When it comes to silky, lustrous, detangled hair, a good conditioner is essential. “Conditioners smooth the cuticle and ease out knots, making each strand shiny and healthy-looking,” hairdresser Anthony Nader adds. When used with complementary shampoo, it also lays the groundwork for your desired style, whether air-dried or blow-dried.
Of course, we enjoy a good luxury haircare moment, but there are a plethora of superb drugstore conditioners on the market that will assist you in achieving similar effects without spending a fortune.
We spent hours researching the best drugstore conditioners, weighing active ingredients, outcomes, and how effectively each treated various hair conditions. To generate this list, our staff blended these findings with our own research of fan favourites as well as stylist-recommended options.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
Anthony Nader is a well-known hairstylist and the owner of RAW salon in Sydney’s Surry Hills.
Find the best drugstore conditioners for every hair type and problem below.
1. Overall winner: Nexxus Keraphix Conditioner for Damaged Hair.
This Nexxus conditioner is fantastic for anybody looking to heal hair damage caused by color treatments, heat styling, or ordinary wear and tear. ProteinFusion, a mix of keratin and black rice extract that strengthens and nourishes the hair shaft, is the main component (which is also made up predominantly of protein).
What We Like
- Enhances the health and texture of the hair
- adds radiance
- hair is smoothed and softened
What We Don’t Like
- A little costly
2. TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner is ideal for dry hair.
This great multitasker can repair damage as well as increase moisture for a smoother finish. It has a light texture that rinses readily (no greasy residue), making it an excellent choice for regular to dry strands.
What We Like
- Vitamin E is present.
- Affordable
- Most hair kinds are accommodated.
We Do Not Like
- The consistency is slightly runny.
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3. OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Conditioner has the best scent.
This OGX sulfate-free conditioner contains coconut milk and coconut oils for lightweight moisturizing. It’s not too rich, so it won’t weigh down thin hair, and the whipped egg white protein helps with damage healing. It has the aroma of a tropical island trip.
What We Like
- The aroma of sweet coconut
- Nourishing
What We Don’t Like
- Not nourishing enough for really dry hair.
4. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner is ideal for curly hair.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS Honey bees that feed on the manuka tree generate manuka honey. Most honey’s antibacterial properties are derived from hydrogen peroxide, but manuka honey is unique in that it includes both hydrogen peroxide and another antibacterial component called methylglyoxal.
Curly hair is porous, which means it dries out faster. As a result, it’s critical to locate a conditioner rich in moisturizing elements, which our SheaMoisture product is abundant. Shea butter, honey, African rock fig and baobab oil, and manuka honey are used to help retain water and nurture each strand. The end result? Curls that have been well-maintained.
What We Like
- Ingredients derived from nature
- Designed for curly and coiled hair.
What We Don’t Like
- I wish the formula was thicker.
5. Pantene Miracle Rescue Deep Conditioning Hair Mask is ideal for damaged hair.
This pharmacy hero purchase Pantene is a conditioning mask, so it’s a wonderful one to grab if your hair is severely damaged or dry. Try letting it in for a few minutes before rinsing for visibly smoother, shinier strands.
What We Like
- Exceptionally nourishing
- Works nicely for detangling and smoothing.
What We Don’t Like
- Fine hair may become weighed down.
6. Herbal Essences are ideal for normal hair. Smoothing Conditioner with Rose Hips
“If you have regular, uncoloured hair, this is a beautiful conditioner that’s also inexpensive,” Nader explains. “I enjoy the delectable smell, and it leaves my hair full, lustrous, and hydrated.”
We particularly like that it contains jojoba, which has been shown to increase hair suppleness and protect against breakage. And, as previously stated, the scent is incredible!
What We Like
- enticing flowery smell
- Jojoba oil and rose extract are included.
- Excellent value for money
What We Don’t Like
- It may not be nutritious enough for extremely dry or damaged hair.
7. Kristin Ess The One Signature Conditioner is the best conditioner for wavy hair.
“This is excellent quality for a drugstore product,” Nader says. “Keratin inclusion is wonderful for individuals prone to breaking, and there are no sulfates to encourage color loss.”
Keratin, in particular, is an excellent addition for damaged hair since it can help to restore the integrity and strength of each individual strand.
What We Like
- Free of sulfates
- Keratin and protein are present.
What We Don’t Like
- A little expensive
8. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk 3-in-1 Conditioner is best for coarse hair.
This multipurpose pick may be used as a regular conditioner, a co-wash, or a leave-in treatment. It’s best for individuals with coarse hair and a tighter curl pattern, and it’s high in keratin amino acids and enzymes to nourish.
What We Like
- Multi-purpose
- Rice, keratin amino acids, and enzymes are included.
- Free of sulfates and silicones
What We Do Not Like
- Strong odours
9. Monday Haircare Smooth Conditioner is the best for frizz.
Monday Haircare is a New Zealand brand that has swiftly gained cult status in the United States, and it’s easy to understand why. The entire collection is inexpensive, effective, and enjoyable to use, with recyclable pump bottles and sulfate-free formulas. Smoothing conditioner, containing glycerin, coconut oil, panthenol, and shea butter, is our selection for smooth, lustrous, manageable locks.
What We Like
- Excellent value
- Packaging that is recyclable
- Coconut oil, shea butter, glycerin, and panthenol are all present.
What We Don’t Like
- Fine hair may become weighed down.
10. L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Conditioner is ideal for coloured hair.
It’s difficult to find a drugstore conditioner that’s both sulfate- and silicone-free, but L’Oreal Paris’ Ever Pure checks both requirements. It detangles and restores shine in normal, dry, or colored hair and has a fresh, herbaceous aroma and creamy texture.
What We Like
- Free of sulfates and silicones
- Colored hair is not affected.
- A pleasant aroma
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive for a drugstore formula
11. Dove Nutritive Solutions Moisturizing Conditioner is the best pump.
Dove’s simple but powerful conditioner is super-hydrating, removing significant frizz, flyaways, and apparent indications of damage. It’s simple to work into the hair but simply rinses out, so there’s no mass, greasiness, or extra weight. Furthermore, the massive pump bottle appears to last indefinitely.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Softens and detangles the hair
- A pleasant aroma
What We Don’t Like
- Not Byrdie-free
FAQ
What Should You Look for in a Cheap Conditioner?
Formula
Choose a conditioner that is designed for your hair type. Someone with oily hair will definitely struggle with a conditioner designed for fine hair, and vice versa. To receive the greatest results, use a conditioner that has been specially developed for your hair issue.
Silicones should be avoided.
Silicones can prevent moisturizing substances from entering deep into the hair shaft over time. This may cause hair to feel dry or brittle after using conditioner, which we don’t want. As a result, we should attempt to avoid silicones in our conditioner as much as feasible.
Is cheap conditioner detrimental for your hair?
No, just be sure to read the label before buying to prevent any possibly dangerous components.
Can you use conditioner instead of shampoo?
Conditioners, unlike shampoo, may be used every day. On days when you don’t use shampoo, you may use it alone to maintain your strands healthy, silky, and simple to manage. 8
