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8 Best Conditioners for Men who Want Magnificent Hair

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best conditioner for men

Let’s be real: most men don’t get much guidance about hair conditioner growing up.

And that’s a real shame because the best conditioners can be the difference between fine and great hair.

Not only does it make your hair look better, it actually makes it healthier, too. If you suffer from dry hair, fragile hair, or similar problems, conditioner can be the difference you need to make in your morning schedule.

It can be difficult navigating the crazy number of choices you have these days. Just searching for conditioners on eCommerce websites will give you hundreds of brands, along with multiple options from each.

So, we’ve put together this review as a way of narrowing down your options and making sure you only buy the very best conditioners there are. These hair products will provide the extra moisture and health you need for all sorts of hair textures, making sure you never have a bad hair day again.

In a hurry? Here are our top picks:
Jack Black - Nourishing Hair and Scalp Conditioner

Our top choice is Jack Black - Nourishing Hair and Scalp Conditioner – a great option to use if you have sensitive skin, filled with premium natural ingredients that strengthen the hair and nourish the scalp

Nia’s Restructuring Conditioner

Our no.2 pick – Nia’s Restructuring Conditioner – provides long-lasting hydration and reduces damage to your hair.

And that’s not all:

We’re also going to give you an illustrated guide to using conditioner and explore the important distinctions between conditioner and shampoo.

Before we begin, let’s look at the 4 key factors you need to consider when buying a conditioner.

Quick summary

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bb2-table__imageJack Black - Nourishing Hair and Scalp Conditioner
  • Natural ingredients
  • Hydrates the hair
  • Strengthens the hair
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bb2-table__imageNia Restructuring Conditioner
  • Provides long-lasting hydration
  • Reduces damage to hair
  • Helps make hair more manageable
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bb2-table__imageV76 by Vaughn Hydrating Conditioner
  • Reduces itchiness and flakiness
  • Provides superior hydration
  • Cleans and softens your hair
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bb2-table__imageBilly Jealousy Cashmere Coat Hair Strengthening Conditioner 
  • Fantastic peppermint scent
  • Great for scalp acne and psoriasis
  • Detangles the hair and makes them soft
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bb2-table__imageK & S Men’s Hair Conditioner
  • Heals damaged hair
  • Soothes a dry scalp while reducing dandruff
  • Money-back guarantee
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bb2-table__imagePURA D'OR Biotin Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo & Conditioner Set
  • Helps the fight against hair loss, proven by science
  • Packed full of natural ingredients
  • Smells the finest
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bb2-table__imageVerb Hydrating Conditioner
  • Formulated with natural ingredients
  • Vegan and cruelty free
  • Repairs and hydrates the hair
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bb2-table__imageIt’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner
  • Versatile, multi-faceted product
  • Excellent for curly hair
  • Protects your hair from damage
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Before you buy: 4 Things to consider when purchasing a conditioner

Like shampoo, conditioner is not a one-size-fits-all type of product. For example, oily hair and coarse hair will need different types of conditioners. You’ll also see the best results with different conditioners if you have straight hair or curly hair.

Yes, all conditioners are designed to add moisture to the hair and scalp, as well as soften the hair and increase its luster, but they come in different types, and some are better for certain kinds of hair than others.

1. Let’s start by looking at the three main types of conditioners:

  • Rinse-Out Conditioner

This type is the most common of all conditioners. You know the type: you apply it in the shower after washing your hair and then rinse it off when you’re finished. This type of conditioner is the middle ground between a deep conditioner and a leave-in conditioner.

  • Deep Conditioner

Deep conditioners provide more intensive treatment for your hair and work to get to the root of your hair follicle. In most cases, deep conditioning involves leaving the conditioner on your hair for 10 to 30 minutes and requiring you to wear a shower cap or a hair mask after you’ve applied it.

As a general rule, deep conditioners should be applied two to three times a week for maximum effectiveness.

  • Leave-In Conditioner

You apply this type of conditioner after your shower and, as its name implies, is meant to remain in your hair throughout the day.

Leave-in conditioner both conditions and detangles your hair and often contains a heavy oil mixture. It works much like a facial moisturizer by nourishing your hair. Some leave-in conditioners include sunscreen to act as a protective barrier from sun and heat damage. Leave-in conditioner is also usually the best type of conditioner for dyed hair.

