The best conditioners in the UK 2023

Used in conjunction with shampoo, conditioner nourishes and softens hair. Its effects are felt more quickly compared to masks, for a shinier and more hydrated result. Moreover, thanks to the conditioner, hair weakened by external polluting factors and heating appliances becomes intensely nourished. Which one to choose? Check out our guide to the best conditioners.

Head & Shoulders Citrus Fresh 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner 1
9/10

Best value for money

Head & Shoulders Citrus Fresh 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner

Best conditioner in 2021

Head & Soulders Citrus Fresh was designed for oily hair. It combines shampoo and conditioner against dandruff and itching. This product cleanses the hair while providing freshness.

14,74 £ on Amazon

Head & Soulders Citrus 2-in-1 has an advanced, dermatologically tested formula. It features a pH balance, boosted with antioxidants to care for hair and scalp. This hair care product is designed to treat the root causes of dandruff while providing 72 hours of continuous protection against itching and dryness. It's the perfect combination of 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner for a cleansing experience that provides freshness and intense moisture to the hair and scalp. In this set, you will find 6 bottles of 270 mL each.

Naturé Moi – Après-shampoing extra-doux 2
8/10

Inexpensive

Naturé Moi – Après-shampoing extra-doux

Best entry-level conditioner

Thanks to its plant note of sweet almond, the Naturé Moi extra-soft conditioner nourishes the hair fiber and preserves the shine of your hair. Its organic formula provides a moment of natural pleasure under your shower.

2,90 £ on Amazon
Brickell Men's Products - Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner for Men 3
8/10

High-end alternative

Brickell Men's Products - Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner for Men

Best premium conditioner

Brickell Men's Products is a hair care set for men that focuses on revitalizing actions. With natural and organic ingredients, it relieves irritation while destroying dead skin flakes.

32,32 £ on Amazon

Packaged in 2 x 237 mL bottles, Brickell Men's Shampoo and Conditioner provides a simple, yet powerful hair care routine. This care set will leave your hair stronger, fuller and healthier. With its natural cleansers, the shampoo provides a deep clean for a flake-free scalp. Combined with the conditioner, this hair care set helps you eliminate hair loss and thinning as well as shedding.

The shampoo consists of a mixture of hydrolyzed protein, amino acids and vitamin E. This formula helps strengthen the hair structure while stimulating the scalp and hair follicles for hair growth and minimizing hair loss. Its formula with peppermint and tea tree oil allows it to relieve scalp irritation with dandruff eradication. They also help improve rapid hair growth and regrowth with the strengthening of luscious locks.

NYK1 Shampoo & Conditioner - Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry and Colored Hair 4
9/10

NYK1 Shampoo & Conditioner - Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry and Colored Hair

A great premium alternative

It is a duo pack with a shampoo and a conditioner for all hair types. Sulfate-free, silicone-free and paraben-free, the NYK1 provides shine and softness to hair thanks to castor oil and coconut oil.

31,96 £ on Amazon

NYK1's Conditioner Shampoo and Conditioner Pack is sulfate, sodium chloride and paraben free. It protects you from the risk of scalp irritation and itching while excluding the stripping effects of ordinary shampoos. Treated with keratin, it is composed of coconut oil and castor oil to protect your hair and moisturize it to the core of its fibers.

The NYK1 pack is mainly for dry hair. It is also perfect for treating Brazilian straightening, colored hair and hair extensions. It includes 2 x 500ml bottles, including a shampoo and conditioner with natural castor and coconut oil formulas to last you for months of use.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best conditioner

Any specific needs?

