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The 9 top conditioners for men, per dermatologists and our testing

 

Just like your best shampoo, shopping for the best conditioner to pair with it is an important task for your overall hair health. It’s the second step in your hair wash routine and can make all the difference to how your strands feel.

Because we take our conditioners just as seriously as its preceding shampoo, the Post Wanted team did the research, tested the products and put together this guide: the best conditioners for men.

The question, should men use conditioner in the first place? is surely answered. Yes, it’s not enough to use only shampoo. The best conditioner for men is the one that leaves a grease-free, manageable finish, and there’s an option for everyone.

Divided and classified by hair type and concern, you’ll find a small but mighty list of what to use based on firsthand reviews from our team, calling upon dermatologists and experts in the field and outlining extensive research.

At the end of the day, we simply want you to have good hair.

So, if you’re looking to change it up, check out our list of the best conditioners to keep on deck. Plus, find notes on how to effectively use, apply and shop for one.

Product Spotlight

Ulo Natural Conditioner

Pros:

• Formulated without artificial fragrances, parabens, phtalates and sulfates, which offers your hair a gentle, nonirritating cleanse
• Boasts a lightweight consistency once applied, absorbing into the scalp well
• Said to have a great scent and helps the hair look fuller after each wash

Cons:

• The price point may be higher than what some may wish to spend
• It may not be the best option for dry scalps, as this formulation caters more toward hair growth and strengthening

If you’re aiming to try a new conditioner that was thoughtfully curated with natural ingredients, the Ulo Thickening Conditioner is a formulation we recommend.

The crux of this brand is its clinically proven ingredients, which make you feel good about your hair wash days. From its catalog of approved ingredients come personalized treatments that are all doctor-approved.

Namely, it’s designed to enhance manageability, leaving hair soft, shiny and free of frizz. It’s also ideal for all hair types, this conditioner promotes healthier, more vibrant hair with every use.

What’s more, Al Murillo, senior director of commerce partnerships, has been using the brand’s Thickening Conditioner in tandem with its matching shampoo and has been loving it.

“I’ve used volumizing [products] in the past, but my hair rarely sees any immediate results from using those products,” Murillo shared. “With Ulo, it was quite apparent as I was drying it that it suddenly had more body and bounce.”

Active ingredients: Avocado oil, Castor seed oil, Squalane, Peppermint oil, Rosemary leaf oil | Size: 8 ounces

Best Overall: Vanicream Sensitive Skin Conditioner

Pros:

• Contains glycerin to bring hydration to the scalp
• Budget-friendly price point
• Sulfate-free, so it offers a gentle cleanse

Cons:

• Some reviewers say the pump applicator isn’t as convenient to use
• May not be hydrating enough for super curly or coily hair types

Vanicream Sensitive Skin Conditioner is a gentle, dermatologist-tested product designed specifically for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. It’s void of common irritants such as dyes, fragrances, parabens and sulfates, with an aim to provide relief and nourishment without causing skin irritation or discomfort.

It’s rated our best overall men’s conditioner for its simplified, no B.S. approach to cleansing and hydration. As recommended by Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS, seeking a conditioner with “glycerin or hyaluronic acid to counteract dryness” is your best bet. This formulation ensures that it cleanses and hydrates hair and scalp while maintaining a mild, non-stripping effect, offering an ideal, much-needed cleanse for any hair type and any age.

What’s more, this conditioner is enriched with essential ingredients that work to moisturize and repair the hair without leaving a greasy residue. One of the key benefits is its ability to restore the natural balance of moisture in both hair and scalp, improving overall hair texture and manageability. Also, it can be safely used by those with allergies or sensitivities.

For those seeking a daily-use conditioner that won’t aggravate their skin, Vanicream Sensitive Skin Conditioner stands out as a reliable option, and likely why more than 9,000 Amazon shoppers purchased it in the past month. It maintains a hypoallergenic profile, so users can feel confident that it won’t contribute to scalp irritation or exacerbate any pre-existing skin conditions. For less than $15, you can’t go wrong, either

Active ingredients: Glycerin | Size: 12 ounces

Best Natural: 14th Night The Nourishing Conditioner

Pros:

• Includes glycerin as a key ingredient that helps hydrate and reduce frizz
• Has a lovely scent once applied
• Helps smooth the hair

Cons:

• The price point may be higher than what some may wish to spend

The brand 14th Night is a Post Wanted favorite that you truly shouldn’t skip. It earned a spot in our best sulfate-free shampoos we reviewed, and its Nourishing Conditioner is equally as great; it has a lovely shine and hydration factor that gives it a wonderful lather before rinsing out.