2. Key ingredients

Hair conditioner is no different than many other men’s grooming products in that you’ll find products with all-natural ingredients and some with a mix of natural and man-made. Here are some ingredients to look for:

  • Cetearyl Alcohol

Cetearyl alcohol is a “fatty” alcohol that won’t dry your skin like other types of alcohol. Instead, it acts as a natural emollient to soften your skin and hair.

  • Carrier Oils

You’ll find carrier oils in many men’s grooming products, including beard oil, shaving cream, and more. Carrier oils are effective because they mimic the (sebum) oil that’s excreted by the glands along the root of your hair follicle and moisturize your skin and hair.

Jojoba and argan are the mildest of oils and have a mild scent that’s often masked by other fragrances found in a particular brand of conditioner.

  • Vitamins

You’ll find vitamin B5 in virtually every conditioner on the shelf because it helps repair damage to your hair follicles.

3. Your hair type

Knowing your hair type is an important part of that care.

Here are some general rules for determining your hair type:

How to Tell Your Hair Type

1) You have straight hair if your hair hangs straight down from the root and tends to look flat when it’s wet.

2) You have curly or wavy hair if your hair bends or curves in different directions from the root and has a lot of volume.

The natural texture of the hair you have is one of the most important considerations when buying a conditioner.

  • Oily, Flat Hair

Men with hair that stays oily or greasy often don’t use conditioner, but others do because they overly shampoo their hair to rid it of its greasiness. That said, stay away from conditioners that claim to provide extra hydration and moisture. If you have an oily scalp, these types of conditioners might cause more damage. 

Instead, look for brands that strengthen, volumize, or balance your hair. Leave the moisturizing conditioner for people with dry hair.

  • Dry Hair

Excessively dry hair often becomes damaged and brittle, making your choice of conditioner of even greater importance. Dry hair can cause future damage in the long run, and moisture retention should be your number one priority when you’re looking for a conditioner for your needs.

Shop for conditioners that moisturize, hydrate, smooth, or balance hair, while avoiding volumizing, strengthening, and fortifying conditioners that won’t provide enough moisture to your hair.

  • Normal Hair

Suppose you have normal hair, congratulations. In your case, the options for buying a conditioner are many, indeed, and you’re able to focus on a conditioner that simply feels good or works the best for you.

  • Fine Hair

If you have fine hair, choose a volumizing conditioner that gives your hair more body and a fuller-looking style.

  • Thin Hair

If your hair is thinning, look for a conditioner that increases the size of hair strands to give the illusion of thicker hair. There are also hair loss conditioners that stimulate the scalp to support hair growth.

  • Sensitive Hair/Scalp

If your scalp is sensitive and easily irritated, look for a gentler conditioner that’s sulfate-free. You’ll have a harder time dealing with a traditional conditioner because of your hair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXO2yIJRLuI

4. Do I need It?

Lastly, the question of whether men should use conditioner may be in the back of your mind. The better question, perhaps, is why you need it:

  • Your hair follicles become damaged due to brushing, blow-drying, adverse weather, excess sun, etc. Shampoo does a great job in cleaning your strands of hair but doesn’t lock in moisture and may leave your hair looking – and feeling – dry and brittle.
  • Conditioner treats your hair with nutrients but also makes it more manageable for styling purposes.

OK, now let’s take a look at the best conditioners for men.

Well, let us help you make up your mind! Here are seven reasons why conditioner works great for men:

1. It makes your hair softer and shinier

2. It helps protect your hair from sun damage

3. It can repair damaged hair

4. It can make styling easier

5. It can reduce tangles and knots in long hair

6. It can keep your scalp healthy by maintaining its natural oils and bacteria levels

7. And it can make your hair smell great!

The 8 best conditioners for men

1. Jack Black – Nourishing Hair and Scalp Conditioner 

Jack Black - Nourishing Hair and Scalp Conditioner

Well, I’m sure most of you know Jack Black by now. It is a brand that simplifies skincare for men creating luxurious non-complicated products for their needs.

Jack Black Nourishing Hair and Scalp Conditioner is a great example of its true quality reputation. It is formulated with premium organic ingredients without any artificial fragrances, parabens, or sulfates.

This makes it very ideal for men with a sensitive scalp that is irritated easily.