Best conditioner in 2021

Best entry-level conditioner

Best premium conditioner

A great premium alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best conditioners

The best Inexpensive Top of the line Excellent
Head & Shoulders Citrus Fresh 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner 5
9/10
Naturé Moi – Après-shampoing extra-doux 6
8/10
Brickell Men's Products - Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner for Men 7
8/10
NYK1 Shampoo & Conditioner - Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry and Colored Hair 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Head & Shoulders Citrus Fresh 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner
Naturé Moi – Après-shampoing extra-doux
Brickell Men's Products - Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner for Men
NYK1 Shampoo & Conditioner - Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry and Colored Hair
Head & Soulders Citrus Fresh was designed for oily hair. It combines shampoo and conditioner against dandruff and itching. This product cleanses the hair while providing freshness.
Thanks to its plant note of sweet almond, the Naturé Moi extra-soft conditioner nourishes the hair fiber and preserves the shine of your hair. Its organic formula provides a moment of natural pleasure under your shower.
Brickell Men's Products is a hair care set for men that focuses on revitalizing actions. With natural and organic ingredients, it relieves irritation while destroying dead skin flakes.
It is a duo pack with a shampoo and a conditioner for all hair types. Sulfate-free, silicone-free and paraben-free, the NYK1 provides shine and softness to hair thanks to castor oil and coconut oil.
Hair type
Greasy hair
Normal hair
Normal Hair
Brazilian Straightening/Colored Hair/Hair Extensions
Quantity
6 x 270 mL
200 mL
2 x 237 mL
2 x 500 mL
Special features
Anti-dandruff
Extra-gentle care with sweet almond
Anti-Dandruff / Hair Growth & Regrowth / Conditioner
Sulfate Free, Silicone Free, Paraben Free (reduces risk of irritation and itching)
Bio
Scent
Crumbs
Fruity and floral scent
Peppermint
Coconut

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - conditioner

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How to choose your conditioner

To be sure you are using a quality product, consider these parameters when choosing your conditioner:

#1 - Your hair type

Always choose a conditioner that is adapted to your hair type for increased effectiveness of the product on your hair. Be sure to read the label on the product. It is important to note that each hair type has its own sub-type. You may have dry and wavy hair, fine and unruly hair, oily and colored hair, etc. It's up to you to see which conditioner best suits the condition of your hair.

#2 - For normal hair

Normal hair is healthy hair with no major problems. It's easy to style and doesn't tangle after washing. Keep this type of hair healthy with a conditioner formulated with amino acids. A gentle conditioner with coconut oil and amino acids helps maintain the natural moisture balance of this hair type. It also helps strengthen your strands and improve manageability.

#3 - For dry hair

If you have dry hair, opt for a conditioner with nourishing and moisturizing ingredients. A conditioner formulated with a blend of plant oils such as olive oil, avocado oil and lemon oil, is an excellent choice. This creamy yet lightweight product helps moisturize dry hair and soften dry strands. It also helps make hair easier to detangle and style.

#4 - For damaged hair

Damaged hair is usually the result of external stresses, such as pollution, sulfates, sun exposure, heated appliances, etc. These hair polluting factors weaken the hair and make your strands brittle. If you have this type of hair, turn to a repairing and rehydrating conditioner, which contains hyaluronic acid, a moisturizer capable of retaining water up to 1,000 times its weight. This moisturizing formula instantly conditions strands to improve manageability without weighing your hair down. With regular use, this conditioner helps repair brittle and fragile hair.

#5 - For frizzy hair

While frizzy hair and dry hair can't go separately, other factors like the type of shampoo you use, also contribute to frizz and flyaways. The solution? Moisturize your hair! Condition your hair with an oil-infused smoothing conditioner. Opt for a formula with argan oil and babassu oil that will help smooth your hair to minimize frizz and flyaways. This conditioner also helps soften frizzy hair and increase shine for manageable, healthy locks.

#6 - The ingredients

For healthy hair, there's nothing better than a hair treatment made with natural ingredients. For this purpose, opt for a range of organic conditioners. In case the product that convinced you is not, make sure it does not contain sulfates or parabens.

Proper use of conditioner

Where to apply it?

On the ends and lengths of hair that has been washed with shampoo and towel dried, or all over for curly, short, very dry or frizzy hair.

