The Conditioner Edit: Our Editors' Favorite Formulas of 2025

$27.00

Our experience shows Normcore Signature Conditioner softens and hydrates hair nicely, earning a 6.5/10 for its reliable everyday smoothing and pleasant lingering fragrance. During our testing it left strands feeling clean and manageable, and the sulfate-free, color-safe formula detangles well, but some reviewers reported it can feel heavy or greasy on finer hair. We also noted packaging frustrations when product runs low, so plan accordingly—if you don't mind a bit of weight, it’s a nicely scented hydrator.

$27.00

at Loveamika

$24.00

If you’re chasing defined, bouncy curls, our experience shows the Curl Conditioner (8/10) is a standout thanks to organic Argan Oil and Cucumber Extract that boost hydration and curl definition. We found it enhances shape and reduces frizz while keeping strands feeling nourished, but during our review a subset of users disliked the scent and reported a coarse finish on their hair. Priced at $24, it’s a strong mid-range pick for curl care—just patch-test for fragrance sensitivity.

$24.00

at Dermorganic

$15.50

Paul Mitchell Instant Moisture Conditioner earned an 8.5/10 in our testing for balancing strong hydration and detangling with a lightweight feel, making it a go-to for easy manageability. We found the soy proteins and shea butter visibly strengthen and soften strands without weighing down fine hair, though during our review the scent proved artificial and overpowering for some noses. It’s not sulfate-free, which might matter if you’re strict about that, but as a reliable detangler and hydrator it’s one of our top value picks.

$15.50

at Amazon

$37.00

Pureology’s Hydrate Conditioner earned its high 9.5/10 in our testing by delivering exceptional hydration, friction-free detangling and a luxurious, frizz-free finish that leaves hair glossy and soft. We found the cooling, tingly scalp sensation and deep nourishment transform parched strands, but during our review the minty scent was strong and the thick formula can be hard to dispense—plus it’s a pricier splurge at $37. If you want a top-rated hydrator for color-safe, high-performance moisture, this remains our top-rated choice.

$37.00

at Pureology

$28.00

Hydro Rush Shampoo (score 6/10) leans into modern hydrators — in our testing its hyaluronic acid and squalane do attract and retain moisture, and we found the scent refreshes hair. However, during our review it proved inconsistent: some testers reported greasy roots and dry ends, so it didn’t always deliver balanced hydration. It’s sulfate-free and color-safe, which we appreciate, but at $28 it’s pricier than some more reliable hydrators, so consider your scalp needs before splurging.

$28.00

at Loveamika

$8.32

Herbal Essences Smooth Conditioner is an affordable everyday option (about $8.32) that scored a 6.5/10 in our testing for leaving hair soft and easy to manage. We found the long-lasting, pleasant fragrance and detangling performance appealing for a budget pick. During our review some users experienced dryness and even hair fall, and because it’s not sulfate-free you may need a follow-up treatment for very dry or color-treated hair. Our experience shows it’s best for mild smoothing rather than deep nourishment; patch-test if you have a sensitive scalp.

$8.32

at Amazon

$7.97

Hello Hydration Conditioner earned a 7/10 in our testing as an affordable hydrator that softens strands and eases detangling. We found the coconut scent pleasant without being overpowering for many, and it’s a reliable rinse-out option at around $7.97. During our review it fell short on very dry or severely damaged hair and the silicone-containing formula may not suit everyone’s routine. If you want budget hydration that plays nicely with color but not a heavy restorative treatment, this is a solid pick.

$7.97

at Amazon

$26.00

In our testing, Colorwow's Dream Cocktail coconut-infused leave-in (score 7/10) proved great at taming frizz and boosting glossy shine without weighing hair down. We found the lightweight, sulfate-free formula and pleasant coconut scent make it an easy everyday finish, and it’s color-safe for treated hair. During our review it did need heat activation to show its best smoothing and some testers with very dry strands needed an extra hydrating product. Note: it doesn’t add detangling power, so pair accordingly.

