The Best Drugstore Conditioners for Every Kind of Hair, from Just $6
All kinds of hair can benefit from these cruelty-free conditioners, which help moisturize and detangle hair, protect the hair cuticle, and control frizz.
Published May 17 2024, 11:23 a.m. ET
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Shampoo without conditioner is like peanut butter without jelly (or banana? or chocolate? We're not judging). That's to say after you've cleansed your hair, moisturizing it is just the next logical step. And if you think your hair doesn't need conditioner, think again.
All kinds of hair can benefit from a great conditioner, which also helps detangle hair, protects the hair cuticle, and controls frizz. It's unnecessary to invest in salon-priced products to achieve such results, though, as some of the best drugstore conditioners are vegan and cruelty-free—and they work just as well as the pricier stuff. All of the ones below are cruelty-free, too.
The 6 Best Drugstore Conditioners
Best for Curly Hair: Cantu Avocado Hydrating Conditioner ($6.50)
Best for Coily Hair: Imbue Hair Curl Respecting Conditioner ($6)
Best for Thin Hair: Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Conditioner ($15)
Best for Dry Hair: Pacifica Beauty Coconut Power Strong & Long Moisturizing Conditioner ($7, was $10)
Best for Dull Hair: Acure Curiously Clarifying Conditioner ($10)
Best for Deep Conditioner: Carina Organics Sweet Pea Deep Conditioner ($15)
The American Academy of Dermatology says it's important to use a conditioner formulated for your hair type, be it coarse, curly, dry, dull and beyond. And yes, they recommend conditioning after every shampoo. Not sure if you're using the right conditioner for your unique tresses? I found six of the best drugstore conditioners with tons of positive reviews and starting at just $6 on sale. A small price to pay for cruelty-free self-care.
Cantu Avocado Hydrating Conditioner
This everyday hydrating conditioner by drugstore vegan brand Cantu (fun fact: Cantu's curl cream is my go-to) uses plant-based moisturizers like avocado oil and shea butter to deliver all-day moisture and lock it in. The five-free formula is specially designed for curly girls and guys. This. conditioner is also free of silicone, a chemical used to de-frizz and add shine but that ultimately builds up and can weigh your hair down.
Imbue Hair Curl Respecting Conditioner
For tighter curls, kinks and coils, especially if your hair skews dry, give Imbue Hair a whirl. It's Curl Respecting Conditioner is vegan and uses natural ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil and cacao seed butter to keep your curls immaculate. It's free of mineral oils, mineral waxes, and silicones too.
Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Conditioner
If your hair tends to fall flat, try Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Conditioner, which is lightweight enough to moisturize your coif while giving it some bounce — without parabens, sulfates, or Phthalates. It has super nourishing ingredients like biotin, saw palmetto, quinoa protein, and vitamin E that help repair the bonds in your hair, too. Avalon Organics has even achieved the coveted EWG VERIFIED mark for safety.
Pacifica Beauty Coconut Power Strong & Long Moisturizing Conditioner
This Pacifica conditioner is a moisturizing powerhouse, packed with coconut, rice, and superfruits to keep your tresses strong and long, just like the name promises. It also helps protect your hair from environmental damage and the dryness caused by heat damage. Pacifica is a cruelty-free brand that also partners with organizations such as the Gentle Barn and the ACLU, so you know your money is going to a good cause as well!
Acure Curiously Clarifying Conditioner
If dullness and buildup are your issues, this clarifying conditioner by Acure is here to the rescue. The vegan formula drenches your hair thoroughly and removes leftover product, giving your mane a chance to shine, and lemongrass will leave a pleasant scent behind. Like others on this list, Acure is also cruelty-free.
Carina Organics Sweet Pea Deep Conditioner
Sometimes your locks need a moisture infusion, and that's where a deep conditioner comes into play. Carina Organics' Sweet Pea Deep Conditioner is about as pure as it gets, using certified organic plant, vegetable, flower, and tree extracts to nourish hair that's been pushed to its limit.