Bonus points, per the experts: This curly conditioner is made without sulfates, a common ingredient that can dry out your scalp and natural hair.
One tester said: “I haven’t used Herbal Essences in a very long time—and this product pulled me back in. I love the natural, fruity apricot scent, and my hair has felt softer and more hydrated every time I’ve used it. I also love that it’s cruelty-free and that the bottle uses significantly less plastic than previous incarnations.”
Best Deep Conditioner: Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner
Why we love it: The rich texture of this deep conditioner is indicative of how deeply it hydrates, according to our testers. It’s especially great for detangling and locking in moisture for curly hair, and the packaging feels spa-worthy.
Bonus points, per the experts: With ultra-deep conditioning ingredients like olive oil and shea butter, this conditioner is ideal for thick, textured hair that responds well to heavier products.
One tester said: “I use about a palm’s worth of this conditioner and rake it through my wavy hair, from the ends to the mid-shaft of my strands. I put my hair up in a clip and let it sit for the rest of my shower routine…and the results are pretty instant! It gives my hair a great slip so it’s super easy to detangle. Out of the shower my hair simply feels softer, shinier, bouncier, and more hydrated.”
Just so you know: This conditioner has a notably thick, buttery consistency, but our testers did not find that it significantly weighed down fine hair.
Best Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair: Soapbox Keratin Shine Boosting Conditioner
Why we love it: You know those super slow-motion, impossibly glossy hair flips that once graced every hair care commercial on TV? This conditioner left our testers feeling like that—or at least, the closest real-life equivalent. It minimizes frizz and flyaways, and leaves hair with a next-level shine.
Bonus points, per the experts: This conditioner uses argan oil to combat frizz-causing dryness, and a combination of hydrolyzed proteins to smoothly define your hair’s natural shape.
One tester said: “For less than $10, this conditioner DELIVERS on its promises. My hair not only felt smoother, but looked so much silkier and felt WAY lighter. I have pitch black hair, and I felt like my hair color was so vibrant and popping more than usual.”
Just so you know: Many alcohols can dry out your hair, but, cetearyl and stearyl alcohol (both found in this conditioner) can actually be moisturizing and are generally okay to use.
Best Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair: Hairitage Mend to Be Damage Recovery Conditioner
Why we love it: Pretty much every conditioner claims to reverse damage and dryness, but our testers saw the results with this Hairitage pick. It’s a budget-friendly choice that strengthens strands and boosts shine.
Bonus points, per the experts: Intense hydrators like shea butter and castor oil can add much-needed moisture to all hair types.