$26.00

at Colorwowhair

$37.05

During our review, Briogeo's Don't Despair, Repair! mask stood out as a clean, deeply hydrating treatment—earning a 7.5/10—thanks to its 97% naturally derived formula and absence of sulfates, parabens and phthalates. We found that it restores moisture and detangles effectively when used as directed, but our experience shows a small amount goes a long way: overapplication can leave hair feeling greasy. Also plan for at least a 10-minute leave-in time in the shower to get full restorative benefits.

$37.05

at Amazon

$12.66

During our review Mielle Organics’ Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner earned a solid 7.5/10 for delivering effective moisture and a strengthening protein boost at an accessible price. We found it left hair manageable and shiny with a refreshing mint tingle on the scalp, though the thin consistency means you’ll use more product for full coverage. Some testers flagged the scent as strong and a few noted slight dryness without adding oils, but for budget-conscious shoppers seeking fortifying hydration it’s a dependable option.

$12.66

at Amazon

$18.00

Therapy Session Hair Mask scored 7.5/10 in our testing as an affordable, effective hydrator that softens hair and tames frizz while delivering good product volume for the price. We found the scent pleasant and the manageability gains notable after use, but during our review a reformulation left some users reporting dryness, increased shedding and occasional scalp irritation. Our experience shows it’s a smart budget treatment to try if your hair responds well to masks, but watch for sensitivity and discontinue if irritation appears.

$18.00

at Eva-nyc

$32.00

Olaplex Nº.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner earned an 8.5/10 in our testing for reliably strengthening and hydrating hair without heaviness—our experience shows a little goes a long way, which makes it cost-effective despite the price. During our review it smoothed and detangled chemically treated strands while preserving color, but we noticed it’s not a miracle for split ends and some testers struggled with the stiff, hard-to-squeeze packaging. Overall, it’s a top pick for bond care and everyday moisture.

$32.00

at Olaplex

$37.99

In our testing, Redken's All Soft Mega Curls scored an impressive 9/10 for delivering intense hydration and nourishment to very dry curls and coils, leaving strands soft, shiny and much easier to detangle. We found the sulfate-free, color-safe formula specifically tames frizz and restores bounce to tight textures, though our experience shows you’re paying a premium for those results. During our review the only real downside was price; if you have parched curls, it's worth the splurge for the moisture payoff.

$37.99

at Ulta

$9.99

During our review, Cream Silk Damage Control impressed as an affordable, lightweight option that smooths frizz and relaxes waves while leaving hair soft and silky; it earned a 7.5/10 in our testing for everyday manageability. We found the fragrance delightful but note it can be a bit fruity or strong for sensitive noses, and its sulfate-containing formula may not suit those avoiding sulfates. Also be mindful to rinse thoroughly—overuse or incomplete rinsing occasionally left strands feeling oily in our experience.

$9.99

at Amazon

$29.99

Ultra Hydra Source Conditioner showed strong initial moisturizing power in our testing thanks to Cupuaçu Butter, and we found hair felt very soft and frizz-controlled for up to 72 hours. During our review the scent polarized testers and a few users reported hair becoming dry or stiff after extended use, so reliability can vary by hair porosity. It does detangle and deeply nourish, but the non–sulfate-free formulation and mixed long-term results mean it’s a mid-tier pick rather than a fail-safe hydrator.

$29.99

at Ulta

$17.99

Silk18 Conditioner impressed us with lightweight hydration and shine—our testing earned it an 8/10 for delivering softness without greasiness and preserving volume. We found strands felt silkier and more manageable, though some testers struggled to rinse it fully and reported a slight residue. The vanilla scent is polarizing in our experience; it’s pleasant to some and overpowering to others. If you want a budget-friendly, lightweight hydrator that adds shine, this one’s a reliable choice provided you rinse thoroughly.

$17.99

at Mapleholisti...

$16.00

No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner is one of our higher scorers at 8.5/10 — in our testing it delivers noticeable hydration and bond-strengthening benefits without weighing hair down. We found it smooths, detangles and preserves color while leaving a subtle, pleasant scent that’s easy to live with. During our review the only real annoyances were stiff packaging that’s hard to squeeze and a price point higher than drugstore options, but its performance makes it worth the $16 Sephora price for many.

