The 21 Best Conditioners That Will Hydrate Your Hair, According to Experts (2024)

As for how long you should have the conditioner on, Williams shares that it depends on your product. “I always tell my clients to follow the manufacturer’s instructions,” he tells SELF. “I usually say no more than 10 minutes is good and make sure to always brush through the hair with the conditioner applied,” he explains.

What’s the difference between a conditioner, deep conditioner, and hair mask?

We know it can be overwhelming to know all the different types of hair-care products. Luckily, we’re here to dish it all out so you too can be a certified hair expert. So when do you use a deep conditioner over a conditioner? “Deep conditioners are fortified with more properties that typically penetrate further into the cuticle and provide a more long-lasting nourishment,” explains Williams. “I typically only recommend a deep conditioner for severely dry hair that needs intense moisture or chemically compromised hair that needs lots of protein and strength. Regular conditioners can still be very fortifying however with less long-lasting benefit.” In short, a deep conditioner is essentially a higher quality, more concentrated product.

Think of hair masks on the other hand as a special occasion treatment. “You should use a hair mask when your hair feels extra damaged—maybe after a trip to the beach or after having your hair colored,” Toth says. “Routine-wise, you can use a hair mask about once every week or so. If you use them too often your hair can be overly conditioned and become greasy.”

Below, we’ve listed expert-approved conditioners from Target, Ulta, Sephora, and Amazon you’ll want to check out. Happy conditioning!

Olaplex quickly solidified itself as a cult-favorite hair-care brand among many thanks to social media. The Bond Maintenance Conditioner is loved by those with colored and/or damaged hair as it repairs broken bonds. The key ingredient is patented bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate that heps support stronger hair. Frizz and split ends are also targeted in this nourishing and hydrating conditioner. This conditioner is recommended for all hair types and textures.

Sephora

Olaplex

No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

This rich, luxurious conditioner is full of ingredients we love, including hydrolyzed quinoa, which is a plant-based protein that enhances color, helps moisture retention, and adds shine. Additionally, you’ll find baobab seed oil and grapefruit extract that is loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and alpha keratin. The grapefruit extract helps revitalize the scalp. Frayed cuticles will be infused with creamy coconut and tropical yuzu extracts for a dream mix.

Sephora

Virtue Recovery Conditioner

If you have thicker hair, this 24-hour intensive moisture promises replenished strands in no time. In this conditioner, you’ll get sea kelp that is packed full of vitamins and minerals as well as expert-approved jojoba oil. Plus, the Joico Conditioner includes omega-9 to aid with your mane’s overall shine. The MVP ingredient in this product is the SmartRelease Technology that’s described by the brand as a “one-of-a-kind liposome delivery system.” It packs a punch and releases rosehip oil, arginine, and keratin.

Amazon

Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner

Blondes have more fun—while using this conditioner that is. For those with blonde color-treated hair, this one's for you. This product is infused with citric acid to strengthen and soften your locks while protecting your color. Lightened or bleached hair requires a bit more TLC and this product deeply nourishes your hair if it is damaged or dull. Dyed hair doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your overall hair quality, and this conditioner makes it so you can confidently care for your hair.

Matrix

Matrix Total Results Unbreak My Blonde Sulfate-Free Strengthening Conditioner

ALO’S 100% clean formula is packed with natural ingredients to fortify and give a gloss-like finish after your shower. With a light grapefruit scent, the amla oil included is referred to as a beauty-boosting superberry packed with vitamin C. But that’s not the only stand-out oil, you’ll also find aloe vera, marula oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, and avocado oil.

If dryness is your main concern, Paul Mitchell’s hydrate conditioner works as the name suggests and provides deep hydration. Ingredients that win here are argan oil and aloe vera. While the argan oil helps increase your hair’s elasticity and shine, the aloe vera soothes the scalp. Bonus: The packaging is 100% recyclable.

Amazon

Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Hydrate Conditioner

This deep conditioner is infused with avocado and jojoba oil to leave locks silky and touchable with three times the moisture. The sulfate and paraben-free formula is intensely hydrating to protect hair from root to tip, and its conditioning oils help to smooth and soften hair.

HEB

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Conditioner

Those with fine hair know the dread of shopping for a hair product only for it to be too heavy on your scalp and create an almost instant greasy feel. Fine, flat hair requires a bit more of a delicate approach in the way that it is treated, and this Ouai conditioner does just that. Get a more voluminous look with this pick. You’ll notice the combination of biotin, chia seed oil, and hydrolyzed keratin will do wonders.

Sephora

Ouai Fine Hair Conditioner

“The Oribe Gold Lust Conditioner is fortified with vegetable proteins and rich nourishing oils to provide beautiful moisture benefits as well as strengthening from the plant-based proteins,” says Williams. “I personally recommend Gold Lust for chemically compromised hair or anyone with more fragile dry strands.” Whether you have fine, thick, straight, or curly hair, this conditioner is recommended for all.

