After testing more than 30 shampoos and conditioners over five years, a new review from the New York Post has identified eight top-performing conditioners suited for a range of hair types and concerns. The evaluation focused on moisture, hydration, detangling ability, texture, consistency, fragrance, and overall hair results.

Best Overall

The medicube Rosemary PDRN Hair & Scalp Conditioner was named the best overall conditioner. Its lightweight formula, infused with rosemary, PDRN, amino acids, and proteins, hydrates without weighing hair down or leaving residue. It is designed for both scalp and hair, leaving strands feeling softer, smoother, shinier, and more manageable while refreshing the scalp.

Best for Dry Hair

For those with dry hair, the Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hydrating Conditioner is recommended. This conditioner provides deep hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. Its sweet honey scent enhances the user experience, leaving hair softer, shinier, smoother, and easier to detangle while maintaining movement.

Best for Oily Hair

The Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Conditioner is highlighted for its ability to condition lengths without making roots feel heavier or look greasy. It provides lightweight hydration to the ends, leaving hair feeling fresh, soft, and clean while maintaining volume and manageability.

Best Drugstore Option

The L’Oréal Paris Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner offers a high-end feel at an affordable price. It leaves hair feeling soft and silky, tames frizz, and improves manageability, providing a glossy finish without feeling heavy. This sulfate-free formula is suitable for everyday use.

Best for Curly Hair

The AG Care Curl Fresh Coconut Avocado Conditioner is recognized for its ability to hydrate curls without weighing them down. It helps improve curl definition, makes detangling easier, and leaves hair feeling softer, smoother, and healthier with a lightweight finish.

Best Hair Mask

For deep conditioning and repair, the Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask is recommended. It deeply nourishes and restores dry, damaged-looking hair, leaving it softer, smoother, and healthier with improved manageability. While pricier, a little product goes a long way, making it a worthwhile investment for intensive treatments.

Best Leave-In Conditioner

The It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product has been a long-time favorite for its multi-tasking formula. It detangles, hydrates, smooths, reduces frizz, and adds shine in one step without leaving hair greasy or weighed down. It is suitable for regular use and helps polish hair before styling.

Best Personalized Conditioner

Prose stands out as a top personalized haircare brand. The company creates a custom conditioner based on an in-depth consultation addressing specific hair needs and concerns. This tailored approach results in a formula that leaves hair feeling softer, smoother, and more balanced.

Expert Advice on Conditioner Use

Hairstylists Amy Abramite and Andrew Fitzsimons offered guidance on choosing and using conditioners. When applying, users should start with a dime to quarter-sized amount, massaging it onto the ends and working upwards towards the roots. Leaving the conditioner in for approximately two minutes before rinsing is recommended. For volume, avoiding the scalp is advised. Leave-in conditioners can be used two to three times a week or after every wash for mild to moderately dry or damaged hair. Hair masks, as intense moisturizing treatments, are typically used once a week but can be used more often for extremely dry or damaged hair.

Key ingredients to look for vary by hair type, including coconut oil for bleached hair, rosemary and lemon for oily hair, biotin for thinning hair, argan oil and glycerin for curly hair, avocado and olive oils for dry hair, shea butter and cocoa butter for frizzy hair, and collagen and caffeine for fine hair. Ingredients to avoid include sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, retinyl palmitate, and silicones, which can cause dryness, irritation, or product buildup.