a little complicated, but let us put it in simple terms; this ingredient mimics your body’s natural keratin, healing the hair in the most natural way possible.

But what impressed us, even more, is that the results show that using this conditioner will bring back lost thickness to each hair. Users saw an increase in thickness by up to 22%, if you want full volume, this could be the answer.

What’s more, the conditioner contains baobab seed oil for hair that is luscious, healthy, and easy to manage. If you have dry or damaged hair, this rich oil is the perfect antidote. Grapefruit extract is loaded with antioxidants to help return shine as it detoxifies the scalp.

Redken All Soft Argan Oil Conditioner

Redken All Soft Argan Oil Conditioner | for Dry/Brittle Hair | Moisturizes & Provides Intense Softness

Buy on Amazon

One of the questions we get asked all the time is “Is Argan oil good for hair?” The answer is a resounding Yes! This ingredient has long been used in products intended to moisturize and restore and has a particularly good effect on hair. Not only will it help to restore moisture, but Argan oil also harbors the power to prevent future breakage.

Argan Fruit and Seeds. Argan Oil is used in Hair Conditioner
Argan Fruit and Seeds. Argan Oil is used in Hair Conditioner

But aside from the Argan oil benefits for hair that are ample in this conditioner, there is plenty more to get excited about. For example, this conditioner will detangle the hair making it much easier to style and will reduce damage caused by combing.

Boosting hydration and repairing brittle strands, your hair will be up to 15 times more moisturized and will feel incredible. (This is based on using the conditioner along with other products in the system.) The conditioner works particularly well for fine to medium hair that needs a serious moisture boost.

In addition to Argan oil, this conditioner also contains high levels of soy protein which gives the hair renewed texture and adds to its overall strength.

Conclusion

Finding the best hair conditioner for your hair means trying out hundreds of different products, and even then, many people still don’t find the perfect solution. However, we have discovered some incredible hair conditioners that have gotten us very excited and we know that you will love them just as much as we do!

However, before settling on one of these beautiful products, it is important that you consider your hair’s needs. One of the biggest problems is that people use conditioners that are not designed to tackle their hair needs and this can result in them not being effective. Take a look through our top tips for picking the right condition and enjoy healthy, soft, and manageable hair.

Find the Right Conditioner For Your Unique Hair
Find the Right Conditioner For Your Unique Hair

Last update on 2023-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API