With what accessory?

With a wide-tooth comb.

How often should I use it?

Once or twice a week.

How long does it take?

3 to 5 minutes.

What about rinsing?

Rinse thoroughly until your hair is clean. Then let it air dry.

The different types of conditioners

Here are some types of conditioners to know in order to better adapt your hair routine:

Rinse-off conditioner

This type of conditioner is probably the one you're most familiar with and is extremely simple to use. Apply it to your hair, wait a minute or two and rinse it out completely. Rinse-out conditioners are formulated to treat the outer surface of the cuticle, smoothing and protecting against damage from heating appliances and external factors that attack the hair. You can use them after every shampoo. This type of conditioner is suitable for most hair.

Leave-in conditioner

This type of conditioner is light and non-viscous. It moisturizes and protects the hair quite quickly due to its water-rich and humectant formula. Especially suitable for frizzy, curly, wavy and frizzy hair, the leave-in can be applied to hair after showering. You'll especially love it if your hair tends to tangle, as it's an ultra-effective detangler.

Deep conditioner

This type of conditioner treats hair thoroughly. This is the best option to consider if you have extremely damaged and dry hair. Deep conditioning conditioners contain oils, emulsifiers and waxes that repair your damaged hair. If you have normal to oily hair, this conditioner may not be the best product for you, as it may weigh your hair down and make it even more oily. Usually, this type of conditioner should be applied with a break time of about half an hour before rinsing. It's best to use it once a week or once a month, depending on your hair type, and two to three days before you color your hair.

Conditioner or hair mask?

Conditioner

Shampooing is a process that serves to rid your hair of excess oil and dirt that has accumulated over time. Conditioners provide all the moisture your scalp needs after a shampoo. This is while trying to repair the damage caused by heaters and other harsh factors, and repair your brittle strands.

There are a wide variety of conditioners available to treat every hair type. The advantage of conditioner is that its effects are instantaneous, unlike a hair mask. The conditioner will mainly create a protective film along the hair fiber to protect it from external aggressions.

Hair Mask

A hair mask is a highly moisturizing blend of butters and oils, conditioning ingredients, hair softeners, strengthening elements and other hair-benefiting agents. It is used to deeply moisturize and nourish the hair fiber. Although there is a mask for almost every hair type, this product is perfect for dry and damaged hair types.

Verdict

You've got it! The conditioner has an instant effect on the hair, providing it with shine and protection. The mask, on the other hand, is recommended for weakened and dried out hair. In short, the conditioner treats the hair on the surface while the mask treats it in depth. It is therefore best to alternate these two products to take good care of your hair. However, nothing prevents you from using them together to regenerate very damaged hair.

Why buy a good conditioner?

To protect the cuticle

The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair, made up of scale-like cells that overlap one another. These cells act as a defense mechanism and protect the inner layer from external aggressions. When the cuticle is healthy, your hair is smooth and shiny. Major factors such as lack of moisture, extreme environmental conditions, chemical treatments, etc. damage the cuticle. Once the cuticle is damaged, your hair becomes frizzy and brittle. To remedy this, conditioners form a protective coating around your hair, helping to strengthen its cuticles.

For instant shine

A good conditioner is the solution to the problems associated with dry, damaged hair. Conditioner provides intense hydration thanks to the essential nutrients it contains. Components that help to improve the texture and appearance of the hair. Conditioners also help to minimize frizz in your hair and make it easier to detangle. In addition, they neutralize the negative charge that is responsible for hair cuticle friction. After conditioning, your hair will become smooth and shiny.

To prevent hair breakage

When your hair is tangled, it becomes more vulnerable to frizz, split ends and breakage. Conditioner helps protect your hair from these stresses. It effectively detangles and smoothes hair while leaving it shiny and silky.

To repair damaged hair

Excessive use of heated appliances and chemical hair care products severely damages hair cuticles. This contributes to severe dehydration of the hair. Fortunately, conditioners bring chemical and heat damaged hair back to life. Regular use of conditioner helps to heal dry, brittle hair.