Not only does it have a pleasing scent but it’s truly the gold standard for gently cleansing your hair. Along with glycerin that douses the hair in hydration, this conditioner also contains pomegranate, argan and sweet almond oils that drive that moisture up a notch, along with smoothing out any kinky, awry strands.

Sulfate-free conditioners clean gently with little to no lathering. “[The] benefits are moisture and natural oil retention for healthy hair and scalp,” Amy Abramite, creative director and stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, told The Post. They also extend color or keratin services by not stripping hair as much as a traditional conditioner.

This is one of my all-time favorite conditioners for my natural waves and curls. It hits all of the recommended ingredients to look for in a men’s conditioner as well, including a gentle, natural cleanse and dreamy consistency that adds a natural shine to your locks.

Active ingredients: Glycerin, Argan oil, Pomegranate oil | Size: 8 ounces

Best for Curly Hair: Acure Simply Smoothing Conditioner

Pros:

• Formulated with natural ingredients
• Delivers a lovely smoothing effect
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• May weigh the hair down if too much is used

Frank Massaro, commerce partnerships manager, has been using Acure’s Simply Smoothing Shampoo for years now. Its matching conditioner has that same smooth-hair feel, benefitting men with curly hair, specifically.

“As someone who has curly dry hair, I am prone to a lot of frizziness,” Massaro said. “My number one goal was to manage all of the frizz and this does exactly that. I am also drawn to a brand that doesn’t have a lot of complicated ingredients and keeps things simple.”

He said Acure “checks all of the boxes” for him and that he’ll be using this “for the foreseeable future,” so it’s safe to say his curls are happy, too. Namely, its vegan blend of coconut and marula oil also aids in smoothing benefits, and it’s reasonably priced as well.

Active ingredients: Coconut water, Marula oil, Coffee oil l | Size: 8 ounces

Best for Oily Scalp: The Grandpa Soap Co. Witch Hazel Conditioner

Pros:

• Budget-friendly price point
• Contains witch hazel, which is recommended for an oily scalp
• Helps deliver moisture

Cons:

• Scent may be too overpowering for some

Let’s be real — nobody wants an oily scalp. With one, you’ll notice your head feeling greasy and gross and you’ll surely want to reverse that. So, The Grandpa Soap Co. Witch Hazel Conditioner is an effective conditioner that delivers a gentle cleanse, helping to release your scalp of excess oil.

According to Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS, you’ll want to look for “salicylic acid, witch hazel or tea tree oil to reduce excess oil.” This conditioner’s active ingredient is witch hazel, which is an A+ in our books.

This formulation helps balance oil production without over-drying. Witch hazel, one of the main ingredients, is well-known for its astringent properties and helps reduce excess oil production on the scalp while keeping it fresh and clean. By gently cleansing and removing excess sebum, witch hazel helps to maintain a natural, healthy oil balance, which is key for preventing the scalp from becoming too greasy. This makes it fit for anyone who struggles with an oily scalp, but doesn’t want to strip their hair of essential moisture.

In addition to witch hazel, the formula also contains nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, which soothes and hydrates the scalp without contributing to excess oil buildup. The lightweight conditioning formula helps to detangle and smooth hair without weighing it down or making it greasy. Gentle and helping to make the hair more manageable, this conditioner is a budget-friendly option that we stand behind.

Active ingredients: Witch Hazel | Size: 6.76 ounces

Best for Dandruff: Nizoral 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner

Pros:

• The only over-the-counter conditioner that contains ketoconazole
• Tested and loved by the men in our lives who have dandruff
• Features a fresh scent once applied

Cons:

• Price point may be unreachable to some, though it’s a great value (2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner)

The Best for Dandruff: Nizoral 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner is one of the best 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner formulas for men, especially if experiencing dandruff. It’s the only over-the-counter shampoo that contains ketoconazole, one of the best ingredients to look for to target flaky dandruff.

“If you have active dandruff, my favorite ingredient is 1% Ketoconazole, a potent antifungal that targets the Malassezia yeast responsible for dandruff,” Terrence Keaney, MD, board-certified dermatologist with specialized training in cutaneous laser, hair and dermatologic surgery, explained to The Post.

Ketoconazole is a powerful anti-fungal ingredient that treats dandruff caused by Malassezia yeast overgrowth. It’s particularly effective at preventing dandruff recurrence and treating severe and stubborn dandruff while soothing the scalp. That said, it can calm the irritation and itching associated with dandruff.

My fiancé swears by this brand and each time he uses it, his scalp is refreshed and dare I say fluffy? It looks like he just had his best hair day after a quick blow dry.

