Hair conditioners: The 20 best daily care products of 2024
Do you want to look after your hair effectively? Find out which hair conditioners the experts recommend!
Learn more about our editorial process
.Learn more about our editorial process
.Learn more about our editorial process
.Learn more about our editorial process
.Why you can trust us
Articles on Natu.Care are written based on scientific research, data from government websites and other reliable sources. The texts are written in cooperation with doctors, nutritionists and other health and beauty experts. Articles are reviewed before publication and during significant updates.
.Learn more about our editorial process
.Information about advertisements
Content on Natu.Care may contain links to products from the sale of which we may receive a commission. When creating content, we adhere to high editorial standards and take care to be objective about the products discussed. The presence of affiliate links is not dictated by our partners, and we select the products we review ourselves completely independently.
.Learn more about our terms and Conditions
.If you want to enjoy silky, shiny, healthy and strong hair, be aware that you won't achieve lasting results in one day. Effective hair care involves not only the best shampoos, but also hair masks, oils and conditioners.
Particularly if you frequently use tools and accessories to style your hair, conditioner is the most important investment that you should think carefully about.
From this article you will learn:
- What are the best hair conditioners recommended by experts .
- Why hair care is so important and how to do it effectively .
- How to choose the perfect hair conditioner and which ingredients to pay special attention to .
See also:
- Conscious hair care
- Home hair care
- All about hair oiling
- The best emollient conditioners
- Hair toners by Loreal
- Hair toners by Palette
- Hair toners by Syoss
- Hair toners by Matrix
- Hair toners by Wella .
Best hair conditioners - TOP 13 products ranking
.
Let's be clear straight away: there is no single best hair conditioner. Every hair type has its own individual needs, so together with cosmetologist, Catherine Srebr, we have prepared a list of the best products by hair characteristics.
In preparing our ranking, we took the following into account:
.
- .
- the ingredients and active ingredients used, .
- reasoning and confirmation of action in studies, .
- price, .
- customer reviews, .
Take a look at it and give your hair new life!
Conditioners for curly hair
.
The basis of working with curly hair is regularity and consistency in following certain procedures.
The primary goal of curl care is to moisturise, close the cuticle and protect the hair from water escape. To do this, use oils, conditioners and masks, as well as the right cleansing products that take into account the needs of both hair and scalp.
Product description
Active ingredients: malic acid, olive oil, jojoba oil, glycerin
Expert opinion
Product description
Active ingredients: citric acid, olive oil, niacinamide, pantothenic acid, vitamin C derivatives, antioxidants
Expert opinion
Product description
Active ingredients: keratin hydrolyzate, lactic acid, marula oil
Expert opinion
Product description
Active ingredients: glycerin, panthenol, citric acid, sweet almond fruit extract, vitamin E
Expert opinion
See also how you can take even better care of your hair:
- Hair loss supplement [Ranking]
- Hair loss supplements [Ranking]
- Hair vitamins [Ranking]
- Hair loss shampoos
- Hair loss
- Hair toners
- Hair collagen
- Biotin for hair
- Vitamin B12
- Collagen
- Zinc
Conditioners for coloured, dry and damaged hair
.
Hair is a dead structure that will not rebuild itself without external help. Often their condition deteriorates as a result of frequent styling with a flat iron, curling iron or hairdryer or too infrequent trimming of the ends, perms or colouring.
Hair colouring is a very important part of hair care.
Colouring is a chemical process that can dry out, cause micro-damage and make hair dull and brittle. Despite this, women are very keen to colour their hair. For some, it is a way to quickly change their image, for others it is a necessity and the only way to cover grey highlights - each of these motives is valid.
Product description
Active ingredients: Asian meniscus extract, arginine, tartaric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid
Expert opinion
Product description
Active ingredients: citric acid, acetic acid, pearl powder, glycerin
Expert opinion
Product description
Active ingredients: milk proteins, sunflower seed oil, citric acid, glycerin
Expert opinion
Product description
Active ingredients: intraLipid complex, microPROtec complex, flexPROtec complex, pashmina silk proteins
Expert opinion
Product description
Active ingredients: prickly pear oil, mango butter, glycerin, D-panthenol
Expert opinion
Conditioners for blonde and grey hair
.
Lightening is one of the most aggressive procedures you can subject your hair to, which is why blonde hair care products are given higher expectations. The same is true for grey hair preparations.
An additional difficulty lies in maintaining a cool hair shade. Over time, blonde and grey hair falls into warm, yellow tones, mostly undesirable.
Conditioners for people with bleached hair should contain keratin, emollients and blue and purple pigments to neutralise unwanted reflections.