Looking deeper into the main ingredients it contains:

  • Tea tree leaf oil which is antibacterial and antifungal
  • Basil which has been proven to improve and speed up hair growth
  • Skil Protein which moisturizes and softens the hair
  • Green tea extract which stimulates hair follicles to prevent hair loss

Overall, a great selection of ingredients that will soften and certainly improve the health of your hair. While it is free from artificial fragrances, it does have a mild scent from its natural ingredients that you will surely appreciate.

However, quality comes at a price.

The price is a little bit expensive compared to the amount you are getting (295 ml), which might be an issue for some.

Who’s it for: Men with sensitive skin

Pros

  • Premium organic formulation
  • Moisturizes and strengthens the hair
  • Suitable for sensitive scalps

Cons

  • The price is undeniably high for the amount

Bottom line

An exceptional premium conditioner that will amaze you with its effectiveness.

2. Nia Restructuring Conditioner

Nia Restructuring Conditioner

If there’s one thing you can count on with DS Laboratories’ products, it’s the backing of high-tech innovation, clinical research, as well as the endorsements of leading dermatologists around the world.

They’re all reasons why you should give serious consideration to DS Labs’ Nia Restructuring Conditioner, which combines science and research to create a product that many customers love.

It also has hair-healthy ingredients such as Honey Bee Moisture Complex, which nourishes the scalp and hair; panthenol, which improves that flexibility and elasticity of hair follicles while also creating a nice shine.

There is also tocopheryl acetate, a source of vitamin E that helps stimulate hair growth.

In short, it does everything you’d expect a quality conditioner to do: it repairs split ends, hydrates the hair with long-lasting moisture, reduces damage while giving it a lightweight, soft feel that lasts throughout the day.

The Nia Conditioner is suitable for all hair types and safe enough to use if your hair has had a lot of sun exposure, or damaged by styling or color treatments.

It also features DS Labs’ unique Nanosome delivery system, which allows the conditioner’s active ingredients to penetrate the scalp to the desired depth. The nanosomes, which encapsulate the ingredients, release their contents in a gradual, systematic manner.

Pro tip:

You can also use it in conjunction with the Nia Restructuring Shampoo for a powerful one-two solution for keeping your hair healthy.

Who’s it for: Men with all hair types

Pros

  • Provides long-lasting hydration
  • Reduces damage to hair
  • Helps make hair more manageable

Cons

  • Few, if any

Bottom line

The Nia Conditioner by DS Labs is an innovative product that will help your hair’s overall health while making it softer, silkier, and more manageable.

3. V76 by Vaughn Hydrating Conditioner

V76 by Vaughn Hydrating Conditioner

V76 by Vaughn Hydrating Conditioner is another notable addition to our list of the best conditioners for men. Why? Because it is a product that aims to provide the absolute best hydration to its user.

Free of parabens and other harmful chemicals, its main ingredients consist of sage leaf, chamomile, and vitamin E.

Sage leaf hydrates by bringing back lost moisture while detangling and softening the hair.

Chamomile promotes hair growth and assists in the reduction of unwanted dandruff.

Vitamin E strengthens and brings shine to the hair because of its rich antioxidant properties.

All the ingredients combined reduce scalp itchiness and create a strong hydration effect that moisturizes even the driest hair types.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that some reviewers didn’t like the smell because it was very overpowering. So if you don’t want a conditioner with a strong smell then this one might not be for you.

Who’s it for: Men with dry hair

Pros

  • Provides superior hydration
  • Reduces dandruff and itchiness
  • Makes hair very soft and easy to manage

Cons

  • Very strong scent

Bottom line

A great conditioner for hair that thirsts for hydration.

4. Billy Jealousy Cashmere Coat Hair Strengthening Conditioner 

Billy Jealousy Cashmere Coat Hair Strengthening Conditioner

Billy Jealousy clearly knows a thing or two when it comes to hair care products, and this is evidenced by the multiple products they have available, such as hair shampoos, hair conditioners, hair pomades, gels, and the list goes on.

It is a brand well-known for its quality, especially in the USA, so it is no surprise we have included their Billy Jealousy Cashmere Coat Hair Strengthening Conditioner on our list.

The conditioner is made with peppermint, lemon peel extract, and panthenol, which have lots of benefits for our dry and rough hair.

Peppermint prevents hair loss and potentially helps to improve hair growth. It gives a soothing sensation and treats unwanted scalp conditions, such as acne and psoriasis.

