The 13 best conditioners for natural hair

if you have natural hairconditioning your strands is so necessary. Also, if you’re trying to get your curls back to their original state after too much heat damage or passing natural hairthe conditioner helps restore essential nutrients while strengthening your hair follicles to prevent future breakage.

To keep your natural hair in the best possible shape, you’ll want to look for a sulfate- and paraben-free conditioner. It should contain one or more nourishing hair oils or butters, as well as a boost of antioxidants. And while it can be tempting to shy away from the ingredients that go into a salad, whole foods from avocado to green tea are great additions.

With so many options out there, we asked celebrity hairstylists about the conditioners they trust, and rounded up some of our favorites to help you choose the one that’s right for you.

Read on to discover the best conditioners for natural hair.

Best Budget: Schwarzkopf Gliss Express Repair Conditioner

What we like

• Increases brightness
• light
• Great smell

What we don’t like

This oil-rich conditioner will leave a healthy shine. If you’re dealing with breakage, it should be your go-to because it’s formulated to strengthen ends. “I love this conditioner for natural, textured hair because the natural oils in the product hydrate and revitalize curly hair that tends to be drier,” explains celebrity stylist Schwarzkopf. Larry Sims.

Hair type: All | Size: 13.6 fl. oz. | Cruelty Free: no

Best Drugstore: Pantene Gold Series Moisture Boost Conditioner

What we like

• Great value
• It helps in hair removal
• Formula tested by experts

What we don’t like

• Contains methylisothiazolinone

The star ingredient in this sulfate- and paraben-free conditioner is argan oil, one of the most hydrating properties on the map. If you haven’t tried it Pantene’s Gold Series hair care line is super affordable however, I recommend giving it a spin. I have an arsenal of luxury and high-end products on my hair shelf, but I always reach for this one. Maybe it’s because it took me over 10 years to compile this collection of hundreds of African-American scientists dedicated to the natural hair community.

Hair type: Curly | Size: 8.1 fl. oz. | Cruelty Free: no

Best for heat damage: Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Ultra-Nourishing Hair Mask

What we like

• It helps strengthen damaged strands
• A little goes a long way
• It softens the hair

What we don’t like

You can always depend on Carol’s Daughter products for nourishing ingredients that will bring your strands to life. “This conditioner helps with the daily wear and tear on hair,” explains Stephanie McLemore, curl expert and head stylist at Carol’s Daughter. “If there’s heat styling, coloring or overexposure to the elements, the almond milk hair mask will help replenish the proteins and restore the hair to health. I love this conditioner because I see immediate results, soft cuticles, shiny and smooth.”

Hair type: Curly, curly | Size: 12 fl. oz. | Cruelty Free: yes

Best for chemically treated hair: Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner

What we like

• Available in various sizes
• Great smell
• It helps strengthen damaged strands

What we don’t like

“I recommend using Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner to replenish your hair with the essential nutrients and vital moisture it needs,” suggests Hughes. “This is very important for anyone who colors or straightens their hair. The highly concentrated and repairing formula restores hair health, moisture and elasticity with rich antioxidants. argan oilReconstructive Keratin and Fatty Acids.”

Hair type: All | Size: 2.4 / 8.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty Free: yes

Best oil: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

What we like

• light
• Smooth and shiny result
• Reduces frizz and tames frizz

What we don’t like

• The app can be difficult to use

This vegan bond multiplier will help restore ends and add moisture to dry texture. It is a hybrid product and can be used on wet or dry hair, and is recommended after washing.

Hair type: All | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty Free: no

Best with Algae: Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask

What we like

• It softens the hair
• A little goes a long way
• Rich and creamy texture

What we don’t like

Wait until you hear what this little vessel packs: pure blue-green algae; 65 vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; and unrefined cocoa and mango butter. Basically, it’s heaven with this potent cocktail of ingredients that will potentially rejuvenate your hair.

Hair type: All | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Cruelty Free: yes

Best leave-in treatment: Curls So So Smooth Vitamin C Leave-In Conditioner

What we like

• Made with organic ingredients
• Great smell
• cheap

What we don’t like

• It should be left for a long time

With a blend of vitamins A, B1, B6 and C, this leave-in treatment is set to refresh, condition and smooth curls.

