These Drugstore Conditioners Are a Good Hair Day in a Bottle

written by
Celia Shatzman
Celia Shatzman is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers beauty, fashion, celebrities, entertainment, and other lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, and more.
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Celia Shatzman
updated Nov 05, 2020

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Conditioners are key to strengthening the hair cuticle, preventing breakage, replenishing moisture, and detangling. And just like your favorite shampoo, you can get a formula that is meant to target your hair needs and concerns, whether that's dullness, breakage, or split ends. The best part is a good conditioner doesn’t need to break the bank.

Read on for our picks of the best drugstore conditioners that are affordable and effective.

Best Overall: Nexxus Keraphix Conditioner for Damaged Hair

Nexxus
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Nexxus is known for its damage control, and this conditioner will help heal yours no matter if it was caused by color, treatments, or too much heat styling. It restores moisture to the hair and improves its resilience.

The structure of our hair is made up of 90% protein, which is why this is infused with the brand’s exclusive ProteinFusion, including keratin protein and black rice, to deeply nourish, leaving hair silky smooth. Even severely damaged hair will be re-hydrated and detangled. 

Best for Damaged Hair: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner

TRESemme Moisture Rich Conditioner with Pump
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This magical multitasker does everything from restoring damaged hair to bringing back shine to quenching thirsty strands to leaving hair super soft. The touchability and sheen come courtesy of the infusion of vitamin E. The conditioner works on all hair types, and since the formula is lightweight, it won’t weigh down fine strands.

Best for Curly Hair: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner

Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Conditioner
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Key Ingredients

Manuka honey is produced by honey bees that feed on the manuka tree in New Zealand and Australia. Most honey derives its antibacterial nature from hydrogen peroxide, but the manuka variety is unique in that it contains both hydrogen peroxide and another component called methylglyoxal, which means it's highly antibacterial.

Curly hair has a tendency to get dry easily, so look for a conditioner with extra hydration to nourish the hair shaft. This pick from Shea Moisture is designed for thirsty strands and made with natural and organic ingredients, including shea butter, honey, African rock fig and baobab oils. They work together to soften, detangle, add shine, and deeply condition. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory manuka honey soothes the scalp and improves the moisture barrier, while mafura oil’s oleic acid naturally restores oil.

Best for Frizz: Dove Nourishing Secrets Smoothing Conditioner

Dove
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Key Ingredients

Marula oil is a naturally-occurring oil derived from the marula tree. It's lightweight and non-comedogenic—the specific profile of fatty acids in marula oil is very similar to the oils naturally found in the skin.

Marula oil is a trendy hair ingredient right now for good reason. Packed with antioxidants, nutrients, fatty acids, and minerals, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to keep the scalp healthy and boost growth, plus it protects against environmental damage. Dove’s Smoothing Ritual Marula Oil Conditioner puts the powerhouse ingredient at its center, along with baobab to nourish hair. They team up together for impressive hydration, frizz-fighting, and smoothing benefits.

Best for Dry Hair: OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Conditioner

OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Conditioner
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When you want mega moisture, turn to coconut milk. This gentle, sulfate-free conditioner from OGX is packed with the stuff. The formula also contains coconut oils for added hydration, as well as whipped egg white proteins to repair damaged hair and strengthen it. Bonus: Like anything coconut, its scent will transport you to a tropical vacation.

Best for Color-Treated Hair: L'Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting Conditioner

L'Oreal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Intensive Protecting Shampoo
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This contains antioxidants to boost hair health, ceramides to repair damaged hair fibers, and UV filters to guard hair color from fading. The final touch is that it can seal in color for up to 30 days. 

Best for Dull Hair: Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Conditioner

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This promises to promote sleek strands with its strengthening formula infused with fairly and sustainably sourced argan oil from Morocco. The favorite ingredient does its job to fight frizz and smooth the hair. The Fructis formula also contains the brand’s signature Active Fruit Protein, an exclusive blend of citrus protein, vitamins B3 and B6, and fruit extracts to help hair become healthier. 

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