Lemon peel extract helps bring back the natural shine and makes the hair easier to detangle.

Last but not least, panthenol gives great nourishment leaving the hair soft and conditioned.

As far as the application goes, rest assured this conditioner is lightweight and great for everyday use. It helps detangle, get rid of dandruff, and generally make your hair more manageable and easier to style.

But there’s more.

Billy Jealousy is famous for the unique and pleasant scents of its haircare products. This means you’ll definitely receive a lot of compliments about how your hair smells.

The scent has peppermint notes, lasts long, and certainly brings out masculinity.

Looking at its staggering bottle and its performance, it goes without saying that this is, unfortunately, a conditioner that is not for everyone’s pockets. But if you decide to purchase it, your hair will surely thank you for it.

Who’s it for: Men of all hair types

Pros

  • Excellent conditioning and soothing qualities
  • Detangles and tames unruly hair
  • Great for dandruff and people with psoriasis as it contains peppermint
  • Fantastic peppermint scent

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Other conditioners on our list provide more moisturization

Bottom line

A cool conditioner that’s terrific for unruly hair and has a lot of health benefits for the hair.

5. K & S Men’s Hair Conditioner

K & S Men’s Hair Conditioner

You’ll see the phrase “warrior grade” associated with Krieger and Sohne products because the word “Krieger” means warrior. That’s part of the reason why they believe their products will unleash the warrior within you.

Now, whether a conditioner is truly capable of that is open for debate, but you have to like the K & S spirit. We also know that they have excellent products for your hair, including their stylist-level conditioner. This stuff answers the bell in true warrior fashion.

Let’s break it down:

  • The peppermint oil difference

The K & S Men’s Hair Conditioner is infused with peppermint oil, which helps soothe your dry scalp while reducing dandruff and further skin irritation. Peppermint oil also relieves stress while giving your overall mood a boost. Nothing wrong with that.

  • Healing qualities

If you’ve experienced dry, broken hair in the past, you know the frustrations that come with it, but the K & S Men’s Conditioner is designed to alleviate all that negativity and frustration.

Its list of ingredients includes tea tree oil, a substance used in healing ointments, and aromatherapy. Simply put, it’s good for your hair’s overall health and helps make the K & S Conditioner the best conditioner for damaged hair.

  • And there’s more

Another ingredient you’ll find in Krieger & Sohne’s conditioner is burdock extract. This product claims to purge toxins from your hair while stimulating new cellular growth.

  • Nice scent

The K & S conditioner has a minty smell that is subtle and perfect for a man. You’ll notice it – and others may, too – but it won’t overpower anyone.

  • Leaves a nice shine

Another thing we like about this conditioner is that it leaves your hair shiny and smooth but without the greasy feel, and look, of lower-quality conditioners.

  • The guarantee

K & S offers a hassle-free money-back guarantee on all of its products, which we know you’ll like. If you’re not happy with the product for any reason, simply send it back for a refund.

Who’s it for: Especially good for men with dry, damaged hair

Pros

  • Heals damaged hair
  • Soothes a dry scalp while reducing dandruff
  • Money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Some reviewers say it’s hard to get the conditioner out of the bottle

Bottom line

Krieger & Sohne has an excellent conditioner to pair with its top-quality shampoo. Their conditioner restores and replenishes your hair while making it easy to manage. You’ll like its scent, as well.

6. PURA D’OR Biotin Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo & Conditioner Set

PURA D’OR Biotin Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo & Conditioner Set

PURA D’OR’s Anti-Thinning shampoo and conditioner set is a genuine marvel: rarely will you ever see so many natural ingredients in a single product, let alone so many that are specifically great for reducing hair loss and damage!

And they’ve got proof: in randomized trials, after 8 weeks of daily use, people who washed with PURA D’OR showed significantly less hair loss in their brush as well as generally increased volume and reduced breakages.

So how is it they’re achieving this?

Well, there are 24 different ingredients and 17 DHT blockers in there. And we’re not going to go into the intricacies of every different one. But the most important are:

  • Biotin (often known as Vitamin B because it’s so vital to hair growth!), which supports healthier and thicker hair
  • He Shou Wu, which promotes better circulation of blood, helping hair grow faster
  • Nettle Extract, which is a DHT blocker and helps promote healthier hair growth
  • Argan Oil, which is brilliant for keeping your hair naturally moisturized without greasing it up
  • Vitamin E, which helps keep your scalp moisturized, promoting hair growth
  • Niacin, which is important for circulating nutrients that the follicles need to grow effectively

And that really is just a sample of them.