Hair type: Curly, wavy | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Cruelty Free: yes

Best Scent: DevaCurl One Condition Original Conditioner

You will be instantly captivated by this alluring lemongrass scent. But when you see how shiny and bouncy your curls are after working the creamy conditioner into your head, you’ll be even more hooked. made with olive oilthis conditioner will add moisture and help control frizz.

Best for hair growth: Mane Choice Green Tea and Carrot Deep Strengthening and Restoring Mask

What we like

• Contains nutritious extracts
• Great value
• It helps strengthen damaged strands

What we don’t like

• The scent may not be for some

Want to make your locks look longer? Try this leave-in conditioner the secret to longer hair: biotin. We have already proven that biotin works wonders when it comes to hair growth. It also restores hydration to your hair shafts with green tea, carrot oil and vitamins.

Hair type: All | Size: 12 fl. oz. | Cruelty Free: yes

The Best Cruelty-Free: 10 Hair Care Is 10 Silk Express Miracle Silk Silk Hair Mask Deep Conditioner

What we like

• It softens the hair
• It helps in hair removal
• It helps to soften and manage the hair

What we don’t like

“This cruelty-free mask leaves hair soft and silky, provides incredible shine, has color-protecting properties, penetrates walls and maintains moisture levels,” says Ona Diaz-Santin, celebrity stylist and curl expert. 5 Salon & Spa in New Jersey,

Hair type: All | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Cruelty Free: yes

Best Hydration: Mizani Moisture Fusion Intense Moisturizing Mask

What we like

• Large size
• Ultra rich formula
• Increases brightness

What we don’t like

• It can weigh down finer hair types

Hydrating cupuaçu butter, argan oil, and honey in this hair mask will help add moisture, control frizz, increase bounce, and leave hair feeling rich.

Hair type: Curly, curly | Size: 16.9 fl. oz. | Cruelty Free: no

Best Detangling: Unite 7Seconds Condition Leave In Detangler

What we like

• It is quickly absorbed
• light
• Helps protect against UV and heat damage

What we don’t like

“This lightweight hybrid product is perfect for all hair types. It dissolves quickly into hair while keeping hair moisturized,” says Jake Tafoya, stylist and creator. Mod Lab. “It’s perfect on wet hair before styling and at the end of the second day before heat tools.”

Hair type: All | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Cruelty Free: no

Best for Scalp Health: Honey Baby Naturals Honey & Ginseng Energizing Hair Masque

What we like

• Great smell
• It helps relieve itchy skin
• The silky texture makes it easy to apply

What we don’t like

• It doesn’t help manage like other options

Ginseng and mango butter combine to provide deep hydration, restore elasticity and revitalize the scalp in this intensely moisturizing hair mask, allowing for natural, healthy hair growth.

Hair type: All | Size: 10.5 fl. oz. | Cruelty Free: the unknown

What to look for in a natural hair conditioner

Oils and butters

There is one an almost limitless list oils and butters that help give hair shine, manageability and overall goodness. From olive oil to cocoa butter, nourishing your natural hair with this category of ingredients is the easiest way to condition your hair while adding moisture. Argan oil may be considered the gold standard for hair, but there are many others that offer great benefits as well.

Sulfate and Paraben Free Formula

Sulfates are used to help lather products like shampoo, so while they’re occasionally found in conditioners, it’s not too difficult to avoid them. Parabens, however, are preservatives, and many hair products contain them in an amount to prevent the formula from going wrong. Rose Ovensehi, founder of Flora & Curl Botanical Haircare, he told us it’s best to avoid parabens by looking for products with “alternative preservatives, including sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate.”

Whole food ingredients

Honey, green tea, avocado, and garlic are some of the food-grade ingredients you’ll find in natural hair conditioners. Know that they are all for one reason: they can improve the health and/or shine of your hair. For example, honey moisturizes the hair, soothes the scalp, increases moisture and reduces dandruff.