Is conditioner good for fine hair?

Yes, conditioner is good for fine hair. Even if you’re worried that it might weigh your hair down, it shouldn’t, provided you’re using the right one for your hair type. Conditioners for fine hair can also be volumizing, helping to create the illusion of your hair being thicker. For people with fine hair, Byrdie writer Ashley Rubell suggests that you “plump up those few strands two to three times a week, and just remember to keep conditioner on your ends—it doesn't belong on your scalp.”

Does fine hair need deep conditioner?

Fine hair can benefit from deep conditioning just like all hair types can. Deep conditioners are especially useful for your fine hair if it has been processed or is regularly styled with heat, whether blow-drying, curling, or flat ironing. Guy Tang , hair colorist and creator of #Mydentity, tells Byrdie that "deep conditioning treatments are essential to help repair damaged or compromised hair.” He says of deep conditioners, "I recommend one to all of my clients with color-treated hair. These treatments can help restore the damaged hair shaft and replace vital hair nutrients."

How often should you use conditioner if you have fine hair?

Unless your fine hair doesn’t tangle at all, which is uncommon, you’ll likely benefit from using conditioner each time you wash your hair. If your hair doesn’t tangle, and you feel like conditioner makes it greasy quickly, you can use conditioner every other time you wash. It can also be useful to avoid ever conditioning near your roots because that is where oils gather and only condition the ends of your fine hair.

Can you leave conditioner in your fine hair for too long?

Yes, you can certainly leave any conditioner in your hair too long, and your hair will not benefit from it. Leaving the conditioner in longer than you’re supposed to can lead to the hair shaft getting clogged, which is unhealthy for it. Additionally, you could cause breakage as well as scalp irritation if you leave your conditioner on too long. If you’re looking for a conditioner that can be left in after rinsing without issue, simply add a leave-in conditioner to your hair care routine. Opt for a leave-in made for fine hair.

The 14 Best Conditioners for Fine Hair in 2022

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Folks with fine hair are always on the lookout for products that give it a little more life. Whether you have always had thin hair, lost some postpartum, are going through a stressful period, or just have somewhat sparser locks than you used to, we're happy to tell you there are plenty of ways to achieve fuller, thicker strands—and it starts in the shower.

Many conditioners out there make big promises about their ability to strengthen, plump, and thicken hair. These claims might seem too good to be true—and some certainly are—but we found several rinses that actually live up to the hype. From strengtheners and fortifiers to volumizers and thickeners, we rounded up standout options for every budget.

To give your mane the va-va-voom it craves, check out the best conditioners for fine hair below.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Christophe Robin Volumizing Conditioner at Sephora

Best Drugstore:

OGX Biotin & Collagen Conditioner at Amazon

Best Splurge:

Oribe Conditioner for Magnificent Volume at Amazon

Best Volumizing:

Briogeo Volumizing Conditioner at Sephora

Best Strengthening:

TGIN Strengthening Conditioner at Houseofbeautyworld.com

Best Thickening:

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Conditioner at Sephora

Best for Hair Growth:

Kevin Murphy Plumping Rinse at Amazon

Best for Fullness:

Living Proof Full Conditioner at Amazon

Best Fortifying:

Keranique Volumizing Keratin Conditioner at Amazon

Best Anti-Frizz:

Verb Ghost Conditioner at Amazon

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
Why Trust Byrdie

Christophe Robin Volumizing Conditioner With Rose Extracts

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Won't weigh hair down
Creamy, rich texture
Nice scent

What We Don't Like

Could be more hydrating

"I would choose the Christophe Robin Volume Conditioner with Rose extracts," says hairstylist Sky Kim of Serge Normant at John Frieda in New York City. This protective, detangling rinse is formulated specifically for fine strands.

Thanks to hero ingredients, it works to strengthen and volumize while restoring individual hair fibers and leaving a natural shine in its wake. Plus, as Kim notes, "It's super light and smells good."

Key Ingredients: Baobab leaf, omega-3s, rice protein | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.33 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

OGX Extra Strength Extra Volume + Biotin & Collagen Conditioner

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Strengthening formula
Adds body
Gentle

What We Don't Like

Can contribute to buildup if used daily

OGX Biotin & Collagen Conditioner is formulated with hydrolyzed wheat and B vitamins, a powerhouse blend. The result? Plumped-up strands and a noticeably fuller, better-looking mop.