Sephora

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner

Moroccanoil’s hair oil is used by many as a top-off product to add instant shine to your hair. It is equipped with antioxidant-rich argan oil and replenishing nutrients that will quench and detangle dry hair. While argan oil is the main ingredient in this product, it also features vitamin A and algae. The color-safe formula helps increase manageability and frizz.

Sephora

Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner

Bouncy locks are just around the corner with this Drunk Elephant conditioner. A concentrated, nourishing blend of non-fragrant plant oils that soften, smooth and detangle hair, it also protects against heat styling and color. One key ingredient is marula butter, which is a super-pure butter derived from marula oil rich in antioxidant polyphenols, lipids, and fatty acids. You’ll also find a coconut amino-acid blend to assist in shine quality.

Drunk Elephant Cocomino Marula Cream Conditioner

Briogeo’s conditioner is clinically proven to decrease hair breakage after two uses. It is ideal for damaged hair and works to reduce future breakage and damage. The formula includes micro-encapsulated argan oil that repairs hair damage along the cuticle. It leaves hair healthier and stronger. It also has algae extract and panthenol, the latter of which enhances the effects of hair elasticity, moisture retention, and flexibility.

Dermstore

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner

The Amika Conditioner is for those whose hair concerns include dryness, split ends, and breakage. It targets the most abundant bonds in your hair with its bond cure technology. Moreover, it has sea buckthorn berry that is rich in fatty-acid omega 7. Everyone is able to use this product regardless of hair type and texture.

Sephora

Amika The Kure Bond Repair Conditioner for Damaged Hair

Another item for the blondes out there, this Pureology Hydrate Conditioner recognizes the need for a more hydrating product when dealing with hair-treated products. This formula includes a signature aromatherapy blend of mint, menthol, and greens and a patented antifade complex that will protect your color vibrancy and ensure lasting color payoff. It includes sunflower seed, a UV filter, and vitamin E.

Sephora

Pureology Hydrate Conditioner

It’s like a smoothie, but for your hair! This nutrient-rich, smoothie-inspired conditioner from Briogeo is packed with vitamins and minerals to support healthy hair and scalp. In addition, it features a unique papaya enzyme known to help balance oil production. Papaya enzymes, mango extract, and cherry extract are all on the menu for your next shower.

Sephora

Briogeo Superfoods Mango + Cherry Oil Control & Balancing Conditioner

In an oversaturated market of hair products, Shea Moisture continues to be a go-to for many with curly hair as it meets the unique needs of their hair type. That’s not to say that anyone can’t use these products, but it’s essential to highlight brands that are Black-founded and get the job done. The moisturizing properties are long-lasting and help to detangle hair. Many credit this conditioner for restoring their hair post-damage.

Sally Beauty

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner

So you want to improve your overall hair growth? This hair growth conditioner is made with a unique Bondi boost hair growth formulation. Formula-wise, this product features peppermint oil, rosemary oil, saw palmetto, and horsetail extract to help stimulate growth. Longer, soft, and fuller-looking hair is in your reach.

Ulta

Bondi Boost Hair Growth Conditioner

Pattern is a Black-owned brand, and this conditioner provides just the right amount of slippage and curl definition thanks to its blend of jojoba oil and olive oil. It’s designed for those with normal-porosity hair types and your curls will never feel weighed down, but instead defined.

Ulta

Pattern Medium Conditioner For Curlies

The OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Conditioner is a product that gives you a radiant shine. It’s formulated with a blend of cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil to help revive hair. If you often style your hair, this will assist in protecting your locks against any damage. It also has a wondrous citrus-fresh, floral-green, and woody scent that leaves locks smelling so good.

Ulta

OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Conditioner

Another recently viral product, Monday Haircare Conditioner is a favorite for many. It is suitable for straight or fine hair and ensures weightless hydration. The formula includes coconut oil, ginger root extract which stimulates hair growth, glycerin, panthenol, shea butter, and vitamin E. The sustainable packaging is an added bonus.

Ulta

Monday Haircare Volume Conditioner

“I love [Redken Extreme Length] because it is designed for people who want to maintain healthy strands,” Williams tells SELF. “It provides a perfectly delicate blend of nourishment with hair strengthening and manageability. I feel this is a one-size-fits-all product where the Oribe Gold Lust can be a little too rich for finer hair clients.”

Ulta

Redken Extreme Length Conditioner

Related Reading:

  • The Best Dandruff Shampoos for Flaky, Itchy Scalps
  • The Best Dry Shampoo Hairstylists Swear By
  • The Best Purple Shampoo for Blonde Hair
The 21 Best Conditioners That Will Hydrate Your Hair, According to Experts (2024)

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