Opis produktu
Active ingredients: coconut oil, vitamin E, acai berry extract
Opinia eksperta
Product description
Active ingredients: lactic acid, tartaric acid, babassu oil, salicylic acid, glycerin
Expert opinion
Product description
Active ingredients: salicylic acid, glycine, tea tree oil, citric acid
Opinia eksperta
Product description
Active ingredients: vitamin C, chelating agents, Brightening Care Complex – illuminating complex, citric acid, glycerin
Expert opinion
Other hair conditioners worth your attention
Product description
Smoothes and prevents hair from frizzing. Natural ingredients (at least 99%) nourish and give them shine.
Product description
Straightens and smoothes hair fibers, strengthens them and gives them shine thanks to its rich formula with keratin proteins.
Product description
The conditioner regenerates and moisturizes even very damaged hair, making it stronger and less brittle.
Product description
Two-phase spray conditioner intended for blonde hair - natural and dyed. It facilitates combing, moisturizes and regenerates damaged fibers and gives the hair a silky shine.
Product description
Universal conditioner for all hair types. Its main ingredient is roucou tree seed oil. Thanks to beta-carotene and other antioxidants, it effectively strengthens hair and protects against external factors.
Product description
The conditioner smoothes the hair fiber, strengthens its structure and nourishes it. As many as 99% of the ingredients are of natural origin.
See how else you can take extra care of your beauty:
- Anti-Wrinkle Cream [Ranking] .
- Facial sunscreen [Ranking] .
- Eye cream [Ranking] .
- BBBCreams [Ranking]
- Nail conditioners [Ranking] .
- Nail vitamins [Ranking] .
- Hand cream [Ranking] .
- Collagen for wrinkles
- Facial collagen
- Vitamin A ointment
- CeraVe creams
- Nuxe oils
Why is daily hair care and conditioning so important?
.
Beautiful and healthy hair does not come out of nowhere. It cannot be achieved overnight. Cosmetologist, Katarzyna Srebr advises:
.
You can't do it without the right cosmetics.
.
How to choose the perfect conditioner for your hair
.
Certain products should be chosen primarily based on your hair type, as well as the problems you face and the results, you want to achieve.
The hair conditioners you use on a daily basisand have primarily:
.
- .
- improve the condition of the hair, .
- help with detangling, .
- minimise the effect of frizz, .
- reduce static electricity, .
- hydrate and regenerate strands, .
What ingredients to look for in hair conditioners?
.
Hair with different characteristics needs different ingredients to meet its specific needs. Be sure to read the label before you buy and check that you find these compounds and substances.
Oily hair
.
Seek products rich in natural antibacterial and cleansing ingredients (e.g. lemonand). It's also worth looking for aloe vera - it calms the scalp and helps with seborrhoeic dermatitisand.
.
Hair with a tendency to fall out
.
Your saviour may be products with biotin in the formulation (think supplementation too). Studiesand have shown that it promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss. Rosemary oil improves circulation and promotes hair growthand.
Curly hair
.
First and foremost look for argan oil in conditioners to restore moisture, softness and bounce .
Thin and weakened hair
.
In conditioners for such hair, it is worth looking for, among other things, caffeine, which stimulates and promotes hair growth .
Dry and brittle hair
.
Products with avocado and with olive oil will effectively moisturise dry and brittle hair. In this case, it is also worth reaching for conditioners with argan oil. One study from 2017 found that shea butter improves condition, strengthens hair and makes it more resistant to breakage.
Frizzy hair
.
For this hair type, look for products rich in, among other things, coconut oil, which will nourish it and help fight frizzand.
Lightened and damaged hair
.
Hair is negatively affected by colouring, heat styling and inadequate care. In order to combat these negative factors, it is worth stocking up on products that will help smooth, soften and strengthen hair. These will include, first and foremost, moisturising oils or glycerine, which, thanks to its ability to retain moisture, is extremely beneficial to the condition of the scalpand. And as we all know, healthy hair starts "in" the scalp.
.
Wavy hair
.
Similar to curly hair, the key to proper care, will be to moisturise first and foremost. Therefore, look for ingredients such as avocado, argan oil, coconut oil or jojoba oiland.
Of course, these are just the most popular ones.
.
Conditioners and hair care products are one thing. You can also take care of them from the inside by providing them with a comprehensive set of nutrients that promote hair growth and structure, protect against damage and give them renewed shine!"
Are there any ingredients I need to particularly avoid?
Surely you have more than once encountered statements that "parabens are evil!", "I only choose silicone-free products!", "SLS and SLES are toxic!". These are very categorical statements with great power... marketing power. And what does the science say about them?"
.
SLS and SLES
.
Both SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or sodium lauryl sulphate) and SLES (Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, or ammonium lauryl sulphate) are strong cleansing, emulsifying and foaming detergents that often appear in cosmetics and skin care products. Many myths have grown up around these two compounds over the years and they have been given the label of being extremely dangerous in the ongoing narrative. However, this is not reflected in scientific researchand.
