In the world of hair washing, shampoos often get all the attention. After all, they’re the ones that suds up so nicely and complete the intended job of actually cleaning your hair. Conditioner often takes a backseat, an afterthought that you may quickly slap onto your ends, or even skip altogether on busy mornings . But much more than shampoo’s sidekick, conditioners deserve their place in the spotlight, too. Not only do they deliver much needed moisture to your strands, helping to make them smoother and easier to detangle post-shower in the process, choosing the right formula can also help lay the foundation for your chosen hair style. The bottom line? If you want shampoo commercial-worthy locks, you absolutely, positively have to use a good conditioner. Ahead, nine to add to your shower stash, stat.
More Best Hair Products:
The 9 Best Conditioners for Shiny and Sexy Hair
Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Potent Aloe + Hemp Conditioner
The Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Potent Aloe + Hemp Conditioner ($6) is a one-stop-shop. It fights frizz, hydrates, strengthens, and protects your mane, all with a sulfate-free formula that smells ah-mazing.
Matrix Biolage R.A.W. Scalp Care Rebalance Conditioner
It's important to remember that healthy hair comes from a healthy scalp...and that it's not just shampoo that can play a role in this connection. Case in point: The Matrix Biolage R.A.W. Scalp Care Rebalance Conditioner ($25), which uses natural ingredients such as willow bark and rosemary to soothe and moisturize a dry or irritated scalp.
Emerge Smooth Mover Moisturizing Conditioner
Specially made to address the conditioning needs of curly and coily hair, the Emerge Smooth Mover Moisturizing Conditioner ($7) moisturizes and softens spirals, without ever weighing them down or leaving them stiff and crunchy. Bonus points for the 100 percent recycled packaging.
Dove Care Between Washes Go Active Dry Conditioner
Your beloved dry shampoo has a new BFF. Just as you'd use a traditional conditioner, spritz the Dove Care Between Washes Go Active Dry Conditioner ($5) from the mid-lengths to ends of your hair to instantly condition and de-tangle. And while it works great paired with dry shampoo, it also works well as a mid-day touch-up on its own.
Hair Food Kiwi & Turkish Fig Volume Conditioner
When your hair goal is volume, conditioners can often be problematic, providing too much moisture that can weigh down strands. But not the Hair Food Kiwi & Turkish Fig Volume Conditioner ($8). It delivers lightweight hydration to smooth your mane, but still leave it full and voluminous. Plus, the sweet scent is totally addicting.
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Purple Conditioner
Yes, the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Purple Conditioner ($4.50) is in fact purple, but don't freak out. That violet hue does a very important job, working to counteract unwanted brassy tones from highlighted brunette, blond, and/or gray hair. Try making it a part of your routine two to three times per week to keep your color vibrant.
Drybar Liquid Glass Smoothing Conditioner
From the blowout chain known for ensuring good hair days, the new Drybar Liquid Glass Smoothing Conditioner is the perfect pick for those who want ultra-smooth, ultra-sleek strands. Ideal for all textures, it relies on murmuru butter, neroli oil, and keratin to hydrate, soften, and impart mega-watt shine.
Pantene Nutrient Blends Illuminating Color Care Conditioner
If you color your hair, you'll definitely want to use a color-safe shampoo to safeguard your hue, but a color-safe conditioner is also a must. Enter the Pantene Nutrient Blends Illuminating Color Care Conditioner ($7). Not only will the sulfate-free formula not strip your hue, it's also packed with biotin to make it look extra shiny and vibrant. (Oh, and strengthen hair, too.)
TRESemme Pro Pure Light Moisture Conditioner
Anyone with fine strands will appreciate the TRESemme Pro Pure Light Moisture Conditioner ($6). It hydrates and adds shine, but isn't too heavy to weigh down limp locks. Also nice: The formula is free of silicones, parabens, and dyes.