Active ingredient: 1% Ketoconazole | Size: 14 ounces

Best for Hair Growth: hims Max Volume Conditioner

Pros:

• Adds fullness and volume to the hair
• Features a lovely and fresh citrus spice scent
• Easy on the scalp with a gentle cleanse

Cons:

• May not be as effective for those with already thick hair (as in, you won’t see as dramatic of benefits with consistent use)

The hims Max Volume Conditioner is a specially formulated product designed to add volume and thickness to fine or thinning hair. It helps strengthen the hair shaft and provides more body and fullness without the need for heavy styling products – and it’s all thanks to the key ingredient biotin.

Biotin, known for promoting healthy hair growth and enhancing the overall thickness of the strands, is an excellent choice for people looking to boost the appearance of their hair’s volume. It’s a standout ingredient for hair growth, especially.

While conditioners on their own may not be enough to stimulate hair growth, some ingredients, like ketoconazole or caffeine, as well as ingredients like biotin and peptides, may help strengthen the hair.

“There may be a role for rosemary oil to help with hair growth but more studies are needed,” Dr. Garshick explained. “It’s best to use a lightweight formulation that won’t leave a greasy residue behind.”

This conditioner also includes hydrolyzed wheat protein, which helps to fortify the hair and prevent breakage. The lightweight formula doesn’t weigh hair down either, making it ideal for fine or limp hair types that need extra lift. It adds smoothness and softness without the greasy or weighed-down feel that some volumizing products may leave behind. As a whole, it supports healthier-looking hair with more bounce and vitality.

It also boasts a gentle, sulfate-free formula, which is less harsh on the scalp and hair compared to many traditional conditioners. The absence of sulfates helps maintain the scalp’s natural oils while also being suitable for sensitive skin. While designed primarily for volume, this conditioner offers a balanced hydration that keeps hair feeling nourished without sacrificing fullness.

If purchased through Amazon, this shampoo also contains the matching conditioner.

Active ingredient: Biotin | Size: 6.4 ounces

Best for Thickening: It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Deep Conditioner Plus Keratin

Pros:

• Helps strengthen and repair hair, thanks to keratin as its active ingredient
• Excellent value for the price, both in formulation and bottle size
• Helps deliver shine to the hair in addition to its thickening benefits

Cons:

• The fragrance may be too strong for some preferences, but not a dealbreaker

It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Deep Conditioner Plus Keratin is a lovely conditioner designed to provide intense hydration and nourishment to dry, damaged hair. Keratin, serving as its active ingredient, helps to repair and restore the hair’s health by strengthening individual strands, reducing breakage and increasing elasticity. The conditioner is also known to penetrate deep into the hair shaft to grant your locks with that silky smooth finish.

It’s also dermatologist-approved. “Ingredients that may promote hair thickening include biotin, collagen and keratin,” Brendan Camp, MD, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, shared with The Post. “Collagen is a structural protein in the skin, and keratin is a protein found in hair and skin.”

The key ingredient, keratin, is known for its ability to replenish and fortify hair fibers, promoting a healthier, more manageable texture. This deep conditioner not only moisturizes the hair but also helps to reduce frizz, so you hair will look noticeably shiny and smooth. It works to prevent split ends as well, adding a layer of protection from further damage caused by styling tools or environmental stressors.

Thankfully, It’s a 10 is free of sulfates and parabens, which makes it gentle on the hair and scalp and suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair. At a great value, it’s the only conditioner your hair needs, especially if you want to up the ante on that thickening factor

Active ingredient: Keratin | Size: 17.5 ounces

Best for Greasy Hair: SheaMoisture Apple Cider Vinegar Anti-Dandruff Daily Conditioner with Salicylic Acid

Pros:

• Helps remove product buildup and pollution
• Contains a pH-balanced formula to help rebalance the scalp
• Moisturizing and luxe-feeling

Cons:

• Shouldn’t be used for every hair wash

For those who really want to rid themselves of greasy hair, the SheaMoisture Apple Cider Vinegar Anti-Dandruff Daily Conditioner with Salicylic Acid is designed to address and correct excess oil on the scalp. It also helps with dandruff and scalp irritation while maintaining healthy, nourished hair. So, it’s an all-around, versatile conditioner for a feel-good rinse-out.

This conditioner is formulated with apple cider vinegar as well, known for its ability to clarify and balance the scalp’s pH, along with dermatologist-recommended salicylic acid, which helps to exfoliate and prevent the buildup of dead skin cells. These ingredients work together to soothe itching, reduce flakes and promote a healthier scalp environment for hair growth.