Of course, both substances show irritant properties. However, according to the experts at Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), they appear safe in current formulations if not used continuouslyand. They also need to be rinsed thoroughly from the scalp. In products intended for prolonged skin contact, their concentration should not exceed 1% .
In contrast, another study suggests that hair wash and care products without these compounds can slow down colour fading after colouring - both tonerand hair dye.
.
Parabens
.
These are compounds found virtually everywhere: from food and cleaning products to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. They are used primarily as preservatives and are currently the best researched substances of their kind.
Parabens are also used as a preservative.
They have been controversial for years, and there is debate around the world as to whether they are safe. Parabens are readily absorbed by the human body , and can therefore cause a number of endocrine and hormonal disorders .
On the other hand, based on the available literatureand, it is not possible to state unequivocally what their actual effects on human health are - more detailed research is needed for this.
A team of experts affiliated with the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, in their report , concluded that 20 of the 21 most commonly used parabens are safe in current concentrations and use practices, as long as their total content does not exceed 0.8% by volume of the product. At the same time, it was stressed that there is insufficient data on the safety of benzylparaben in cosmetics. The concentration of individual parabens is defined in the European Parliament Regulation of 30 November 2009and concerning cosmetic products.
Silicones
.
Silicones have been present in cosmetics since the 1950s - initially in skin care products, over time they began to appear in hair preparations. They make hair smoother and silky shiny. The most popular of these is dimethicone, which protects hair from damage and also has a smoothing effect . However, not everyone will be happy with the effects of products with it in them, as it weighs hair down.
One study found that the use of natural plant oils strengthens hair structure, softens hair and improves detangling. In comparison, the effect of the silicones used was only superficial.
Products with silicones allow you to achieve immediate results, but you must not base your daily care solely on them. Apply them to the ends of your votes rather than the scalp.
Important!
Have you noticed that your hair needs extra support, is brittle and thin, starting to fall out and breaking frequently? Consider seeing a specialist (endocrinologist, trichologist). Beforehand, perform detailed examinations (e.g. thyroid) to identify the source of the problem and plan an appropriate solution.
The condition of your hair, skin and nails also depends on mental wellbeing and healthy sleep. Read how you can take care of them:
Choosing the right conditioner for your hair is not easy. Hopefully this will no longer be a problem for you now. If you still have any questions, ask them in the comments. We will answer them all!
Summary
.
Remember:
- Hair conditioner should be one of the key elements in your daily hair care regimen. .
- Choosing a particular product should depend on the characteristics of your hair and the results you want to achieve.
- The following is a summary of what you need to know.
- First of all, look for natural ingredients on hair conditioner labels to help strengthen, soften and moisturise your hair. .
- Don't trust advertising and marketing messages uncritically in your purchasing decisions - trust science and the professionals you can turn to for help or advice.
FAQ
.How to apply a hair conditioner
.In addition to the formulation itself, the effectiveness of conditioner is also affected by how you apply it and how long you leave it on your hair. Here are some tips:
- Apply conditioner to wet hair. Evenly distribute the conditioner, starting from the mid-lengths to the bottom of the hair.
- If you have oily hair, the conditioner should be applied to your hair.
- If you have oily hair, apply from the middle of the hair length. For curls and frizzy hair, start closer to the roots and distribute thoroughly to moisturise. .
- Leave the conditioner on your hair for a few minutes or so so that all the ingredients can work properly. Check the manufacturer's recommendations beforehand.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly before drying and styling it. .
If the manufacturer recommends it, you can also apply the conditioner to dry hair. The so-called OMO technique (conditioner-wash-conditioner) also has good results.
How often should you use conditioner on your hair?
.Only regular and systematic hair care will bring the desired results. Therefore, use a hair conditioner as often as possible after every wash or according to the manufacturer's suggestions.
What are good hair conditioners?
.The best hair conditioners should be selected according to the needs of your hair. Daily use is supposed to improve the condition of your hair, moisturise it, promote hair regeneration and help with detangling. There is no single set of ingredients for every hair type. Look for substances in the formulation that naturally occur in the hair, namely keratin, ceramides and amino acids.
How do humectant hair conditioners work?
.Humectants are substances and compounds with strong hygroscopic (they bind water molecules) and moisturising properties. Popular humectants include aloe vera, honey, panthenol, glycerine or hyaluronic acid. Above all, humectant conditioners are designed to deeply moisturise your hair and also your scalp. This is what dull, coarse, tired and lacklustre hair needs.
Humectant conditioners are a must.
Remember: If you use products with humectants in your daily hair care routine, it is essential to supplement it with cosmetics with emollients. Without them, stored water will simply evaporate.
