11 best conditioners for dry hair with moisture-boosting formulas
As someone who has bleached my hair more times than I can count, I've always relied on quality conditioners for dry hair for that extra boost of moisture, shine and smoothness. Plus, I often find that the right conditioning product can make or break my haircare routine, especially when it comes to reviving brittle and damaged hair.
In an ideal scenario, you'd want a formula that's rich in nutrients yet not too heavy or oily that it weighs your hair down. You'd also do well to ensure that it pairs well with your go-to hydrating shampoo, nourishing hair mask and weightless hair oil to get the most out of your #hairwashday.
But as is the case with most haircare products, it's important to keep in mind that healthy-looking hair takes patience to achieve – no matter what hair type you may have. And often, just because a formula has worked for you once, it may not always mean that it will continue to benefit you in the long run.
To help you figure out which one of the countless conditioners out there will work best for your exact hair type and preferences, we've curated an edit of the most effective formulas available. From affordable finds to more premium options and those that come recommended by trichologists, you're sure to find a quality conditioner that will restore your dry hair from roots to length. Here's everything you need to know.
Best conditioners for dry hair at a glance:
- Best conditioner for dry hair overall: VIRTUE Recovery Conditioner
- Best all-rounder conditioning treatment: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moisture
- Best hydrating conditioner for dry hair: L'Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Pure 72h Rehydrating Conditioner with Hyaluronic and Salicylic Acids
- Best strengthening conditioner for dry hair: Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
%2520COPY.jpg)
How to apply conditioners for dry hair
No two conditioners are ever the same, even those specifically designed to treat dry, damaged hair. And although applying conditioners for dry hair is just as simple as you'd expect, the exact instructions may slightly differ between each product.
As a rule of thumb, any good conditioner should be applied to wet hair straight after shampooing. Remember that as is often the case with hair products, less is more, so there's no point wasting half a bottle of conditioner with each use. Start with a small amount and massage it into your hair, adding as necessary until the entire length of each strand is lightly coated.
While some products will recommend that you apply your conditioner from the middle to the tip of your hair, others also double as skincare for your scalp. Not to mention that the time you should leave the product in your hair can vary as well, though it often ranges between around one-to-five minutes – with the notable exception of leave-in conditioners, which don't need to be rinsed out at all.
Which conditioner for dry hair is right for you?
At the end of the day, the conditioner you should go for depends entirely on your hair and personal preference. You should also try to read reviews for each product to make sure that it does what you want it to do.
If you're looking for a good all-round conditioner to nourish and moisturise your hair, the Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner is always a safe bet. Its gentle formula will ensure soft, silky locks, thanks to the addition of ingredients such as argan oil, vitamin A, vitamin E and red algae. If you're someone who often dyes and colours their hair, you can also opt for the Davines NOUNOU Conditioner, which is perfect for bleached, permed or relaxed hair.
Other cult favourites include the Bumble and Bumble Super Rich Conditioner, which includes a flurry of ingredients that help your hair retain moisture, as well as the Leonor Greyl Masque Fleurs De Jasmin Nourishing Mask, which is great for nourishing and repairing your locks and split ends without weighing down your hair.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your haircare routine? Check out our guides for the best hair dryers, best hairsprays, best hair straighteners, and best curling wands. We can also help you pick the best shampoo, best hair conditioner and best hair mask.
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Shop the best conditioners for dry hair to give your hair the hydrating care it deserves…
Why we love it: This conditioner helps bring damaged hair back to life by reconstructing cuticles and brittle ends and infusing your hair with softness and shine. It's designed to enrich your hair with pure, human keratin protein to help heal and repair damage from heat, chemicals, and colour treatment. So good, you can be your own at-home hairstylist.
Save big when shopping for conditioners for dry hair using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Davines OI Absolute Beautifying Conditioner
Why we love it: Infused with the helpful properties of roucou oil, this nourishing conditioner protects your hair from the consequences of heat styling, in addition to shielding it from environmental damage and UV rays. The best part is that it's formulated to give your hair the shine it deserves, regardless of hair type.
Enjoy savings when shopping for conditioners using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moisture
Why we love it: This affordable conditioner for dry hair contains Australian macadamia nut oil, which relieves and moisturises parched and thirsty hair. And its application is as easy as one-two-three – just slather it on washed hair and then rinse. And that's not all – it's vegan, comes in a recycled bottle and has a sweet, yummy fragrance.
Make sure to bookmark these Boots discount codes to save ££.
L'Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Pure 72h Rehydrating Conditioner with Hyaluronic and Salicylic Acids
Why we love it: Hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid are a powerful duo, so it's no surprise that they're the best way to tackle an oily scalp and dehydrated ends. Great for gently cleansing, leaving your hair feeling lightweight and refreshed after each use.
%2520COPY.jpg)
Why we love it: Made to replenish and treat colour-treated hair, this deep conditioner fights dryness and dullness to give you the glossy finish you've always dreamed of. It has a vegan formula that's powered by a blend of jojoba oil, sage and tea tree extract.
Fenty Beauty The Rich One Moisture Repair Conditioner
Why we love it: Want to make your hair softer, prevent breakage and reduce split ends? Say no more. This product from Fenty Beauty does all of that and more, thanks to a floral-rich formula that contains helpful ingredients such as rosemary leaf extract and green coconut water, as well as shea butter and castor oil.
Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Why we love it: Loved by Kim Kardashian herself, this bestseller hair treatment product is an absolute saviour for damaged, dull hair. It has a highly concentrated, salon-worthy formula that's suitable for all hair types, including thick hair, oily hair, curly hair, coily hair and virtually everything in between.
Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner
Why we love it: Let's face it – it's hardly a roundup of the best conditioners for dry hair without Moroccanoil. This lavish, hydrating product has a super moisturising formula that's enriched with argan oil, vitamin A, vitamin E and red algae that give your hair that irreplaceable shine. Did we mention that it's also sulphate-free and paraben-free?
Why we love it: Filled to the brim with supportive ingredients such hydrolysed keratin, biotin, hemp and chia seed oils, this trending conditioner is our go-to when it comes to giving you luxurious, weightless volume. Great for strengthening brittle hair while also giving it the nourishing touch it deserves.
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Damage Shield Protective Conditioner
Why we love it: Protecting your hair from potential damage is just as valuable as restoring it. And if you're looking to protect your natural hair, this is the product for you. This conditioner from K18 helps your hair keep its softness and strength throughout the day while keeping it looking sleek and shiny.
Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Hydrating Cream Conditioner
Why we love it: Formulated with coconut oil, avocado oil, pea protein and a healthy helping of hyaluronic acid, this vegan conditioner is definitely worth picking up if you're looking to rehydrate and smoothen your hair. It's incredibly versatile too, meaning you can always rely on it to help give your hair a healthy, glossy look that's bound to turn heads.