According to Dr. Camp, salicylic acid is found in some conditioners because of its ability to remove excess oil from the scalp and hair. “It [also has the] ability to act as a gentle exfoliant and remove excess dead skin cells from the scalp,” he added.

The formula is also designed to detangle the hair, making it easier to manage and style without causing further damage or frizz. The SheaMoisture conditioner is ideal for those who want to reverse the limpness in their hair and help keep oil at bay once and for all.

Active ingredient(s): Salicylic acid, Apple cider vinegar | Size: 13 ounces

An FAQ on Men’s Conditioners

When looking for a top-rated men’s conditioner, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The best conditioner for men will vary on hair type, texture and preference.

For instance, one may be on the lookout for the best men’s conditioner for curly hair, while other may be focused on a suitable leave-in option for their hair type. Regardless of preference and concern, here’s what to look for:

Hydration: Ingredients like argan oil or shea butter help lock in moisture.
Scalp Care: Aloe vera or niacinamide soothes and nourishes the scalp.
Hair Manageability: Silicone alternatives like dimethicone-free polymers for lightweight smoothness.

“When shopping for a men’s conditioner, consider products that restore hydration to the scalp and hair and improve manageability without weighing the hair down,” Dr. Camp said.

How often should men wash their hair?

How often men should wash their hair certainly depends on their hair type, scalp condition and lifestyle. For instance, those with oily scalps may need to wash their hair every day or every other day to keep excess oil in check and prevent buildup.

On the flip side, it’s best to wash dry or curly hair 2 to 3 times per week. Washing too often can strip natural oils, which curly and dry hair needs to stay moisturized and healthy.

What’s more, if you subscribe to an active or “sweatier” lifestyle, be it you’re working out regularly or naturally sweat more, you may need to shampoo more frequently (every other day or even daily) to remove sweat, dirt and buildup.

Should guys use conditioner every day?

For those with oily hair, using conditioner every day may not be necessary. Oily hair generally doesn’t require as much moisture, and daily conditioning could weigh it down or make it greasier. In this case, conditioning 2-3 times a week should be sufficient, focusing mainly on the ends rather than the roots.

Curly or dry hair tends to be more porous and prone to dryness. These hair types often benefit from daily conditioning, or at least conditioning after every wash. Daily use of a lightweight conditioner can help maintain moisture balance, reduce frizz and keep curls defined and soft.

Not oily nor dry? If you have normal hair, conditioning 2-3 times a week may be enough, especially if you’re washing your hair 2-3 times a week as well. For some men with normal hair, daily conditioning can be fine as long as the conditioner isn’t too heavy.

What ingredients should I look for in a men’s conditioner for curly hair?

According to Dr. Keaney, you’ll want to search for sulfate-free surfactants if you have curly hair.

“Sulfates can overly dry the hair and strip the hair of its oils, creating frizzy hair,” he explained. “I recommend gentle cleansing agents that won’t strip natural oils, helping to retain moisture in curly hair. Men with curly hair can look for products with Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a gentle sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut oil.”

What makes a conditioner “natural?”

“Natural shampoos and conditioners may omit chemical ingredients, like sulfates and parabens,” Dr. Camp said. “They may advertise the inclusion of organic or plant-based ingredients, like oils, botanicals and fruit extracts.”

How do men’s shampoos and conditioners differ from women’s shampoos and conditioners?

Because men tend to produce more oil or sebum, Dr. Camp explained, shampoos are formulated a bit differently for men versus women.

“Shampoos and conditioners for men may contain ingredients that help remove oils, which can otherwise weigh down hair and contribute to dandruff and odor,” he explained

How to use a men’s conditioner

To use men’s conditioner effectively, start by applying it to damp hair after shampooing. Gently squeeze out any excess water from your hair, as too much moisture can dilute the conditioner. Take an appropriate amount of conditioner, usually a coin-sized amount depending on the length of your hair, and apply it evenly from the roots to the tips.

For short hair, you’ll want to focus on the tips where the hair tends to be drier. For longer hair, you may want to apply it more generously to ensure all strands are covered.

Then, leave the conditioner in for a few minutes (about two to three minutes will suffice) to allow it to hydrate and nourish the hair. After the recommended time, rinse thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water to close the hair cuticles and enhance shine.

What do you think? Be the first to comment.

Be sure to avoid using hot water, as it can dry out the hair and scalp. For best results, use the conditioner regularly, adjusting the frequency depending on your hair type and the condition of your hair, to maintain softness, moisture and overall hair health.

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.