The net result is a head of hair that is fuller and thicker, with less hair loss and a healthier, cleaner appearance. And it keeps your scalp healthy, too!

It’s also worth mentioning that this is not only a shampoo for the already follicly challenged – it’s also a great way for all men to protect themselves against the tragedy that is thinning hair!

Who’s it for: Men with dry hair

Pros

  • Scientifically proven to mitigate and prevent hair loss
  • The huge list of natural ingredients is very reassuring
  • Smells great, too!

Cons

  • There aren’t any, really!

Bottom line

Whether you already have thinning hair or not, this is a great bulwark against the balding and will keep your hair and scalp super fresh and healthy.

7. Verb Hydrating Conditioner 

Verb Hydrating Conditioner

Verb Hydrating Conditioner is another great conditioner for people who struggle with damaged and dry hair. Its key ingredients are argan oil, hydrolyzed quinoa protein, and vitamin B5.

Argan oil is rich in antioxidant properties, improving the hair’s health and promoting growth.

Quinoa protein prevents breakage of the hair while providing an excellent nourishing and conditioning effect.

Vitamin B5 also strengthens the hair, reducing hair loss and boosting volume.

Its formulation doesn’t contain any parabens or sulfates and is cruelty-free. What more can you ask?

However, it does contain a strong fragrance, which might cause side effects to people who are easily irritated or have sensitive skin types.

Who’s it for: Men with damaged hair

Pros

  • Great natural ingredients
  • Softens, hydrates and repairs damaged hair
  • Vegan and cruelty free

Cons

  • Contains strong fragrance

Bottom line

Verb’s is another company that isn’t on everyone’s radar but delivers quality products that outdo those of many big-name manufacturers. You’ll like how this conditioner makes your hair look and feel.

8. It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Conditioner

 It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Conditioner

Perhaps the real miracle is all the things It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in Conditioner can do: from repairing dry and damaged hair to making your coffee in the morning.

OK, so it can’t really deliver your caffeine fix, but there’s no doubt that this is an extremely versatile product that, besides being the best leave-in conditioner, is also the best men’s conditioner for curly hair.

But it’s also a conditioner that works well no matter your hair type. Do not stop reading if you have straight hair.

While its name makes you think of something that’s a perfect 10 (does anyone remember Bo Derek?), it actually references the 10 things that it can do. While not every item applies to men – it is, after all, a unisex product – it’s worth listing them:

  1. It repairs dry and damaged hair
  2. It adds shine to your hair
  3. It gets rid of tangles
  4. It controls frizziness
  5. It helps protect and seal hair color
  6. It prevents split ends
  7. It stops hair from breaking
  8. It creates a silky feel
  9. It enhances your hair’s natural body
  10. It also acts as an iron spray and thermal protector

If your hair is curly, It’s a 10 Leave-In Conditioner is particularly effective after rinsing your shampoo and regular conditioner away. Simply add this leave-in conditioner at the end, and you’ll better manage and style those luscious waves, coils, and kinks.

Furthermore, you can use any other hair styling product in conjunction with the It’s a 10 Leave-In Conditioner. In either case, you’ll manage your hair more effectively while also giving it excellent body.

So, what makes this conditioner so good – beyond its many functions, that is?

As with most quality grooming products, it all starts with ingredients, and It’s a 10 Leave-In Conditioner has several that enable it to do what it does.

Green tea leaf extract is one of those ingredients and benefits your hair by shielding it from environmental damage, while vitamin B5 (panthenol) both strengthens and softens your hair.

What else? Well, silk amino acids help repair damaged hair, while Camellia Sinensis leaf extract also aids in softening your hair while curbing breakage.

So, who is It’s a 10, anyway?

Based in the U.S. (Florida), It’s a 10 is a sought-after brand by many salons and professional stylists. It was several years in the making – with long research devoted to finding the best formulas for its products – before hitting the market with rave reviews.

They’re also a socially-conscious company that’s heavily involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Right Action for Women, a group devoted to helping women with breast cancer.

