The 21 Best Conditioners That Will Hydrate Your Hair, According to Experts 2022

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

Bouncy locks are just around the corner with Drunk Elephant’s Conditioner. This is a concentrated, nourishing blend of non-fragrant plant oils that soften, smooth and detangle hair. It does so while also protecting 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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Another recently gone 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.

“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.”

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