How to Find the Best Hair Conditioner for Your Hair Type

Why do you need conditioner?

As stated above, conditioner is an essential step in every hair care routine. This is because shampoo—while needed to cleanse your hair and remove styling product build up and excess oils—can strip your hair of the natural oils that help keep it moisturised and healthy. While it’s tempting if you haven’t found the right formula for you, skipping conditioner can result in your hair looking dull, dry, and damaged, not to mention even oilier (we’re serious)—that’s a big no, thank you!

Which is best conditioner for hair?

Conditioners are formulated to help replenish that lost hydration, which is why you should use a conditioner after each and every shampoo. While it’s a good idea to use a conditioner that’s formulated for your hair type and concerns, you'll also want to make sure you're using one that is formulated to complement the type of shampoo you use as well and is the best hair conditioner for your hair type. This will ensure they're a match made in heaven and are working perfectly well together to give you the best results possible for your hair. With so many options, it can be hard to know which conditioner is best for you – this is where we're here to help.

While all conditioners are used for the same purpose—replenishing moisture for hair—every formula is tailored to different hair concerns, meaning your hair gets exactly what it needs. From curly, fine, thick, to coloured hair, there’s a best conditioner for everyone. Read on to find out exactly what conditioner will work for your hair type.

Best conditioner for thick hair
If your hair is thick or coarse, your hair may be prone to dryness and likely needs a lot more moisture to remain nourished and hydrated. Our favourite is the Fructis Hair Food Banana Conditioner that adds hydration to your hair and helps restore thickness to your hair to keep it looking healthy. Use in conjunction with the Fructis Hair Food Banana shampoo for nourished hair every day.

Best conditioner for curly hair 
For curly hair, conditioner is one of the most important steps in your hair care routine. Having luscious curls is easier done when your hair is well-nourished and moisturised rather than dry and brittle. For those with curly hair it’s important to have something rich in moisture that doesn't weigh down curls, but instead defines and hydrates them. We recommend a nourishing formula with ingredients such as macadamia oil. Fructis Macadamia Hair Food Conditioner that restores shine to your hair and reduces frizz. For a complete routine, use the Fructis Macadamia Hair Food Shampoo to cleanse your curly hair.

Best conditioner for damaged hair
If your hair is prone to damage,  it is important to ensure you use a conditioner that contains nourishing ingredients and consists of a formula that will help protect your hair against further damage. Our Fructis Hair Food Conditioner with Papaya revitalises hair through it's vegan formula. Containing both papaya extract and coconut, this conditioner used alongside the Fructis Papaya Shampoo, will detangle and revive damaged hair with the tender care it needs.

Best conditioner for dry hair
For dry hair, conditioner is a crucial step in a complete dry hair care routine. Dry hair is known to be brittle and prone to breakage therefore it is important to reduce damage caused by dehydrated hair. To quench the thirst of your dry hair, use our Fructis Aloe Vera Hair Food Conditioner to hydrate and nourish dry hair. With no weigh down on the your locks, this aloe vera conditioner will keep hair hydrated and healthy looking. Use with the Fructis Aloe Vera Shampoo to prove deep hydration every day. 

If you have fine hair…
Alternatively, you may have fine hair, which is more prone to excess oil at the roots and can sometimes look a little limp and lifeless under the weight of too much product. In this case, you should stay away from the rich, heavy conditioners and instead pick one that boasts a hair volumising or lightweight formula. These formulas are less likely to weigh your hair down with excess moisture and instead will offer the lightweight hydration fine hair needs. Look for weightless oils in your conditioner formula. We recommend the Fructis Full & Luscious Conditioner for fine hair or the Fructis Coconut Water Conditioner for oily roots and dry ends as it won't weigh down your locks. 

If you have colour treated hair…
If your hair has been dyed, you’ll need a dedicated hair care system, with a conditioner and shampoo designed specifically for colour-treated hair. This is to ensure your colour is maintained and protected for as long as possible leaving your colour bold and beautiful until your next colour. Opt for the Garnier Fructis Colour-Last Conditioner and Shampoo to ensure your colour remains vibrant and healthy.   

How should you use conditioner?

Now that you've picked out the best hair conditioner for your hair type, it’s important to use it the right way to get the best results. 

1. Firstly, you'll first want to wash your hair with shampoo to cleanse any hair build up and excess oil.

2. Then follow up with your the best conditioner for your hair type to replenish any lost moisture. It’s important to focus conditioner application on the ends of your hair. Gently massage the conditioner into the ends of your hair and extend to about midway up the hair shaft, avoiding the roots. If you're prone to hair becoming tangled or knotty take a wide tooth comb and gently comb through your hair before rinsing out the conditioner.


3. Be sure you follow the directions on the packaging regarding the amount of time you should leave the conditioner on your hair before washing away, and rinse thoroughly once it’s time. 


4. When you do rinse, turn the water down to cool. This helps to seal the cuticle on your hair strands and can help your hair look even shinier post wash. 


5. After rinsing off, use your towel to gently pat excess water from your hair – avoid rubbing if your hair is prone to frizz. Once your hair is towelled-dry, reach for a leave in treatment for an additional boost of hair hydration. Comb through your damp hair evenly with fingers, and then leave your hair to air dry, or style as usual. Choosing to air dry reduces the amount of heat you’re applying to your hair and can help prevent further moisture loss or damage.

Now you know the best conditioner you should be using to nourish your hair, take it up a notch with a hair mask once or twice a week.