Key Ingredients: Wheat protein, vitamin B complex | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 13.0 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Oribe Conditioner for Magnificent Volume

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Hydrating, strengthening formula
Boosts volume
Rinses clean

What We Don't Like

Can leave hair a little dry

If you're going to splurge on hair care products, Oribe is always a safe bet. The brand's Conditioner for Magnificent Volume leans on natural ingredients like Japanese bamboo and shea butter, plus high-tech polymers meant to plump your locks without weighing them down.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, bamboo, hydrolyzed proteins | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 6.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Conditioner

Courtesy of Briogeo Hair

View On Sephora

What We Like

Nice scent
Hair looks thicker and fuller
Available in multiple sizes

What We Don't Like

Can leave hair a little dry

If it's volume you're after, Briogeo's Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Conditioner has you covered. Whether you have coily, wavy, or straight hair, this fortifying formula is meant to immediately thicken and lift the follicles while delivering long-term nourishment.

Key Ingredients: Biotin, ginseng, maltodextrin | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.0 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

TGIN Miracle RepaiRx Strengthening Conditioner

View On Houseofbeautyworld.com

What We Like

Hydrating formula
Hair looks shinier after use
Adds softness and body

What We Don't Like

Not a dramatic thickening effect

The TGIN Miracle RepaiRx line is designed to strengthen and nourish brittle hair. By replenishing your scalp with coconut oil and black honey, this conditioner promises stronger, shinier, smoother hair without any added weight.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, honey | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 13.0 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Conditioner

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Available in multiple sizes
Helps detangle hair
Hair feels soft

What We Don't Like

Strong scent

This thickening conditioner pulls out all the stops for fine hair. According to the brand, the nourishing formula contains emblica, a strand-swelling ingredient sourced from Indian gooseberries. What's more, feather-light silk fibers are meant to help detangle and moisturize without weighing you down.

Key Ingredients: Indian gooseberry, silk, panthenol | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Nice packaging
Helps thicken and add body
Smells great

What We Don't Like

Not Byrdie Clean

Caprice Hammon, a hairstylist at Session Studio LLC in Portland, Oregon, tells Byrdie, "Out of the lines I use, I like the Plumping Rinse by Kevin Murphy. It has ingredients to help stimulate hair growth."

Key Ingredients: Amino acids, shea butter, nettle extract | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Hair feels soft and full
Available in multiple sizes
Doesn't weigh hair down

What We Don't Like

Not Byrdie Clean

Featuring the brand's patented "Healthy Hair Molecule," Living Proof's Full Conditioner is formulated to give thin, limp hair new life. You can expect fuller, plumper locks that behave just like naturally thick tresses.

Key Ingredients: Healthy Hair Molecule (patented), wheat protein, soy protein | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.0 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Keranique Volumizing Keratin Conditioner

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

Strengthening formula
Lightly conditions
Nice scent

What We Don't Like

Product texture is on the thin side

Keranique Volumizing Keratin Conditioner is designed to protect and strengthen fine or brittle hair. The unique cream-gel formula coats and enriches each strand with a fortifying keratin complex to create a smoother, more voluminous mane, according to the brand.

Key Ingredients: Ginseng root extract | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.0 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Hair looks shiny
Won't weigh hair down
Available in multiple sizes

What We Don't Like

Could be more hydrating

If you're dealing with thin, frizzy hair, you'll want something that smooths without weighing you down, like Verb Ghost Conditioner. Signature ingredients coat each strand with lightweight protection while addressing split ends and leaving a shiny, sleek finish in its wake.

Key Ingredients: Moringa seed oil, quinoa protein, sunflower seed extract | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 12.0 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

The Mane Choice Ancient Egyptian Anti-Breakage & Repair Antidote Conditioner

View On Sallybeauty.com View On Walmart

What We Like

Hair feels stronger and thicker
Boosts shine
Lightweight yet hydrating

What We Don't Like

Product is on the thick side

Containing kalahari, mongongo, and baobab oils, this conditioner by The Mane Choice is inspired by the formulas used by ancient Egyptians. It's lightweight and gentle enough for daily use and delivers nourished, restored, and strengthened locks.

Key Ingredients: Baobab oil, castor oil, silk amino acids, panthenol | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.0 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Amazon View On Ecosmetics.com

What We Like

Detangles hair
Hair looks shiny
Available in multiple sizes

What We Don't Like

Not Byrdie Clean

For fine, curly hair, we recommend CHI Magnified Volume Conditioner. It effortlessly detangles while working to strengthen, volumize, and smooth coily strands, leaving your hair shiny, bouncy, and more manageable.

Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed silk, panthenol | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 12.0 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Adds body and shine
Nice packaging
Available in multiple sizes

What We Don't Like

A little expensive

"Another option is Virtue's Full Conditioner, which smells good and is nourishing, too," says Kim. This thickening rinse delivers weightless moisture while creating lift and body that lasts all day.

Key Ingredients: Pink pomelo, artichoke leaf | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 6.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Saks Fifth Avenue

What We Like

Hair feels soft and full
Nice scent
Won't weigh hair down

What We Don't Like

Not Byrdie Clean

R+Co Dallas Conditioner leans on hydrating ingredients to soften fine hair while coating each strand with the strength and protection it needs. And with saw palmetto berry extract, you can expect thicker-looking hair with the body you crave.

Key Ingredients: Provitamin B5, biotin, coconut oil, saw palmetto extract | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Final Verdict

When it comes to conditioners for fine hair, Christophe Robin Delicate Volumizing Conditioner With Rose Extracts shines above the rest. Featuring rice protein, omega-3s, and baobab extract, the lightweight formula promises to volumize, restore, and strengthen hair while leaving behind natural shine and a delicious scent. For something a little more affordable, you can't go wrong with OGX Extra Volume Biotin & Collagen Conditioner. And if you're all-in for a high-end product, you won't regret splurging on Oribe Conditioner for Magnificent Volume.

What to Look For When Buying Conditioner for Fine Hair

Intended Hair Type

One of the most important things to look for when buying conditioner for fine hair is the intended hair type. Many options indicate that they're made for thin strands on the label or product description. However, if it doesn't say so explicitly, look for keywords like "volumizing," "thickening," or "full." These terms typically imply a conditioner is formulated to either plump the strands or at least make them look thicker.

Biotin

Many shampoos and conditioners for fine hair contain biotin (vitamin B7). The nutrient is often claimed to help nourish and fortify thin strands while encouraging hair growth.

Other Ingredients

Aside from biotin, there are a few other ingredients to look out for when buying conditioners for fine hair. These include nourishing ingredients like collagen, coconut oil, shea butter, avocado, and other omegas.

If you want something that promises to plump your hair, look for conditioners with niacinamide, amino acids, emblica, hydrolyzed soy protein, saw palmetto, peptides, silk powder, or silica silylate. These thickening agents are meant to either swell the individual strands or wrap them in a starchy texture that makes them temporarily thicker.

FAQ

Is conditioner good for fine hair?

Yes, conditioner is good for fine hair. Even if you’re worried that it might weigh your hair down, it shouldn’t, provided you’re using the right one for your hair type. Conditioners for fine hair can also be volumizing, helping to create the illusion of your hair being thicker. For people with fine hair, Byrdie writer Ashley Rubell suggests that you “plump up those few strands two to three times a week, and just remember to keep conditioner on your ends—it doesn't belong on your scalp.”
Does fine hair need deep conditioner?

Fine hair can benefit from deep conditioning just like all hair types can. Deep conditioners are especially useful for your fine hair if it has been processed or is regularly styled with heat, whether blow-drying, curling, or flat ironing. Guy Tang, hair colorist and creator of #Mydentity, tells Byrdie that "deep conditioning treatments are essential to help repair damaged or compromised hair.” He says of deep conditioners, "I recommend one to all of my clients with color-treated hair. These treatments can help restore the damaged hair shaft and replace vital hair nutrients."
How often should you use conditioner if you have fine hair?

Unless your fine hair doesn’t tangle at all, which is uncommon, you’ll likely benefit from using conditioner each time you wash your hair. If your hair doesn’t tangle, and you feel like conditioner makes it greasy quickly, you can use conditioner every other time you wash. It can also be useful to avoid ever conditioning near your roots because that is where oils gather and only condition the ends of your fine hair.
Can you leave conditioner in your fine hair for too long?

Yes, you can certainly leave any conditioner in your hair too long, and your hair will not benefit from it. Leaving the conditioner in longer than you’re supposed to can lead to the hair shaft getting clogged, which is unhealthy for it. Additionally, you could cause breakage as well as scalp irritation if you leave your conditioner on too long. If you’re looking for a conditioner that can be left in after rinsing without issue, simply add a leave-in conditioner to your hair care routine. Opt for a leave-in made for fine hair.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland specializes in cosmetics and self-care products. As someone with inherently fine hair, she's tried many thickening conditioners over the years. From this list, she's partial to Kevin Murphy Plumping Rinse, R+Co Dallas Conditioner, and CHI Magnified Volume Conditioner.

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