11 best conditioners for dry hair with moisture-boosting formulas
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As someone who has bleached my hair more times than I can count, I've always relied on quality conditioners for dry hair for that extra boost of moisture, shine and smoothness. Plus, I often find that the right conditioning product can make or break my haircare routine, especially when it comes to reviving brittle and damaged hair.
In an ideal scenario, you'd want a formula that's rich in nutrients yet not too heavy or oily that it weighs your hair down. You'd also do well to ensure that it pairs well with your go-to hydrating shampoo, nourishing hair mask and weightless hair oil to get the most out of your #hairwashday.
But as is the case with most haircare products, it's important to keep in mind that healthy-looking hair takes patience to achieve – no matter what hair type you may have. And often, just because a formula has worked for you once, it may not always mean that it will continue to benefit you in the long run.
To help you figure out which one of the countless conditioners out there will work best for your exact hair type and preferences, we've curated an edit of the most effective formulas available. From affordable finds to more premium options and those that come recommended by trichologists, you're sure to find a quality conditioner that will restore your dry hair from roots to length. Here's everything you need to know.
Best conditioners for dry hair at a glance:
- Best conditioner for dry hair overall: VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner
- Best all-rounder conditioning treatment: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moisture
- Best hydrating conditioner for dry hair: L'Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Pure 72h Rehydrating Conditioner with Hyaluronic and Salicylic Acids
- Best strengthening conditioner for dry hair: Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
How to apply conditioners for dry hair
No two conditioners are ever the same, even those specifically designed to treat dry, damaged hair. And although applying conditioners for dry hair is just as simple as you'd expect, the exact instructions may slightly differ between each product.
As a rule of thumb, any good conditioner should be applied to wet hair straight after shampooing. Remember that as is often the case with hair products, less is more, so there's no point wasting half a bottle of conditioner with each use. Start with a small amount and massage it into your hair, adding as necessary until the entire length of each strand is lightly coated.
While some products will recommend that you apply your conditioner from the middle to the tip of your hair, others also double as skincare for your scalp. Not to mention that the time you should leave the product in your hair can vary as well, though it often ranges between around one-to-five minutes – with the notable exception of leave-in conditioners, which don't need to be rinsed out at all.
Which conditioner for dry hair is right for you?
At the end of the day, the conditioner you should go for depends entirely on your hair and personal preference. You should also try to read reviews for each product to make sure that it does what you want it to do.
If you're looking for a good all-round conditioner to nourish and moisturise your hair, the Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner is always a safe bet. Its gentle formula will ensure soft, silky locks, thanks to the addition of ingredients such as argan oil, vitamin A, vitamin E and red algae. If you're someone who often dyes and colours their hair, you can also opt for the Davines NOUNOU Conditioner, which is perfect for bleached, permed or relaxed hair.
Other cult favourites include the Bumble and Bumble Super Rich Conditioner, which includes a flurry of ingredients that help your hair retain moisture, as well as the Leonor Greyl Masque Fleurs De Jasmin Nourishing Mask, which is great for nourishing and repairing your locks and split ends without weighing down your hair.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your haircare routine? Check out our guides for the best hair dryers, best hairsprays, best hair straighteners, and best curling wands. We can also help you pick the best shampoo, best hair conditioner and best hair mask.
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.