Who’s it for: Men with wavy/curly hair

Pros

  • Versatile, multi-faceted product
  • Excellent for curly hair
  • Protects your hair from damage

Cons

  • It doesn’t add exceptional volume

Bottom line

This is a go-to option if you’re looking for a conditioner that stays with you the entire day. It has a long list of benefits, including that it protects your hair from damage. Plus, you can share it with your wife or girlfriend.

Choosing the best conditioner for men

Our reviews of products like conditioner, shampoo, shaving soap, beard oil, essential oils for thick hair – i.e., things you apply to your beard, face, and hair – usually take into consideration a few similar things.

That includes ingredients – the more natural ingredients, the better – price (we strive to find products that fit every budget), user reviews, and even versatility and scent.

But it all comes down to performance, and if products don’t deliver in the performance category, then they aren’t included in any “best of” reviews. To that end, we think all of the products listed here make the grade, and we certainly think they’ll serve you well.

The right stuff: How to use a conditioner in 7 simple, illustrated steps

There’s no need to overly complicate what’s not an overly complicated process, but applying conditioner, like applying shampoo, does have a right way and a wrong way. Let’s look at the right way:

1. Know your hair type

know your hair type 1Your first step is knowing your hair type and choosing your conditioner accordingly. Your first step is knowing your hair type and choosing your conditioner accordingly. As mentioned in a previous section in the article, choose your conditioner based on the thickness and texture of your hair, as well as depending on if your hair is oily or dry.

2. Applying the conditioner

squeeze a small amount of conditioner 2Apply conditioner in the same way you would shampoo: squeeze a small amount into the palm of your hand and then spread it through your hair by using your fingers. Most hair experts suggest that you start at your neck and work your way up.

3. Apply away from the roots

apply away from the roots 3Experts also urge you to apply conditioner away from your hair roots and scalp. As conditioners are meant to target your hair more than your scalp, make sure that it is evenly spread across your head and is being applied to all your hair.

4. Let it sit

le the conditioner sit for a while 4After you’ve spread the conditioner evenly throughout your hair, let it sit for a couple of minutes – or more – before you rinse it out. This will ensure that your hair and scalp have the time to absorb the ingredients properly for better results.

5. Rinse

rinse the conditioner off 5Rinse your hair with warm, not hot, water to get all of the conditioner residues out. Conditioner takes a bit longer to rinse out than shampoo. Some say rinsing it with cold water adds extra shine.

6. Dry it, carefully

dry your hair carefully 6

Blot your hair with a towel to dry it, rather than squeezing it dry. Tugging and squeezing will damage hair follicles. Doing this over an extended period of time might contribute to male pattern baldness. 

7. Or, leave it in

how to apply beard oil 3

There’s no rinsing if you use a leave-in conditioner. Just apply it as you would other types of conditioner but leave it in until the next time you shampoo. Several people use leave-in conditioners after using rinse off conditioners for even better results, looks, and protection. 

Conditioner, shampoo – It’s all the same, right?

No, it’s not.

And while many shampoo manufacturers offer a 2-in-1 benefit by adding conditioner to their for formulas, shampoo and conditioner are different things.

The basic difference isn’t hard to figure out: shampoo cleans your hair while conditioner adds body and helps strengthen it.

While both of these products work on your hair and scalp, shampoos tend to be more focused on the scalp, while conditioners are more focused on your hair.

But there’s more – namely science.

Conditioner 101

First, conditioners are the we-got-your-back solution for when shampoos may strip your hair of natural oils. Conditioners, normally applied after shampoo, make up for the loss of natural oils.

Whether they’re moisturizing, deep, color protectant, or acidifying conditioners, they perform the same basic function. If you’re looking for clean hair, you need shampoo. But if you’re trying to make your hair soft, conditioners are the answer.

  • But how do conditioners work?

Here’s where we’re going to get a bit scientific.

First, when your hair starts to look frizzy or limp, it’s because the cuticle layer of your hair/scalp is worn down. The cuticle layer protects the inner layers of a hair strand. When the cuticle layer of flakes fits snugly together, your hair looks its best.

As the invisible, molecular bonds that hold cuticle cells together weaken over time, individual hair strands tangle and may break off.

However, the key ingredients in conditioners – known as cationic surfactants – bind with hair strands and cover them, as well as covering the cuticle flakes, to provide a nice nest of protection.

The small amount of acid found in conditioners is then able to make the cuticle flakes fall tightly together to give your hair the smooth feeling – even after you rinse the conditioner out.