Remember: If you use humectants in your daily hair care, be sure to supplement it with emollients.
Can hair conditioner expire?
.Yes, hair conditioners can expire. Depending on the formulation, unopened conditioner can stand for up to three years. The expiry date is indicated on the packaging - either on the bottom or on the side of the packaging. A visible sign of 'spoilage' of a product will be a marked change in consistency.
What comes first - shampoo or conditioner?
.The OMO method is a popular hair washing method among hair geeks, and is particularly recommended for those with damaged hair. A moisturising conditioner is first applied to wet hair. Next, the hair is washed with a mild shampoo. Finally, the conditioner is applied again. Regularly washing your hair using the OMO method will leave it smoother, more nourished and shinier.
First a mask or conditioner?
.In the OMO method (conditioner-wash-conditioner), apply conditioner to the hair first. Thoroughly distribute it over the strands and leave it on for a few minutes. Rinse out the conditioner and wash your hair thoroughly. In the final step, instead of a second conditioner, you can use a mask chosen to suit your hair's needs.
.
Sources
.See all
.Ablon, G. (2015). A 3-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of an Extra-Strength Marine Protein Supplement to Promote Hair Growth and Decrease Shedding in Women with Self-Perceived Thinning Hair. Dermatology Research and Practice, 2015, e841570. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/841570
Cherian, P., Zhu, J., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D. C., Marks, J. G., Shank, R. C., Slaga, T. J., Snyder, P. W., & Heldreth, B. (2020). Amended Safety Assessment of Parabens as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(1_suppl), 5S-97S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820925001
Del Campo, R., Zhang, Y., & Wakeford, C. (2017). Effect of Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) Seed Oil (MFSO®) on the Measurable Improvement of Hair Breakage in Women with Damaged Hair. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 10(11), 39-48. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774910/
Dias, M. F. R. G. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.153450
Disapio, A., & Fridd, P. (1988). Silicones: use of substantive properties on skin and hair. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 10(2), 75-89. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.1988.tb00004.x
Fischer, T. W., Hipler, U. C., & Elsner, P. (2007). Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles in vitro. International Journal of Dermatology, 46(1), 27-35. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03119.x
Gad, H. A., Roberts, A., Hamzi, S. H., Gad, H. A., Touiss, I., Altyar, A. E., Kensara, O. A., & Ashour, M. L. (2021). Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers, 13(11), Article 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13111711
Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair Cosmetics: An Overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2-15. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.153450
Harding, C. R., Matheson, J. R., Hoptroff, M., Jones, D. A., Luo, Y., Baines, F. L., & Luo, S. (2014). A high glycerol-containing leave-on scalp care treatment to improve dandruff. Skinmed, 12(3), 155-161. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25134312/
Nowak, K., Ratajczak-Wrona, W., Górska, M., & Jabłońska, E. (2018). Parabens and their effects on the endocrine system. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 474, 238-251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2018.03.014
Panahi, Y., Taghizadeh, M., Marzony, E. T., & Sahebkar, A. (2015). Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized comparative trial. Skinmed, 13(1), 15-21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/
Purnamawati, S., Indrastuti, N., Danarti, R., & Saefudin, T. (2017). The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review. Clinical Medicine & Research, 15(3-4), 75-87. https://doi.org/10.3121/cmr.2017.1363
Qadir, M. (2009). Medicinal and cosmetological importance of Aloe vera. International Journal of Natural Therapy, 2, 21-26. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233818204
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009. Concerning cosmetic products. (n.d.). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PL/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32009R1223#page=136
Sharifi, N., Hamedeyazdan, S., Shokri, J., & Monajjemzadeh, F. (2022). Argan oil as a pretreatment of human hair before exposure to oxidative damage: Attenuated total reflectance and protein loss studies. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(10), 5010-5017. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14885
Vala, G., & Kapadiya, P. (2014). Medicinal Benefits of Coconut Oil (A Review paper). 2, 124-126. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gambhirsinh-Vala-2/publication/280574942
Vardy, D., Cohen, A., Tchetov, T., Medvedovsky, E., & Biton, A. (1999). A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 10(1), 7-11. https://doi.org/10.3109/09546639909055904
.
Editorials
Meet the teamCosmetologist
Cosmetologist and linergist with extensive experience working with clients with a wide range of skin health needs and concerns.
Editor
Graduate of Journalism and Artes Liberales at the University of Warsaw. Since 2017, he has been working with the biggest portals in Poland and abroad as an editor. Previously worked for 3 years in one of the leading pharmaceutical companies - he knows the health and beauty industry inside out. In his free time, he most enjoys playing tennis or skiing.
Mar 27
Find out what to do when hair starts to fall out by the handful.
Mar 27
See how to effectively moisturise dry hair.
Dec 21
Everything you need to know to do hair oiling at home.