$16.00

at Sephora

$34.99

During our review, Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree Special Conditioner delivered a scalp-refreshing tingle thanks to its tea tree, peppermint and lavender blend, and we found it detangles hair while leaving a cool, invigorated feel. It scored a modest 6.5/10 because the refreshing sensory experience isn’t for everyone—some testers found the scent too strong and the tingling uncomfortable. Our experience shows it won’t be the deepest hydrator for severely dry or damaged hair, so pair it with a nourishing mask when needed.

$34.99

at Ulta

$32.00

R+Co Sun Catcher Leave-in Conditioner earned a solid 7.5/10 in our testing for delivering lightweight hydration and real detangling power without greasy residue. We found it absorbs quickly and leaves hair soft and manageable, making it a smart post-shower finish for most textures. During our review the scent polarized some testers — and the pump can demand multiple pumps to get the right amount — but its sulfate-free, color-safe, nourishing formula makes it worth trying at $32 if fragrance isn’t a dealbreaker.

$32.00

at Skinoutlet

$13.50

In our testing, Philip Kingsley's Weightless Conditioner earned a 7/10 for delivering noticeable bounce and shine without heavy residue, making it a smart pick for fine hair seeking volume. We found it detangles and cuts static while remaining color-safe and sulfate-free, but our experience shows results can vary—some testers didn’t find a dramatic lift, and a few said it left strands greasy or insufficiently moisturized. During our review we recommend using sparingly and pairing with a hydrating treatment if you need extra nourishment.

$13.50

at Philipkingsl...

$67.00

In our testing Living Proof’s Full Conditioner (7/10) delivers lightweight hydration and real volume for fine hair, so we found it great when you want shine without weight. It enhances fullness and leaves a pleasant scent, and its sulfate-free, color-safe formula is a plus for treated hair. During our review we did note it lacks detangling power and can feel like a light coating that requires an occasional clarifying shampoo. At $67, the price feels steep for what’s essentially gentle nourishment rather than a heavy-duty detangler.

$67.00

at Livingproof

$59.99

Kerastase Densifique Fondant Densite offers lightweight moisture that maintains natural volume, and in our testing it softened strands without flattening them. We found the formula helps preserve movement and body, which is ideal if you want hydration without heaviness, but during our review several users reported dryness and tangling despite the product’s detangling claims. Given the $60 price and mixed feedback, our experience shows it’s worth trying for volume-minded hair but temper expectations if your strands are very dry or prone to snags.

$59.99

at Target

$27.00

As a go-to for color longevity, Redken's Color Extend Magnetics earned an 8/10 in our testing for preserving vibrancy and leaving hair soft and manageable. We found the sulfate-free, color-safe formula detangles well and imparts a long-lasting, pleasant fragrance that makes colored hair feel polished. During our review fine-haired testers noted it can feel a bit heavy and those with very dry ends may want an extra hydrating boost. It’s a solid pick if color protection is your priority despite the higher price.

$27.00

at Ulta

$4.24

If you want wallet-friendly color maintenance, L'Oreal Elvive Color Vibrancy is a standout budget option that we found keeps color bright and hair soft for daily wear. In our testing it scored a 6/10: it delivers pleasant fragrance and immediate manageability, but our experience shows the non–sulfate-free formula can leave thicker hair prone to dryness or frizz unless you follow with a richer treatment. During our review, some users needed extra moisturizing products to reach optimal texture and smoothness.

$4.24

at Target

$9.21

In our testing Mielle Organics’ Rosemary Mint Conditioner (6.5/10) leaves hair soft, strengthened and smelling great, and we found it can add a pleasant boost to everyday routines on a budget. That said, during our review some users reported increased hair loss and dryness, while others felt it left strands greasy, so results vary a lot by scalp and hair type. If you’re curious, try a small patch first and monitor how your roots and ends respond before making it a staple.

$9.21

at Amazon