These Conditioners Will Help Keep Your Hair Moisturized and Damage-Free

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Everyone already knows about the need for a good shampoo, but to complete your hair washing routine, you need a conditioner before moving on to any grooming products. The best hair conditioners help repair your strands to get you those shiny, healthy, commercial-worthy locks. 

Do You Need to Use Hair Conditioner?

Your hair follicles have cuticles, which are layers that are meant to protect your hair from pollutants you encounter daily. Using shampoo helps to clean your cuticles, but a conditioner helps to smooth the cuticles, while adding nutrients to help keep strands shiny and smooth. A good hair conditioner can also help strengthen the cuticles so your hair follicles are strong. 

With that in mind, you want to condition your hair so that it’s also healthy and holds up for other products (say, hairspray or pomade). Conditioner will improve your hair’s health, while also helping to prevent further damage. 

What Type of Hair Conditioner Should You Use?

Consider the moisture and thickness of your hair when deciding on the type of conditioner to use. All hair types can use a rinse-out conditioner (I.e. something you massage into your hair for a few minutes before rinsing clean).

A good conditioner for all hair styles will be suitable for your hair whether it’s dry, oily, damaged, curly, or color-processed. If your hair is exceptionally dry and thick, you may want to opt for a deep conditioner. For the most intense hydration and repair, there’s also a hair mask.

Leave-in conditioners work as a lotion for your hair. You can use it as a styling product, and they’re effective for all hair types. As the name suggests, this is a conditioner that you work into your strands and leave in – no rinsing required.

What Are the Best Hair Conditioners for Men?

The best hair conditioners for men effectively moisturize and protect the hair, while keeping strands healthy after prolonged exposure to pollutants, UV rays or sweat from the gym. There are many top-rated conditioners to choose from, but we made a short list of our favorites to buy now.

1. Jack Black Nourishing Hair & Scalp Conditioner

This 5-star rated conditioner detangles and adds shine to all hair types, including hair that’s graying, curly, and coarse. A simple rinse-conditioner like this one will nourish the scalp and relieve itchiness and dryness. It’s also made without sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Tea tree oil and organic basil leaf provide a soothing washing experience, while biotin strengthens the hair and reduces frizz. Cruelty-free and tested by dermatologists, you can feel confident in this purchase and expect results.

Buy Jack Black Nourishing Conditioner $22

2. Kiehl’s Since 1851 Amino Acid Conditioner

This Amino Acid Conditioner is an easy, no-frills option with clean ingredients. It’s gentle and strengthens all hair textures. In addition to not including the usual ingredients deemed harmful, it’s also silicone-free. It’s formulated with pure coconut oil, jojoba oil, and wheat protein to maintain moisture, improve manageability, and add shine. 

Buy Kiehl’s Amino Acid Conditioner $10+

3. Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner

Another conditioner aimed at hydration is Moroccanoil’s conditioner formulated with the brand’s famous argan oil, plus vitamins A and E, and red algae to naturally attract moisture. Antioxidant-rich argan oil is known to smooth and nourish hair, revealing shiny, soft tresses. This conditioner was designed to revitalize dry hair, and it’s free of sulfates, phosphates, and parabens. A little goes a long way.

Buy Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner $26.00

4. Sachajuan Thickening Conditioner

For those who want to thicken their hair, Sachajuan’s Thickening Conditioner is your go-to. It’s infused with Ocean Silk Technology, a sea algae blend of Rhodophycea and Chondrus. According to Sachajuan, this improves hair’s elasticity, moisture, and adds shine. This conditioner also protects hair from heat and UV damage.

Buy Sachajuan Thickening Conditioner $31

5. Dove Nutritive Solutions Strengthening Conditioner for Damaged Hair

Dove’s intensive repair conditioner is a very low-cost option without sacrificing quality. Dove is consistently a top rated brand in beauty care. This conditioner contains keratin hair repair actives that work immediately to seal and smooth the hair surface. The conditioner visibly repairs damaged hair and will reduce breakage. Plus, it’s color-safe. 

Buy Dove Strengthening Conditioner $9.85

6. Oribe Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler

You’ve shampooed and conditioned your hair, but what about adding a leave-in-conditioner? For those with tight or coily hair, this is the perfect add-on for extra nourishment. The priming lotion detangles hair for easier combing and it gives extra hydration thanks to cupaçu and mango seed butters. These ingredients help moisturize and smooth hair for a styling session at home. This leave-in-conditioner also helps prevent breakage and provides thermal protection.

Buy Oribe Leave-In Conditioning Detangler $38