OK, that’s enough science, although we should mention that conditioners include Cetearyl alcohol, a chemical agent designed to reduce evaporation on the skin.

Meanwhile, emollients keep the skin moist and also reduce evaporation on the skin (while also restoring vitamins and minerals lost during shampooing).

Conditioners have a higher pH level than shampoo because the extra pH provides a balance that helps develop amino acids, which make your hair shinier and full of body. A hydrating conditioner will improve the health of both your hair and scalp in the long run.

  • A quick word about leave-in conditioners

While you rinse most conditioners out of your hair after applying them and working them deeply into your hair and scalp, leave-in conditioners – a.k.a. leave-in hair treatment – remain in your hair until the next time you shampoo.

Leave-in conditioners represent a third step during the grooming process that follows shampooing and the use of typical conditioners you rinse out of the hair. They come in many forms, from spray to liquids to creams.

There are many benefits to leave-in conditioners, including

  1. They add additional moisture and keep hair hydrated throughout the day. They’re great for hair types that need more moisture than a regular conditioner provides.
  2. They help detangle knotted hair while making it easier to brush.
  3. They help make hair more manageable and responsive to styling. If you have tight curls, leave-in conditioners can make your hair easier to manage.
  4. They provide further protection from environmental damage such as the sun, excess chlorine, or weather extremes.

Shampoo

Shampoo has been around longer than conditioner. While humans have used cleaning agents in their hair since, well, the era of the great pyramids, commercial shampoo first emerged onto the grooming scene at the turn of the 20th century.

In fact, shampoo comes from the Hindi word “champo,” which means to massage the head with hair oil. The most common oil used in this process is coconut oil, which is known to strengthen the hair shafts and cuticles for better-textured hair.

The easiest way to describe shampoo is to think of it as a detergent for your hair and scalp. It contains detergents and surfactants – chemicals that produce lather and cleanse oil and dirt from your hair.

The primary purpose of shampoo is to remove the particles that build up in your hair, not the least of which are dandruff and environmental pollutants. It also removes dead skin cells that build up on your scalp and attach themselves to hair follicles.

While most shampoos include a nice-sized list of ingredients, water makes up 70-80% of their entire formula. The rest consists of cleaning agents, oils, anti-dandruff agents, etc., but the agents are typically mild.

  • Do you need to shampoo every day?

That remains open to debate, but most people choose to make shampooing part of their daily grooming routine.

However, deciding not to shampoo for even a couple of days may have a host of negative consequences, including thinner-looking hair, a musty smell, and even in-grown hairs on your scalp.

And you know how aggravating in-grown hairs are on your face (and under your beard). They’re not any fun on your scalp, either.

Conclusion

The topic of men’s conditioner isn’t explored as much as it should, and making slight changes in your hair care routine can give you hair that looks and feels much better. In this article, we have outlined the best conditioners with high ingredient quality that you can use.

Do you have a favorite conditioner that you think should be on the list? Or questions and comments about those we’ve listed here? If so, we’d love to hear your comments and suggestions! We promise to respond promptly.

Until next time, friends.

About The Author

Domen Hrovatin
Domen Hrovatin

Domen—a self-confessed facial hair addict—is a grooming professional, style enthusiast, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about male pattern baldness. His work was mentioned in countless notable men's grooming and style publications, including Beardbrand and AskMen.

  • Ds Laboratories Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo -Shampoo For Hair Growth | HairCare Products says:

    […] stick with it. The earliest you can start evaluating results is 6 months. You may also want to use a conditioner, preferably one that’s made for men who are experiencing hair […]

  • […] stick with it. The earliest you can start evaluating results is 6 months. You may also want to use a conditioner, preferably one that’s made for men who are experiencing hair […]

  • The best conditioner I’ve found is Neutrogena T-Gel conditioner but they have stopped making it apparently. You didn’t get very much bc it came in a not very big bottle but you didn’t need to hardly use any at all & it would make your hair silky smooth. I’ve tried a ton of conditioners and nothing came close to it. I’m guessing it went unnoticed bc people thought of it as just a Dandruff conditioner.

  • Great list of conditioners!
    I use Art Natural argan oil shampoo and conditioner twice a week and it does wonders! My hair is smooth and looks silky! I also use argan oil in my hair, maybe that’s what boosts the effects.

    I definitely recommend using Argan oil atleast 2 times a week.

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