To keep hair moisturized

The surfactants in your shampoo strip hair of its natural oils. Against this, conditioner injects lost moisture back into your strands and stops hair loss by strengthening the strands. According to dermatologists, Babassu oil is very effective in achieving healthy, voluminous and shiny hair. This vegetable oil is a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants that repair rough hair and split ends. Some commercial conditioners contain it. Murumuru butter is considered a good conditioning agent for curly hair.

The best brands of conditioners

In our opinion, the best brands of conditioners in 2022 are :

Head & Shoulders
NYK
Schwarzkopf
L'Oréal Paris
Energie Fruit

Head & Shoulders began in 1949 with the research of a chemical engineer and bacteriologist from the Procter & Gamble company to eliminate dandruff while maintaining hair balance. Starting with the production of dandruff creams, it evolved into shampoo production in 1975 and became one of the best references in the world.

This brand is known for its sulfate-free shampoos. It offers an incredibly gentle product with a scent that delights the nose. Among the reviews, its shampoos and conditioners would deserve 5 stars, as they repair hair damaged by coloring and make it stronger and not brittle.

Schwarzkopf has been creating shampoos and conditioners since 1903! Today, Schwarzkopf offers a wide range of conditioners, mainly for the general public. While L'Oreal is #1 in sales worldwide, Schwarzkopf globally makes shampoos and conditioners with less harmful ingredients, and with better value for money.

Created in 1909, L'Oreal is the world leader in hair care. Given the wide range of their lines, you can find both medium conditioners as well as high-end shampoos. Overall, it is one of the best consumer brands out there.

This brand designs and develops beauty and wellness products of all kinds. It has developed different types of products dedicated to body care including organic conditioners developed under an impeccable eco ethics. The products of this brand are 100% natural and of superior quality.

What is the price for a conditioner

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
2 £ to 6 £
Mid-range
6 £ to 15 £
High-end
more than 15 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Respect the frequency of use of a conditioner

You can use a conditioner alone or immediately after cleaning with shampoo. The general recommendation is a few times a week, but you can use it daily. If your hair is very fine and oily, it's best to use conditioner less often.

Respect the order of use of hair products

Start with shampoo. Wash your hair with it. Then follow with a conditioner adapted to your hair type to protect the surface of the hair fiber. The mask will take over to deeply nourish the hair. Wait about 20 minutes before rinsing.

Dry your hair with a towel before applying conditioner

This is a fairly well-known process, but many people bypass this step. Conditioner should never be applied to wet hair. The product won't absorb properly and slip out if you don't expel the excess water first. So, towel dry your hair before applying conditioner.

Add rose water to your shampoo before applying conditioner

Rose water goes a long way in conditioning hair. This miracle product softens hair and adds shine, acting as a powerful conditioner. Because of this, mix a little rose water into your shampoo before applying conditioner to your hair.

Add a drop of Moroccan argan oil to your conditioner

For those with extremely dry or curly hair, this formula is a must have for more moisture and shine. So mix a drop of Moroccan argan oil into your conditioner. Then apply this mixture evenly on your hair well dried.

FAQ

When to use a conditioner?

In principle, a conventional conditioner should be used every time you finish washing your hair with your shampoo. Conditioner helps to nourish and detangle your hair. It also helps to repair the damage caused by chemicals, heating appliances, and external pollutants that hair is subjected to every day. You can use an organic conditioner in addition to an organic shampoo.

Are 2-in-1 shampoos more effective than a simple conditioner?

The 2-in-1 shampoos are practical for all those who do not want to multiply the products in their bathroom and allow a considerable saving of time. Indeed, they are effective since a single product provides a cleansing effect and a nourishing and detangling effect at the same time. Since 2-in-1 shampoos are mostly suitable for normal hair, more sensitive hair will have to turn to a shampoo and conditioner that goes with it. The shampoo will serve as a cleanser while the conditioner will serve as a moisturizer that requires a set amount of downtime.

