Dealing with parched strands? Left untreated, dry hair becomes more prone to breakage, which can be exacerbated by heat styling, sun exposure and the elements. If you’re susceptible to this, don’t skip the crucial step of using a targeted conditioner, which can work wonders for brittle hair (along with shampooing only a few times a week to minimize additional damage). Look for formulas that use a combination of moisturizing and strengthening ingredients, like jojoba oil, argan oil, aloe and hyaluronic acid.
We’ve rounded up seven of the best conditioners to help you manage dry hair without causing further damage. Thanks to a stellar lineup of nourishing ingredients, these restorative hair products will help combat frizz, split ends, droopy curls and overall dullness. From Bumble and Bumble’s color-safe conditioner to Shu Uemura’s shine-enhancing version, these product will help keep every hair type—including color-treated, tightly coiled and extra dry—hydrated and balanced.
- Best Conditioner Overall For Dry Hair: Biolage ‘Ultra Hydrasource’ Conditioning Balm
- Best Conditioner For Color-Treated Hair: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Ultra Rich Conditioner
- Best Conditioner For Curly Hair: Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Intensive Conditioner
- Best Conditioner For Extremely Dry Hair: Redken ‘All Soft Mega’ Conditioner
- Best Leave-In Conditioner For Dry Hair: Moroccanoil All In One Leave-In Conditioner
- Best Drugstore Conditioner: Garnier Whole Blends Replenishing Conditioner
- Best Conditioner For Damaged Hair: Shu Uemura Silk Bloom Conditioner for Damaged Hair
Best Conditioner Overall For Dry Hair
A Top-Rated Hydrator All Hair Types
Most people with dry hair will find relief in this customer favorite conditioner from Biolage, which has more than five thousand reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.8. The formula includes aloe leaf juice, cupuacu butter, and apricot kernel to smooth hair and optimize moisture balance.
Best Conditioner For Color-Treated Hair
A Shine-Enhancing Option
This new color-safe conditioner delivers 48 hours of hydration and 72 hours of humidity protection. It also helps to eliminate frizz thanks to a generous dose of moisturizing ingredients, including six nourishing oils, hyaluronic acid and Kalahari melon seed oil. Work the creamy formula towards your scalp, and leave the product on for two minutes before you rinse for shiny results.
Best Conditioner For Curly Hair
A Curl-Defining Solution
Think of this conditioner as a reviver for dry, curly hair: It’s packed with ingredients that will bring lifeless curls back to life (think: safflower seed oil, jojoba oil and avocado oil). The formula is available in three sizes, including a 29-ounce version, which is great for the whole family.
Best Conditioner For Extremely Dry Hair
A Strengthening Formula For Coarse Hair
Redken’s ‘All Soft Mega’ haircare system is a step up from its ‘All Soft’ line and is best for severely dry hair that is medium to coarse in texture. The star of the show here is its “superfood nutri-complex” of cactus extract, aloe vera and sacha inchi oil to soften, strengthen and retain moisture.
Best Leave-In Conditioner For Dry Hair
A Multitasking Spray For Retaining Moisture
This lightweight leave-in conditioner adds instant hydration, continuing to nourish and soften the hair for up to 72 hours. The milky formula is infused with argan and sunflower seed oils to condition, while quinoa extract helps to retain moisture and increase shine.
Best Drugstore Conditioner
A Lightweight Conditioner At A Good Value
Repair dry hair on a budget with Garnier’s olive oil-infused replenishing conditioner. Free of parabens and silicone, this product hydrates without weighing hair down. The gentle formula gives ongoing restoration with regular use.
Best Conditioner For Damaged Hair
A Fragrant Option With A Weightless Finish
This high end conditioner from Shu Uemura is “the ultimate reset conditioner,” according to one rave reviewer. It’s formulated with ceramides to help hair retain moisture and argan oil to enhance shine without weighing hair down. And if you are a fragrance fanatic, consider its woodsy scent a bonus.