How to stop having oily hair naturally?

To get rid of oily hair for good, wash your hair as little as possible and moisturize properly by drinking 1.5L of water a day and a little more if you work out a lot. Use a shampoo for oily hair. Finally, you can also apply a paste made of green clay and water to your scalp before shampooing. Do this once a week and let the mixture work for about ten minutes before shampooing.

What ingredients to avoid in hair care products?

Avoid

sulfates and silicones as much as possible. in the long run, these chemical ingredients end up harming your health. The more chemical-laden products you use, the more your hair is suffocated. Also, use a sulfate-free or organic shampoo in conjunction with the right conditioner for your hair type.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Comparison of Toxic Substances in Cosmetics - Conditioners (Hair Care), quechoisir.org
  2. After shampoo: 5 things to know to use this essential at best, femmeactuelle.fr
  3. How to choose and apply your conditioner properly?, cosmopolitan.fr
  4. Washing hair with conditioner: let's go?, elle.fr
  5. Homemade hair conditioner super easy, clementinelamandarine.com
  6. Zero-waste hair conditioner: natural homemade recipes in liquid or solid form, planetezerodechet.fr
  7. Shampoo and conditioner every day?, ambassadeurs.enviedeplus.be
  8. How to use hair conditioner, healthline.com
  9. 6 Benefits of Shampoo and Conditioner, msccollege.edu
  10. Here's why you should always use conditioner according to the experts, allure.com
  11. From long to silky hair: 7 benefits of hair conditioner which you must know, timesnownews.com
  12. The Best Conditioners According to Hairstylists and Salon Owners, nymag.com
  13. After shampoo: 15 things you need to know! - Barb'Art, barb-art.fr
  14. What's the point of a conditioner? - Marie Claire, marieclaire.fr
  15. After shampoo : instructions for use - Le Petit Marseillais, lepetitmarseillais.com
  16. After shampoo ️ buy online | Nocibé, nocibe.fr
  17. After shampoo - Yves Rocher, m.yves-rocher.fr
  18. Homemade cosmetics - How to make your own conditioner ..., aroma-zone.com
  19. APRÈS-SHAMPOOING | Soins Des Cheveux | Bébé au Naturel, bebe-au-naturel.com
  20. Après-shampoing ≡ SEPHORA, sephora.fr
  21. Après-shampoing | Conditioner | Bleu Libellule (6), bleulibellule.com
  22. Après-shampoing - Wikipedia, fr.wikipedia.org
  23. 3 ways to apply conditioner to your hair, fr.wikihow.com
  24. Après-shampoing naturel : 3 recettes zéro déchet à faire à ...., planetezerodechet.fr
  25. After shampoos - Comparison Toxic substances in ..., quechoisir.org
  26. After shampoos | Hair detanglers | notino.fr, notino.fr
  27. After shampoo - So Natural Beauy, sonaturalbeauty.com
  28. Organic after shampoo - Hair oil and detangler - LEA ..., leanatureboutique.com
  29. Create a custom shampoo and conditioner for ..., shampora.fr
  30. After-Shampoo | Hair Care | L'OCCITANE, fr.loccitane.com
  31. After-Shampoo : Interesting choice and application - Ooreka, cheveux.ooreka.fr
  32. After-Shampoo - | For Hair | Ayli Cosmétiques Naturels®, ayli.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Head & Shoulders Citrus Fresh 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner 9
Head & Shoulders Citrus Fresh 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner
Naturé Moi – Après-shampoing extra-doux 10
Naturé Moi – Après-shampoing extra-doux
Brickell Men's Products - Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner for Men 11
Brickell Men's Products - Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner for Men
NYK1 Shampoo & Conditioner - Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry and Colored Hair 12
NYK1 Shampoo & Conditioner - Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry and Colored Hair

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